Is it worth paying extra for full car coverage in VA?

I get where you’re coming from, but I’m still not totally sold on dropping full coverage just because a car’s older. Like, yeah, the math might not always work out if your ride isn’t worth much, but what about stuff like deer hits or random vandalism? That’s not really something you can predict or budget for easily.

“sometimes liability plus a little savings cushion is the safer bet for an older but reliable ride.”

I’ve tried that route before - kept liability and stashed away what I would’ve paid for comp/collision. Then my neighbor’s tree decided to fall on my car during a storm. The “savings cushion” didn’t even come close to covering it. Ended up paying out of pocket and regretting dropping the extra coverage.

I guess it depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with, but in VA with all the crazy weather we get, I kinda lean toward keeping at least comprehensive even on an older car. Maybe not collision if it’s not worth much, but still… one freak accident can wipe out years of savings.

Yeah, I hear you on that. Comprehensive can be a lifesaver, especially in VA where storms and deer seem to come out of nowhere. I’ve seen folks drop it thinking they’ll save, but then a random hailstorm or a run-in with a raccoon ends up costing way more than the premium would’ve. Collision’s a tougher call on older cars, but comp usually isn’t that pricey. Guess it’s all about what you’re willing to risk, but I’d probably keep comp for peace of mind, even if the car’s not worth a ton.

Collision’s a tougher call on older cars, but comp usually isn’t that pricey.

That’s true, comp is usually pretty reasonable. But do you think it makes sense to keep collision if your car’s only worth a couple grand? I always wonder where folks draw the line on that.

I dropped collision on my old Civic once it hit about 10 years and wasn’t worth much. Honestly, the premium just didn’t make sense compared to what I’d get if it got totaled. I’d rather put that money aside for repairs or a down payment on the next car. Comp’s cheap enough that I keep it for stuff like hail or theft, but collision? Not really worth it for a beater, in my opinion.

I get where you’re coming from, but I can’t say I’d risk it myself. I’ve had a couple fender benders that weren’t my fault, but the other driver bailed or didn’t have insurance. If I didn’t have collision, I’d have been totally screwed.

“the premium just didn’t make sense compared to what I’d get if it got totaled”