What Is Comprehensive Insurance?
Comprehensive insurance coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, is a
car insurance coverage that can help pay the costs of damage to your car for non-collision related claims. For example, it can help pay for damages caused by hail, theft, fire or hitting an animal.
It’s important to keep in mind that this coverage is optional. You have to add it on top of other coverages you may have, like liability insurance. But, if you’re financing or leasing your car, your lender will likely require it.
Most drivers benefit from this coverage, and you can learn more by getting a quote from the
AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
1 today.
What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Your comprehensive insurance pays for damage caused by:
- Natural disasters, like hurricanes or tornados
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Fire
- Falling objects
- A civil disturbance, like a riot
- Hitting an animal, like if you hit a deer
- Glass damage
Your comprehensive car insurance policy will not help cover:
- Damage to your car from a collision
- Medical expenses
- Legal fees
- Lost income for you or your passengers if you miss work after an accident
- Damage to another person’s car from a collision
- Property stolen from your car
Comprehensive Car Insurance Deductibles and Limits
Your deductible is the amount you pay on your claim before your auto coverage kicks in. Once you pay that, your car insurance will cover the rest of your costs, up to your limit.
Let’s say your car is damaged and will cost $6,000 to repair, and your deductible is $1,000. You’ll only pay out of pocket for the $1,000 deductible, and then your insurance company will pay the other $5,000 on your comprehensive claim. When you buy comprehensive insurance, you’ll choose a deductible amount.
How Much Does Comprehensive Insurance Cost?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the
average car insurance cost per year for comprehensive car insurance in the U.S. was about $170 in 2018, which is the most recent year that data is available.
2 Comprehensive car insurance rates can vary and some factors that influence the cost are your:
- Driving history
- Car’s model and age
- Deductible amount
If you plan to buy comprehensive auto insurance coverage, selecting a higher deductible can help lower the cost of your premium. However, it also means you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket if you have an accident. In most cases, you’ll want to base your deductible choice on your car’s actual cash value (ACV).
For damaged cars, our comprehensive insurance coverage will help pay an amount up to your ACV to either repair or replace it. If the cost of repairs exceeds your car’s ACV, it’s totaled. In this case, we’ll pay the sum of its ACV to you to help replace it. When deciding
how much car insurance you need, it’s important to think about the ACV of your vehicle.
Who Needs Comprehensive Coverage?
Drivers across the country can benefit from comprehensive car insurance. This optional coverage is especially helpful if you live in an area with a lot of theft, vandalism or natural disasters. For instance, if you live on the Florida coast or in an area with wildfires, this coverage can help protect your car from the costs of non-collision damage.
Questions you can ask yourself to see if you need this coverage are:
- Does your car lender require comprehensive coverage? If you lease or finance, chances are they do, and you won’t be able to get your car without it.
- How much is your car worth? If it’s less than what you’d pay for your insurance premium, this coverage may not be worth it.
- Do you live in a heavily populated area? Cities and towns with higher populations can also have more crime that you may want protection from.
What Is the Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Insurance?
It’s easy to mix up comprehensive and
collision insurance. This is because both coverages protect your car. However, they cover different things.
Collision insurance helps cover car accidents, while comprehensive coverage is more of a
physical damage insurance. It helps pay for damages that are outside of your control. So, if a natural disaster or animal damages your car, this coverage can help pay to repair it.
Your auto insurance not only protects your car, but your loved ones, too. Luckily, it’s easy to get a car insurance quote from The Hartford. Get yours today or call 888-546-9099 to speak with a representative who can answer any questions you may have.