Comprehensive car insurance is designed to help protect your vehicle from certain types of damage that are not caused by a typical collision. Theft, weather, vandalism and falling objects are some common examples of events that may fall under this coverage.
What Is Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance is a type of auto coverage that generally helps with eligible damage to an insured vehicle caused by events other than a collision with another vehicle or object.
It is sometimes described as protection for unexpected non-collision events. Depending on the policy, these can include theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, falling objects and contact with animals.
How Does Comprehensive Coverage Work?
When a covered event damages the vehicle, the policyholder can submit a claim to the insurer. The insurer reviews what happened, evaluates the damage and determines whether the loss falls within the policy’s comprehensive coverage.
If the claim is covered, comprehensive insurance may help pay eligible repair or loss costs after the applicable deductible, subject to the policy’s terms, exclusions and vehicle value.
What Can Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?
The specific events covered depend on the policy, but comprehensive insurance is commonly associated with several categories of non-collision damage.
Theft
Comprehensive coverage may apply if the insured vehicle is stolen, subject to the policy and claim conditions.
Weather Damage
Certain losses caused by hail, wind, flooding or other covered weather events may fall under comprehensive coverage.
Fire and Vandalism
Eligible vehicle damage resulting from fire or vandalism may also be handled under comprehensive coverage.
Falling Objects
Damage caused by certain falling objects, such as a tree branch, may qualify as a comprehensive claim.
Contact With Animals
Vehicle damage caused by contact with an animal can generally fall under comprehensive rather than collision coverage.
Does Comprehensive Insurance Have a Deductible?
Comprehensive coverage commonly includes a deductible. This is the amount the policyholder is responsible for before the insurer contributes toward an eligible covered loss.
For example, imagine a covered event causes $2,000 in eligible vehicle damage and the comprehensive deductible is $500. In a simplified example, the policyholder would be responsible for the first $500 and the insurer could pay the remaining eligible $1,500 according to the policy terms.
Comprehensive claim with a deductible
This example is for educational purposes only. Actual claim payments depend on the policy and circumstances.
Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverage both relate to damage to an insured vehicle, but they generally address different types of events.
Collision coverage typically applies to eligible damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, or certain rollover events. Comprehensive coverage generally addresses eligible losses caused by non-collision events.
Comprehensive or Collision?
What About Windshield and Glass Damage?
Certain windshield or other glass damage may be covered under comprehensive insurance. However, glass coverage can be handled differently depending on the insurer and policy.
Some policies may apply the comprehensive deductible, while other policies or insurers may offer different glass coverage arrangements. The policy documents provide the details that apply to a particular vehicle.
Is Comprehensive Car Insurance Required?
Comprehensive coverage is generally considered optional rather than basic liability insurance. However, a lender or leasing company may require comprehensive and collision coverage while a vehicle is financed or leased.
Requirements can vary, so drivers should distinguish between insurance required by law and coverage required under a financing or leasing agreement.
Comprehensive Coverage in Simple Terms
Comprehensive car insurance generally helps protect an insured vehicle from eligible losses caused by certain events other than collisions. Theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, falling objects and contact with animals are common examples.
Like other types of auto insurance, comprehensive coverage has terms, deductibles and exclusions. Understanding those details makes it easier to distinguish comprehensive coverage from collision and liability insurance.