Which type of coverage should insureds purchase to obtain the best own damage coverage on their vehicle?

Choosing collision and comprehensive coverages provides the most comprehensive own damage protection for a vehicle. Collision coverage specifically addresses damage to the insured vehicle resulting from a collision, irrespective of who is at fault. This means if the insured vehicle is involved in an accident with another vehicle or object, collision coverage will apply.

Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, protects against damages that aren’t the result of collisions, such as theft, vandalism, weather-related incidents, or animal strikes. Together, these two types of coverage ensure that virtually all potential damage to the vehicle from a wide variety of causes is covered, leading to the best overall protection for the insured's vehicle.

Other types of coverage, although important in their own right, do not provide adequate own damage protection. Liability coverage only protects against claims made by others when the insured is at fault and does not cover damage to the insured’s own vehicle. Accident benefits coverage is designed to cover bodily injury costs for the policyholder and their passengers regardless of fault, and basic Autoplan coverage provides minimal coverage mandated by law but does not include the extensive protections that collision and comprehensive coverages offer. Therefore, for optimal own damage protection, collision and comprehensive coverages are the most appropriate choices.