Collision insurance covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident involving a collision. This includes:

• Collisions with another vehicle, whether you are at fault or not.
• Collisions with objects such as fences, trees, poles, guardrails, or other inanimate objects.
• Single-vehicle accidents, such as rolling over or hitting a street sign or utility pole.
• Damage caused by potholes.

Collision insurance does not cover damage unrelated to driving, such as theft, vandalism, fire, flood, or hitting an animal; these are typically covered by comprehensive insurance. It also does not cover damage to another person's vehicle or medical bills

. The coverage typically pays up to the actual cash value of your vehicle minus your deductible. You can choose your deductible amount, which affects your premium cost-the higher the deductible, the lower the premium, but more out-of-pocket expense if you file a claim

. Collision insurance is often required if you lease or finance your car, but optional if you own your vehicle outright. It provides financial protection against the cost of repairing or replacing your car after an accident