- Comprehensive coverage replaces or repairs your car if it's stolen or damaged.
- If you lease or finance your car, your lender may require comprehensive coverage.
- Liability insurance is required by state law. Comprehensive coverage is in addition to liability insurance.
- Compare car insurance rates with Coverage.com.
There are three main types of car insurance: liability, comprehensive, and collision. Full coverage car insurance combines all three and offers broad coverage for your car.
Comprehensive coverage replaces or repairs your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from theft, fire, vandalism, or falling objects like trees. However, it does not cover collisions or protect you from liability.
What is Comprehensive Insurance?
Coverage for Non-Collision Events
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions. However, it does cover collisions with animals. This coverage also includes damage from theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and falling objects.
Comprehensive vs collision insurance
Collision insurance is included in the standard full coverage policy and covers damages caused by hitting another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. However, unlike comprehensive insurance, it doesn't cover losses from non-collision events (e.g., theft, vandalism, or severe weather).
Optional Coverage
If you're wondering, is comprehensive car insurance required? The short answer is no. Most states don't require drivers to carry comprehensive insurance. But it may be required by lenders if you have a car loan or lease. Regardless, the average driver should carry this coverage to ensure they're adequately protected on the road.
What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?
Theft and Vandalism
Comprehensive insurance covers repairs or replacement if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized. If your area has high crime rates, consider including this coverage.
Fire
Comprehensive coverage covers damages caused by fire. Fire-related losses can occur from an accident, electrical malfunction, or other sources.
Natural Disasters
Comprehensive insurance covers damage from natural disasters such as hail, flooding, earthquakes, etc. Having this coverage is a good idea if you drive in areas prone to adverse weather or at increased risk of catastrophes.
Falling Objects
Falling objects can cause mechanical and cosmetic damage to your car. Fortunately, comprehensive insurance covers damage from tree branches, rocks, or other objects falling on your car.
Animal Collisions
Comprehensive insurance covers damage resulting from hitting a deer, bird, or other animals. If you live in an area where wildlife on the road is common, comprehensive insurance could come in handy.
How Much Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cost?
Factors Affecting Cost
The Insurance Information Institute reports that the average cost of comprehensive insurance is slightly over $134 yearly. Your individual costs will vary based on various factors, including:
- Location
- Age and gender
- Annual mileage
- The type and value of your car
- Your deductible amount
- Your driving record
- Marital status
- Coverage history
- Credit score (in certain states)
Getting Quotes
To choose the best car insurance, you'll want to compare the coverage types, limits, and deductibles, or the amount you'll pay out of pocket if you're involved in an accident. The policy with the lowest price for coverage, the most coverage types and limits, and the lowest deductible are likely the best for you.
Is Comprehensive Insurance Worth It?
Consider Your Car's Value
If you buy a new or newer used car, consider comprehensive coverage. The newer the car, the more comprehensive coverage makes sense. If you have an old beater you use to get around town, it may not make financial sense to pay to repair or replace a car with little Kelley Blue Book value. Before purchasing comprehensive coverage, determine if your current car value exceeds your annual premium.
Assess Your Risk Tolerance
Comprehensive coverage may be worth it if you drive frequently, live in an area prone to natural disasters, or experience high crime rates.
Check Lender Requirements
If you're leasing or financing your car, your lender may require you to carry a full-coverage policy with a minimum deductible. If you drive without comprehensive collision coverage, your lender could repossess the vehicle.
Comprehensive car insurance FAQs
Is comprehensive insurance the same as full coverage?
Comprehensive insurance isn't the same as full coverage car insurance, but they are related coverages. Full coverage insurance includes a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.
Does comprehensive insurance cover everything?
Comprehensive insurance doesn't cover everything. It doesn't cover wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns, or accidents with other vehicles, which is what collision insurance is for.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
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