Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance: What You Need to Know

Car insurance is an essential investment for all car owners as it covers damages and losses incurred in case of a car accident. Comprehensive coverage car insurance is an additional coverage option that offers more than just protection against accidents. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about comprehensive coverage car insurance.

What Is Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance?

Comprehensive coverage car insurance is an optional insurance policy that covers damages or losses to your car that are not caused by collisions. This coverage protects your car from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other non-collision damages.

Comprehensive coverage is often included in full coverage auto insurance, which also includes collision coverage and liability coverage. However, it can also be purchased separately to provide extra protection for your vehicle.

What Does Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance Cover?

Comprehensive coverage car insurance covers damages or losses to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision with another vehicle. It includes:

Damage/Loss
Explanation
Theft
Covers if your car is stolen or parts of your car are stolen.
Vandalism
Covers if your car is damaged due to malicious acts such as keying or graffiti.
Natural Disasters
Covers if your car is damaged due to natural disasters such as hail, flood or fire.
Animal Damage
Covers if your car is damaged due to hitting an animal or the animal causing damage to your car.
Falling Objects
Covers if your car is damaged due to falling objects such as a tree or a branch.

Comprehensive coverage car insurance does not cover damages caused by collisions with other vehicles. For this type of coverage, you need collision coverage.

Do I Need Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance?

The decision to purchase comprehensive coverage car insurance depends on your individual needs and budget. If you have a new or expensive vehicle, comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind knowing that you are protected against non-collision damages.

Additionally, if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters or has a high rate of theft or vandalism, comprehensive coverage car insurance can be a wise investment.

How Does Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance Work?

If you have comprehensive coverage car insurance and your car experiences non-collision damages, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. Your provider will then evaluate the damages and provide compensation for the repair or replacement of your car.

It is important to note that comprehensive coverage car insurance has a deductible, which is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance provider pays for the rest of the damages. The deductible varies from policy to policy and can range from $100 to $1,000 or more. Higher deductibles can lead to lower premiums, but you will have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.

How Much Does Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of comprehensive coverage car insurance varies depending on factors such as your location, age, driving record, credit score, and the make and model of your vehicle.

On average, comprehensive coverage car insurance costs about $160 per year or $13 per month. However, this can vary significantly depending on your individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Comprehensive coverage car insurance is an optional but valuable coverage option that can protect you from non-collision damages such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. While it is not required by law, it can provide peace of mind knowing that you are protected against unexpected damages to your vehicle.

FAQ

Is comprehensive coverage car insurance mandatory?

No, comprehensive coverage car insurance is not mandatory but can be a wise investment for extra protection.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?

Comprehensive coverage protects you against non-collision damages such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, while collision coverage protects you against damages caused by a collision with another vehicle.

Is my car covered if someone else drives it and causes damages?

Comprehensive coverage typically covers damages no matter who is driving the vehicle at the time of the incident. However, it is important to check your policy details to ensure that you are fully covered.

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance provider pays for the rest of the damages.

Can I change my deductible amount?

Yes, you can change your deductible amount when you purchase or renew your policy. A higher deductible can lead to lower premiums, but you will have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.