It’s wild how “full coverage” doesn’t mean the same thing across carriers.
You’re not kidding. I’ve seen folks get tripped up by that more times than I can count. “Full coverage” sounds like it should cover, well, everything... but then you find out it’s more like “full-ish.” NY’s regs are a maze, too—sometimes I feel like I need a decoder ring just to explain them to people.
“Full coverage” sounds like it should cover, well, everything... but then you find out it’s more like “full-ish.”
That’s exactly it. I thought I was all set until a deer hit my car last year—turns out “full coverage” didn’t mean what I thought for that situation. Had to fight with the adjuster over what was actually included. NY insurance is just confusing, honestly. Between Geico and Progressive, I’ve noticed they each have their own weird little gaps, too. It’s almost like you need a spreadsheet just to compare what’s actually covered.
It’s almost like you need a spreadsheet just to compare what’s actually covered.
Ha, I’ve literally done this—nothing like a Saturday night spent toggling between Geico and Progressive’s fine print. Did either company actually explain the deer thing up front, or did you only find out the hard way?
Did either company actually explain the deer thing up front, or did you only find out the hard way?
Honestly, you’d think “deer thing” would be a standard talking point in upstate NY, but it’s usually buried in the comprehensive section. Most folks don’t realize hitting a deer isn’t covered under collision—learned that from a client who found out the hard way after a midnight run-in. Both Geico and Progressive mention it, but you really have to dig for the details unless you ask directly.
I’ve compared their policies side by side (yep, actual spreadsheet involved). The coverage is similar, but the devil’s in the details—deductibles, rental reimbursement, glass coverage, all that stuff. Sometimes Progressive throws in a few extras, but Geico’s rates can be a bit lower, depending on your driving history.
If you’re budget-minded, just make sure you’re not sacrificing coverage you’ll actually need. Those “extras” can add up, but so can out-of-pocket costs if you’re not careful. It’s not glamorous, but reading the fine print (or at least asking a ton of questions) really pays off.
Most folks don’t realize hitting a deer isn’t covered under collision—learned that from a client who found out the hard way after a midnight run-in.
Been there—my wife hit a deer last fall and we only figured out the comprehensive vs. collision thing after the fact. Here’s what I learned:
- Geico was upfront about deductibles but didn’t mention deer unless I asked.
- Progressive had more “extras” but their quote was higher for us.
- Rental coverage matters if you’ve got kids and can’t be without a car.
Honestly, spreadsheets are great, but nothing beats calling and grilling them on the weird stuff that actually happens upstate.
