Key takeaways:
- Comprehensive coverage can help pay for covered events that aren’t traffic accidents, like theft, vandalism, fires, and extreme weather.
- It’s not required by state law but may be required by your bank or lender if you’re still paying off your vehicle.
- Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) helps drivers find affordable coverage options and makes the insurance process easier with Spanish-bilingual service.
Comprehensive insurance, also known as comprehensive coverage, is an optional coverage you can add to your car insurance policy. It helps pay for the damage to your car caused by covered events such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, and extreme weather. It doesn’t cover damages from vehicle crashes.
Comprehensive coverage is part of what’s commonly known as “full coverage.” Full coverage may be required if you leased or financed your vehicle. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) offers affordable options and Spanish-bilingual assistance throughout the insurance process.
Get a free car insurance quote in minutes. Call 1-855-478-3705 or get a free online quote.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
If you’re wondering what comprehensive insurance covers, think of it as a part of insurance that goes beyond traffic accidents. Events that can be covered include:
- Vehicle theft
- Vandalism
- Falling objects, such as tree limbs or debris
- Animal collisions, like accidentally hitting a deer
- Fire and explosions
- Natural disasters, like floods, hail, or hurricanes
- Glass/windshield damage, when not caused by a car collision
What does comprehensive coverage not cover?
Comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover:
- Collisions with another vehicle
- Collisions with objects you may hit while driving (besides animals), such as a post or fence
- Medical expenses. For that, you can opt for Med Pay or PIP coverage
- Regular wear-and-tear or mechanical breakdowns
- Customization and upgrades
How does comprehensive insurance work?
Here’s how comprehensive coverage usually works:
- The incident occurs: Your car got stolen or damaged after a covered event, like a fire, storm, or falling tree branch, for example.
- You file a claim: You let your insurer know about the incident. You can call them or use their website. Some insurance companies have apps where you can file a claim. You’ll probably have to share your policy information and details about the event.
- Pay your deductible: Your coverage may have a deductible. This is the amount you pay before the policy kicks in. Common deductible options can be $500 or $100, but drivers can opt for higher or lower deductibles.
- Insurance covers the remaining cost: Your insurer will typically pay for the rest of the repairs or vehicle replacement up to your car’s current actual cash value (ACV). Usually, they will discuss with you your options for repairs/replacement.
Practical example:
Let’s say your vehicle was damaged after a break-in, and your deductible was $500. You would pay $500 before the insurance company pays the difference in the cost of repairs (up to your car’s actual cash value or “ACV”).
Is comprehensive insurance required?
Comprehensive coverage is not required by state law. Most states require liability insurance, which helps pay for damages you cause to other people.
However, you may require comprehensive insurance if you leased or financed a car.
If you have finished your car payments and own the vehicle outright, comprehensive coverage is optional. Drivers may choose comprehensive coverage for newer, more expensive vehicles or if they live in an area with higher crime rates or harsh weather.
How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?
How much you pay for this coverage depends on a few factors, including:
- The vehicle value
- Your ZIP code
- Your deductible (Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums, while lower deductibles mean higher premiums)
- Your claims history
If you’re looking to save, IIA can help. We work with leading insurers to offer affordable coverage options. Compare quotes to find better rates by calling 1-855-478-3705 or get a free online quote.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive?
It’s simple! As its name suggests, collision coverage helps pay for covered “collisions” or car crashes, and comprehensive coverage helps pay for other covered events like theft, vandalism, or extreme weather.
What’s the difference between comprehensive and full coverage insurance?
The difference is that comprehensive is part of “full coverage” car insurance. “Full coverage” is a common phrase used to describe a policy that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Learn more about these insurance coverages.
Should I choose comprehensive coverage or just liability coverage?
It depends on your needs. If you’re still paying off your car, it may be required. If you have a newer or more expensive vehicle, it can be an added financial safeguard. If you’re not sure, our licensed agents can guide you through the process and offer affordable options!
Does comprehensive insurance cover theft?
Yes. If your car was stolen and not recovered, this coverage can pay for the actual cash value or “ACV” of the vehicle. This is how much your vehicle costs at the time of the event. It can also help pay for vehicle damage if the vehicle was stolen and found. It may not cover custom parts or any personal items you left inside the car, like a laptop or cellphone.
Get a comprehensive car insurance quote today
Comprehensive coverage can come in handy when you have to deal with unexpected events. It’s an affordable add-on that lowers your expenses after covered losses.
Get a free comprehensive coverage quote with IIA.