Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve always gone the opposite route. Once my cars hit a certain age or value, I just can’t justify full coverage anymore. Had an old Civic that barely made it up hills—if it got totaled, insurance wasn’t gonna give me much anyway. I figured I’d rather save the extra cash each month and just roll the dice. Yeah, there’s risk, but over the years, I’ve probably saved enough to buy another beater outright.
Not saying it’s for everyone—if you rely on your car for hauling kids and groceries every day, maybe peace of mind is worth it. But for me, after paying for full coverage on a car worth less than my phone, it just felt like throwing money away. Guess it depends how much you trust your luck... or how much you hate dealing with insurance companies.
after paying for full coverage on a car worth less than my phone, it just felt like throwing money away.
Man, I totally get this. My first car was a ‘97 Camry with more duct tape than paint, and I remember looking at my insurance bill thinking, “Am I insuring the car or the rust?” I went with liability only pretty quick—figured if someone rear-ended me, the insurance company would probably just send me a sympathy card and $50 for a bus pass.
But, I’ll admit, there’s something about driving cross-country in a questionable vehicle that makes you reconsider your life choices. I once limped into Albuquerque with the check engine light on and a prayer, and for a second I wished I had full coverage... just in case the car decided to retire on the spot. Still, for old beaters, I’d rather save up for the next adventure than pay out for coverage I’ll never use. If it’s a newer ride or something you can’t live without? Yeah, maybe peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks. Otherwise, roll those dice and keep roadside assistance on speed dial.
figured if someone rear-ended me, the insurance company would probably just send me a sympathy card and $50 for a bus pass.
- Been there. My “full coverage” was basically just a monthly reminder I drive like a target.
- Liability only for me, too. Not paying more than the car’s worth.
- That said, with my luck, the one time I skipped full coverage was the time a tree tried to hug my fender. Figures...
- Agree—if your car’s barely holding together, save your cash for actual repairs or snacks for those long roadside waits.
Honestly, I get the temptation to just stick with liability—especially if your car’s worth less than your deductible. But I’ve seen people gamble and lose big when something random happens, like a hailstorm or a deer with a death wish. Full coverage can feel like paying for peace of mind you might never use, but when you need it, you’re glad you have it. Still, if your ride’s barely worth the gas in the tank, I can’t blame anyone for rolling the dice.