Should You Drop Collision Coverage on an Older Car in Connecticut?
As your vehicle ages, you might start asking the common question Connecticut drivers bring to us:
“Should I drop collision coverage on my older car?”
The answer depends on your vehicle’s value, your risk tolerance, and your insurance goals. This guide walks you through how to evaluate collision vs. comprehensive coverage so you can make a confident, cost-smart decision.
Collision Coverage — When It Still Makes Sense for CT Drivers
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you:
- Cause an accident
- Hit another car
- Hit an object (like a guardrail or tree)
Even older vehicles in Connecticut may still benefit from collision coverage if:
- The car’s market value is $3,000–$5,000+
- You cannot comfortably pay for large repairs out of pocket
- You commute daily on busy highways like I-95 or the Merritt Parkway
- Your loan or lease requires you to maintain collision
Before making any changes, check your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) using:
- Kelley Blue Book
- Edmunds
Then compare that value with your:
- Collision deductible
- Annual collision premium
- Total potential out-of-pocket exposure
If the coverage costs are too high compared to the actual value of your vehicle, dropping collision might make sense.
Comprehensive Coverage — Why It’s Usually Worth Keeping in Connecticut
Comprehensive coverage is typically less expensive and protects against non-collision damage such as:
- Hail, flooding, and storm damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Fire damage
- Falling tree limbs
- Wildlife collisions (like deer — common in CT)
- Broken or cracked windshields
Because Connecticut weather is unpredictable and wildlife collisions are frequent, comprehensive coverage often pays for itself — even on older vehicles.
Explore more related insurance protections here:
Auto Insurance Services
Collision vs. Comprehensive — Which One to Drop First?
| Coverage Type | Cost | What It Covers | When CT Drivers Drop It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision | Higher | Accidents you cause, object impacts | When the car’s value is low or premiums are high |
| Comprehensive | Lower | Storms, wildlife, theft, vandalism | Rarely dropped in CT due to value |
If you are trying to reduce insurance costs, collision is typically the first coverage to reevaluate.
A Simple 5-Step CT Driver Checklist for Dropping Collision Coverage
Step 1 — Find Your Vehicle’s Current Value
Use Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
Example:
Your vehicle is worth $3,200.
Step 2 — Check Your Annual Collision Premium
Example:
Annual premium = $420
Step 3 — Check Your Deductible
Example:
Deductible = $500
Step 4 — Compare Costs
Premium ($420) + Deductible ($500)
= $920 per year of potential expense
Step 5 — Decide Based on Ratios
If the yearly cost + deductible is 40–50% of the vehicle’s value, dropping collision coverage is often financially smart.
Connecticut-Specific Risks That Affect Your Insurance Decision
Connecticut has several unique risk factors:
- High deer activity → increased wildlife collisions
- Nor’easters & storms → falling branches, hail, flooding
- Dense traffic on I-95 & Route 1 → collision frequency
- Elevated used-car prices → older cars may still hold value
These make comprehensive coverage very valuable and worth keeping, even if your car is aging.
When Dropping Collision Might Be a Smart Move
Dropping collision coverage may benefit you if:
- Your car is worth less than $2,000–$3,000
- You can comfortably replace the vehicle
- Premiums are rising and no longer worthwhile
- You drive infrequently
- You have access to another vehicle
In these cases, the savings can be meaningful.
When You Should Keep Collision Coverage
Continue collision if:
- Your car still holds strong value
- You drive daily or commute long distances
- You cannot absorb sudden repair or replacement costs
- You recently invested in repairs
- Your lender requires the coverage
Collision is often worth keeping if it protects you from an expensive financial setback.
FAQs for Connecticut Drivers
Is collision coverage worth it for a 15-year-old car?
Sometimes. It depends on the car’s value and your finances.
Should I keep comprehensive even if I drop collision?
Yes. Comprehensive coverage is inexpensive and protects against high-risk CT weather and wildlife events.
Does collision cover hitting a deer?
No — comprehensive coverage handles animal collisions.
Can I drop collision but keep comprehensive?
Absolutely. Many CT drivers choose this option for older cars.
Bottom Line — Should You Drop Collision Coverage?
Collision coverage may not make sense if your car is older, low-value, or inexpensive to replace.
But comprehensive coverage is usually worth keeping due to Connecticut’s weather and wildlife risks.
If you’re unsure, reviewing the numbers with an expert can help you make a smart choice.
Need Help Reviewing Your Auto Insurance?
Page Insurance has helped Connecticut drivers make smart insurance decisions for over 80 years.
Get a Free Auto Insurance Quote
https://pageins.com/auto-insurance-quote-form/
Contact Our Guilford, CT Office
https://pageins.com/contact/
You can also explore related policies:
We provide personalized, knowledgeable insurance support to Connecticut families and drivers.
To schedule a call, start with our contact form!