Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, pays for the repair or replacement of your car if it’s damaged by events that don’t involve a crash. This includes:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Floods
- Hailstorms
- Falling objects (like trees or debris)
- Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes)
- Animal collisions (e.g., hitting a deer)
It typically comes with a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Here’s a more detailed look at what’s generally covered:
| Event | Covered by Comprehensive Insurance? |
|---|---|
| Theft | Yes |
| Vandalism | Yes |
| Fire | Yes |
| Natural Disasters | Yes |
| Animal Collisions | Yes |
| Broken Windshields | Yes (depending on policy) |
| Falling Objects (Trees) | Yes |
| Civil Disturbances (Riot) | Yes |
| Mechanical Failures | No |
| Regular Wear and Tear | No |
How Comprehensive Coverage Works
- Incident Occurs: A covered event like theft or hail damage affects your vehicle.
- File a Claim: You file a claim with your insurance provider.
- Pay Deductible: You pay your selected deductible (e.g., $500).
- Get Reimbursement: Your insurer covers the rest of the repair or replacement costs, up to the car’s current market value.
Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage
| Feature | Comprehensive | Collision |
|---|---|---|
| Covers animal strikes | Yes | No |
| Covers theft | Yes | No |
| Covers car accidents | No | Yes (driver-at-fault or not) |
| Deductible required | Yes | Yes |
| Required by lenders | Often | Often |
Who Needs Comprehensive Coverage?
You should consider comprehensive insurance if:
- Your car is new or high-value
- You live in an area with high theft, vandalism, or natural disaster risk
- You can’t afford to replace your vehicle out-of-pocket
- Your vehicle is financed or leased (lenders usually require it)
If your car is older and its value is low, you might choose to drop comprehensive to save money on premiums.
Cost of Comprehensive Coverage
The average cost of comprehensive coverage in the U.S. is around $150–$300 per year, but this varies depending on:
- Vehicle make, model, and age
- Location (theft and weather risks)
- Your driving history
- Selected deductible amount
Raising your deductible can lower your premium—but be sure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim.
Pros and Cons of Comprehensive Coverage
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of non-collision damages
- Peace of mind from theft and natural disasters
- Required for leased or financed vehicles
Cons:
- Increases your insurance premium
- Comes with a deductible
- May not be cost-effective for older cars
Final Thoughts
Comprehensive coverage can be a smart investment, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of theft, natural disasters, or animal collisions. While it does raise your premium, the protection it offers often outweighs the cost—particularly for newer vehicles.
Before choosing, weigh the value of your car against your budget, risk exposure, and whether you can afford unexpected repair or replacement costs out-of-pocket.
(FAQs)
1. Is comprehensive coverage mandatory?
No, comprehensive coverage is not legally required. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will likely require it.
2. Does comprehensive insurance cover rental cars?
It may extend to rental cars depending on your policy. Check with your insurer or consider additional rental insurance.
3. What’s the difference between full coverage and comprehensive insurance?
Full coverage generally refers to a policy that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive is just one part of that bundle.
4. Does comprehensive coverage cover engine failure?
No. Comprehensive does not cover mechanical breakdowns or maintenance issues.
5. Can I drop comprehensive insurance at any time?
Yes, if your car is fully paid off. Just be aware that you’ll be at risk for non-collision damages if you do.
6. Is windshield damage covered?
Yes, in many cases. Some insurers even offer separate glass coverage with no deductible.
7. What is the maximum payout from comprehensive coverage?
The payout is capped at the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle at the time of loss, minus your deductible.