Comprehensive auto insurance is an important form of coverage for any driver. It is sometimes referred to as “other than collision” coverage because it covers damages to your vehicle from things other than a car accident. It helps to protect you financially from the costs associated with damages to your vehicle caused by things like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and even hitting an animal.
Comprehensive auto insurance is often required by a lender if you are financing your car, and it may be required by your state’s law. It is important to understand what comprehensive coverage includes and how it works, so you can make an informed decision on whether to purchase it or not.
What Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive auto insurance covers a wide range of damage to your vehicle, including damage caused by:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Natural disasters such as floods, storms, and earthquakes
- Hitting an animal
- Falling objects, such as trees or debris
- Hail or other inclement weather
What Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Not Cover?
Comprehensive auto insurance does not cover damages to your vehicle caused by a car accident, such as a collision with another vehicle or a single-car accident. For this type of damage, you will need collision coverage.
Comprehensive auto insurance also does not cover any damages to other people’s property, such as a fence or mailbox, that are caused by your vehicle. For this, you may need property damage liability coverage.
How Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Work?
Comprehensive auto insurance is a form of coverage that helps to protect you financially from damages to your vehicle caused by events other than a car accident. It typically covers damages up to the cash value of your vehicle at the time of the incident. This means that if the damages to your vehicle exceed the cash value of your vehicle, you will be responsible for the difference.
When filing a claim, you will be required to pay a deductible, which is an amount that you are responsible for paying out of pocket. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premiums will be. The amount of your deductible will depend on the type of policy you have and the insurance company you are using.
How Much Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cost?
The cost of comprehensive auto insurance varies depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of vehicle you drive, your age, your driving record, and the state you live in. Generally speaking, the more expensive your vehicle is, the more you can expect to pay for comprehensive coverage.
When shopping for comprehensive auto insurance, it is important to compare rates from different insurance companies. It is also important to understand what discounts are available and to ask about any additional coverage options that may be available. This can help you get the best coverage for the best price.
Conclusion
Comprehensive auto insurance is an important form of coverage for any driver. It covers damages to your vehicle from things other than a car accident, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. It is important to understand what comprehensive coverage includes, how it works, and how much it costs so that you can make an informed decision on whether to purchase it or not.
