Auto Guides - Updated September 2026
“Full coverage” is a phrase commonly used when discussing auto insurance, but it is not the official name of a specific policy. In most cases, it refers to a combination of liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
The exact protection included can vary by policy and insurance company. Understanding each part can help you decide which coverages and limits make sense for your vehicle, finances, and everyday driving needs.

What Is Usually Included in Full Coverage?​

A full coverage auto insurance policy commonly combines three primary types of protection:​
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance helps pay for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else in an accident.
California currently requires drivers to maintain minimum liability limits of:
  • $30,000 for injury or death to one person
  • $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people
  • $15,000 for property damage
These are only the minimum limits required by California law. Depending on your assets, income, vehicle use, and other circumstances, higher liability limits may provide more appropriate financial protection.
Collision Coverage
​Collision coverage may help repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a covered collision. This can include an accident with another vehicle or an impact with an object, such as a fence or light pole.
Collision coverage generally applies regardless of who caused the accident, subject to your deductible and the terms of your policy.
Comprehensive Coverage
​Comprehensive coverage may help pay for covered damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. Examples may include:
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Fire
  • Falling objects
  • Broken glass
  • Certain weather-related damage
  • Contact with an animal
Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage normally includes a deductible.

Does Full Coverage Cover Everything?​

Diana Mendez, insurance customer service rep at Jimenez Family Insurance Agency
Diana - Customer Service
No. Despite the name, full coverage does not mean that every accident, expense, or type of damage is covered.

​A policy may not cover:
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Mechanical breakdowns
  • Maintenance and repairs unrelated to a covered loss
  • Damage exceeding the policy’s coverage limits
  • Personal belongings stolen from the vehicle
  • Commercial or delivery use that was not properly disclosed
  • Damage specifically excluded by the policy
Every policy contains conditions, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Reviewing the actual policy is more important than relying on the phrase “full coverage.”

​Additional Coverage You May Want to Consider

Liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage do not automatically include every protection available. Depending on the policy and insurer, you may also be able to add:
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Roadside assistance
  • Loan or lease payoff coverage
  • Custom equipment coverage
An insurance agent can explain which options are available and whether they are already included in your policy.

Should An Older Car Have Full Coverage?

The answer depends on more than the age of the vehicle.
​Consider:
  • The vehicle’s current value
  • How much you could afford to pay for repairs
  • Whether you could replace the vehicle after a total loss
  • The cost of comprehensive and collision coverage
  • Your deductibles
  • Whether the vehicle is financed or leased
Removing physical damage coverage may lower your premium, but it also means you could receive no payment for damage to your own vehicle after certain losses. Before removing coverage, compare the potential savings with the financial risk you would be accepting.

How Do Deductibles Affect Your Coverage?​

A deductible is the amount you agree to pay toward a covered comprehensive or collision claim before the insurance company pays its portion.
A higher deductible may reduce your premium, but it also increases what you must pay after a covered loss. Choose an amount you could reasonably afford without creating a financial hardship.
Agent Raul Perez, insurance agent at Jimenez Family Insurance Agency
Raul- Licensed Insurance Agent

Find Coverage That Fits Your Needs

There is no single combination of auto insurance coverage that is right for every California driver. Your vehicle, driving habits, finances, household, and comfort with risk should all be considered.
Jimenez Family Insurance Agency has served Southern California families since 1970. Our licensed agents compare Mercury Insurance and other trusted carriers, explain your options, and help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Contact our team to request a personalized auto insurance quote or review your current coverage.
The lowest price isn’t always the best value. Make sure you’re comparing similar limits, deductibles, and coverage options.
Related Insurance Resources: