What Is Collision Coverage?
Collision coverage is the car crash insurance for your own car. If your car crashes into anything or gets crashed into, regardless of fault, you can get it repaired or replaced for "average cash value".
So that's, tree branches, fences, walls, storefronts, houses, other cars, other vehicles, trees stumps, you name it, it usually counts. The only things that don't count are what's specifically included in "Comprehensive Coverage" instead.
Should I Get Collision Coverage?
First and foremost, if you have a loan or lease out on your car then usually they require that you carry collision insurance.
Otherwise, the core question you've got to ask yourself for collision coverage is: "am I willing to buy my car all over again if I get into an accident - even if it wasn't my fault."
And sometimes the answer is a resounding yes, either because your car is affordable enough that you could buy or take out a loan for another one, or because you're ready to let this older vehicle go and purchase another one.
Do I Need Collision AND Comprehensive/UIM/UM?
If you're trying to shave some dollars off your monthly premium, the idea usually comes up to drop one of the "Full Coverage" coverages. And yes you can definitely do that, as long as you're ready emotionally ready to let go of your car and financially ready to purchase another one.
As for in what order are the 3 coverages most important, the common wisdom is 1). Collision, 2). Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, 3). Comprehensive.
The reason being that collisions are common and uninsured/underinsured drivers are common (and potentially life ruining), whereas theft, fire, earthquakes, and deer that comprehensive covers are less common.
I Really Don't Want to Pay for Collision Coverage
That's probably good! Because it means you're driving a car that's well within your budget to replace comfortably and you're not emotionally attached to it. If you'd have a hard time replacing the car and you're emotionally attached to it AND you don't want to pay for collision coverage, then I hope you're lucky!
