What Is Comprehensive Insurance?
When it comes to protecting your vehicle, having the right auto insurance coverage in place can make all the difference. While liability insurance is legally required in most states, there are other optional coverages that can round out your protection, one of the most important being comprehensive car insurance.
Also known as “other than collision” coverage, it helps cover damage to your vehicle caused by events outside your control, like theft or natural disasters. If you’re leasing or financing a car, your lender will likely require it and even if you own your car outright, this type of coverage might be a good decision – especially if you live in an area prone to certain risks.
Let’s take a closer look at what comprehensive insurance is, what it covers and whether it’s the right choice for your situation.
What does comprehensive insurance cover?
Before diving into the details, it's important to clarify that comprehensive coverage applies to your own vehicle, not to other people or their property. And as the name suggests, it covers a wide range of non-collision-related damages. Here are some common scenarios where comprehensive car insurance comes into play:
- Theft or attempted theft: Provides coverage for your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in an attempted theft.
- Vandalism: Damages caused by acts of vandalism like spray paint, broken mirrors or slashed tires.
- Fire and explosions: Damage caused by an engine fire or an external source is typically covered.
- Weather-related damage: Coverage for damage from events like hailstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes.
- Collisions with animals: Accidents involving collisions with animals are handled under comprehensive insurance rather than collision.
- Falling objects: Covers tree limbs, debris from storms and other falling objects that land on your car.
- Glass and windshield damage: Other than collision insurance helps pay to repair or replace a damaged windshield or other car windows.
What is not covered by comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive insurance has a broad scope, but it doesn’t cover everything. Here’s what falls outside the protection of this coverage:
- Collisions with another vehicle or object: That’s where collision coverage steps in.
- Injuries to you or your passengers: These fall under medical payments (MedPay) coverage or personal injury protection (PIP).
- Damage to another person’s vehicle or property: This is covered by your liability insurance.
- Personal belongings inside the vehicle: Your car insurance generally won’t cover stolen items like laptops or purses – your renters or homeowners policy might.
- Normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown: Insurance won’t pay to fix things like a worn-out transmission or bald tires.
Do I need comprehensive coverage?
The short answer? It depends. While comprehensive car insurance isn’t legally required, there are several scenarios where it’s either mandatory or strongly recommended.
Required for financed or leased vehicles
If your car is leased or you’re still making loan payments, your lender or leasing company will probably require other than collision and collision coverage. That’s because they have a financial interest in your vehicle and want to make sure it’s protected until it’s fully paid off.
Recommended for newer or higher-value vehicles
If your car is newer or holds significant value, comprehensive insurance can help protect your investment. Repairing or replacing a vehicle after theft, fire or weather damage can be costly. This coverage ensures you're not responsible for the entire bill out of pocket.
Optional for older vehicles
For older vehicles with lower market value, it might not be worth carrying comprehensive coverage. The payout you’d receive after a total loss may not be much more than your deductible. In such cases, you may want to weigh the cost of the premium against the potential payout.
Additional factors to consider
Ask yourself:
- Do you live in an area prone to hailstorms or wildlife accidents?
- Do you park on the street, where theft or vandalism is more likely?
- Could you afford to pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle out of pocket?
If your car has a higher risk of non-collision-related damage and you prefer not to pay for repairs or replacement yourself, then adding this coverage to your policy may be beneficial.
How comprehensive coverage works
So how exactly does comprehensive insurance work when you file a claim? Let’s break it down.
- Choose a deductible: When you purchase comprehensive coverage, you'll select a deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance steps in. Common deductibles range from $250 to $1,000. Choosing a higher deductible usually lowers your monthly premium, but it also means more financial responsibility in the event of a claim.
- Coverage limit based on actual cash value: Auto insurance pays out based on your car’s actual cash value (ACV), which takes depreciation into account. If your car is damaged beyond repair, your insurance company will determine the ACV and subtract your deductible before issuing payment.
For example, let’s say you have a $500 deductible, and a falling tree limb totals your car. Your insurance company values your vehicle at $12,000. After subtracting your deductible, you’d receive an insurance payout of $11,500.
Get the right auto insurance coverage for your needs
Comprehensive coverage is just one part of a well-rounded auto insurance policy. To truly protect yourself, consider additional coverage options that can safeguard you and your finances.
Liability Coverage: Protects against claims if you’re responsible for an accident.
Collision Coverage: Helps pay for repairs if your vehicle is damaged in a collision.
Personal Injury Protection: Covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault in an auto accident.
Medical Payments Coverage: Pays for your medical expenses or those of your passengers following a covered auto accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Provides protection if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have sufficient or any insurance.
When you combine comprehensive coverage with these other options, you’ll have a well-rounded auto insurance policy that can help provide protection wherever your journey takes you.
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
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AMIC-06-052025