What’s Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is a type of auto insurance that provides coverage for damages to your car that result from events outside of your control, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. In this article, we’ll explore what comprehensive car insurance covers, what it doesn’t cover, and some frequently asked questions about this insurance policy.

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

Comprehensive car insurance covers damages to your car that result from events outside of your control. These events include:

Event
Examples
Theft
Your car is stolen from a parking lot or your driveway.
Vandalism
Your car is keyed or spray painted by vandals.
Natural disasters
Your car is damaged by hail, wind, or flood.
Fire
Your car is damaged by a fire, whether accidental or intentional.
Animal collisions
Your car collides with a deer, moose, or other large animal, causing damage.

Comprehensive car insurance also covers damages to your car caused by falling objects, such as trees or branches, and damages caused by civil disturbances or riots. In some cases, comprehensive car insurance may cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired.

What Doesn’t Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

While comprehensive car insurance covers a wide range of events that can cause damage to your car, there are some situations that are not covered. These include:

  • Damage caused by a collision with another car or object
  • Damage caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Damage caused by racing or participating in other illegal activities
  • Damage caused by intentional acts, such as vandalism or arson, committed by the policyholder or someone else covered by the policy
  • General wear and tear on your car

If you want coverage for damages caused by collisions, you’ll need collision insurance. Collision insurance is sometimes sold as part of a comprehensive car insurance policy, or you can purchase it separately.

FAQs: Common Questions About Comprehensive Car Insurance

Q: Is Comprehensive Car Insurance Required by Law?

A: Comprehensive car insurance is not required by law, but some lenders may require you to have this type of insurance if you have a car loan. Even if you don’t have a car loan, you may want to consider purchasing comprehensive car insurance if you live in an area prone to natural disasters or theft.

Q: How Much Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cost?

A: The cost of comprehensive car insurance varies depending on several factors, including your driving record, the make and model of your car, and your location. On average, comprehensive car insurance costs about $135 per month, but you could pay less or more depending on your individual circumstances.

Q: How Do I File a Claim for Comprehensive Car Insurance?

A: If your car is damaged and you want to file a claim for comprehensive car insurance, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You’ll need to provide them with details about the damage, including the date and time it occurred, the location where it happened, and any relevant details about the event that caused the damage. Your insurance company will guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting your car repaired.

Q: Is Comprehensive Car Insurance the Same as Full Coverage?

A: No, comprehensive car insurance is not the same as full coverage. Full coverage typically includes liability insurance, which covers damages you cause to other people and their property while driving your car. It also includes collision insurance, which covers damages to your car caused by a collision with another car or object. Comprehensive car insurance, on the other hand, only covers damages to your car that result from events outside of your control.

Q: Is Comprehensive Car Insurance Worth It?

A: Whether or not comprehensive car insurance is worth it depends on your individual circumstances. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters or theft, or if you have a car loan that requires you to have comprehensive car insurance, then it may be worth it. If you have an older car or drive infrequently, you may be able to save money by opting for a different type of insurance policy.

Conclusion

Comprehensive car insurance provides coverage for damages to your car that result from events outside of your control, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. While this type of insurance is not required by law, it may be required by lenders if you have a car loan. Before purchasing comprehensive car insurance, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the cost and consider your individual circumstances.