What is the difference between collision and comprehensive (other-than-collision) coverage in an auto policy?

COLLISION vs COMPREHENSIVE (auto physical damage coverages, both first-party): COLLISION: Covers damage to the INSURED'S OWN vehicle from COLLIDING with another vehicle or object (or overturning) — regardless of fault; COMPREHENSIVE (Other Than Collision — OTC): Covers damage to the insured's vehicle from NON-COLLISION causes: theft, fire, vandalism, hail/weather, falling objects, hitting an ANIMAL (deer), glass breakage, flood; BOTH are first-party (cover the insured's own car), optional (often required by lenders), and subject to a DEDUCTIBLE; NOT LIABILITY: These cover the insured's own vehicle, not harm to others (that's liability); ANIMAL STRIKES: A common exam point — hitting a deer is COMPREHENSIVE, not collision (it's 'other than collision'); the distinction between collision (impact with vehicle/object) and comprehensive (non-collision perils) is fundamental auto insurance knowledge tested on the casualty exam.