Comprehensive auto insurance is an optional insurance coverage that provides protection for your vehicle against a wide range of risks that are not covered by collision insurance. Comprehensive auto insurance is sometimes referred to as “other than collision” insurance because it covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. Let’s take a closer look at what is covered by comprehensive auto insurance.
Covered Perils
“Covered perils” refer to the events or types of damage that are covered by an insurance policy. In the case of auto insurance, there are several types of covered perils that may be included in your policy.
Collision coverage is one type of covered peril that pays for damages to your vehicle if it collides with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or a pole. This coverage typically includes both at-fault and not-at-fault accidents.
Comprehensive coverage is another type of covered peril that pays for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision. This coverage may include damages from natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and fire.
Other covered perils that may be included in your auto insurance policy include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection. These coverages provide protection against injuries or damages caused by you or another driver.
It’s important to review your auto insurance policy and understand the specific covered perils and limits of your coverage. It’s also a good idea to periodically review your coverage and adjust it as necessary to ensure that you have adequate protection in the event of an unexpected event.
Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers the following perils:
Theft
If your vehicle is stolen, comprehensive auto insurance will typically cover the cost of replacing the vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is an optional insurance coverage that provides protection against non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal collisions.
In the event of a vehicle theft, the first step is to file a police report and notify your insurance company. Your insurance company will then launch an investigation to verify the theft and the value of the vehicle. If the vehicle is not recovered, your insurance company will typically pay out the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any deductible.
It’s important to note that the actual cash value of the vehicle may be less than the amount you owe on your auto loan or lease. In this case, you may be responsible for paying the difference, unless you have gap insurance, which covers the difference between the actual cash value and the remaining balance on your auto loan or lease.
It’s also important to review your comprehensive coverage limits and deductible to ensure that you have adequate protection in the event of a theft. Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles typically result in higher premiums, so it’s important to find the right balance between protection and affordability.
Vandalism
If your vehicle is vandalized, comprehensive auto insurance will provide coverage for the damage caused to your vehicle, minus your deductible. Vandalism can include damage caused by keying, spray paint, or any other intentional act of damage.
Comprehensive auto insurance can also provide coverage for damages caused by vandalism to your vehicle. Vandalism is considered a non-collision event and is typically covered under the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy.
If your vehicle is vandalized, the first step is to file a police report and notify your insurance company. Your insurance company may require an inspection of the damage and an estimate of the repair costs.
Once the claim is verified, your insurance company will typically pay for the cost of the repairs, minus any deductible that applies. It’s important to review your comprehensive coverage limits and deductible to ensure that you have adequate protection in the event of vandalism.
It’s also important to note that some auto insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for certain types of vandalism, such as intentional damage caused by a family member or a roommate. It’s important to review your policy and ask your insurance company about any specific exclusions or limitations that may apply to your coverage.
Fire
If your vehicle is damaged or destroyed by a fire, comprehensive auto insurance will provide coverage for the value of your vehicle, minus your deductible.
Comprehensive auto insurance typically provides coverage for damages caused by fire to your vehicle. Fire damage is considered a non-collision event and is typically covered under the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy.
If your vehicle is damaged by fire, the first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. Once the situation is safe, you should file a police report and notify your insurance company. Your insurance company may require an inspection of the damage and an estimate of the repair costs.
Once the claim is verified, your insurance company will typically pay for the cost of the repairs or the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the fire, minus any deductible that applies. It’s important to review your comprehensive coverage limits and deductible to ensure that you have adequate protection in the event of fire damage.
It’s also important to note that some auto insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for certain types of fire damage, such as arson or intentional damage caused by a family member or a roommate. It’s important to review your policy and ask your insurance company about any specific exclusions or limitations that may apply to your coverage.
Natural Disasters
Comprehensive auto insurance provides coverage for damage caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Damage caused by falling objects, such as trees or rocks, is also covered by comprehensive auto insurance.
Comprehensive auto insurance typically provides coverage for damages caused by natural disasters to your vehicle. Natural disasters are considered non-collision events and are typically covered under the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy.
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, hailstorms, and earthquakes can cause significant damage to vehicles. If your vehicle is damaged by a natural disaster, the first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. Once the situation is safe, you should file a police report and notify your insurance company. Your insurance company may require an inspection of the damage and an estimate of the repair costs.
Once the claim is verified, your insurance company will typically pay for the cost of the repairs or the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the natural disaster, minus any deductible that applies. It’s important to review your comprehensive coverage limits and deductible to ensure that you have adequate protection in the event of natural disaster damage.
It’s also important to note that some auto insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for certain types of natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes. It’s important to review your policy and ask your insurance company about any specific exclusions or limitations that may apply to your coverage. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer separate or additional coverage specifically for natural disasters, such as flood insurance or earthquake insurance.
Animal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged by an animal, such as a deer or a bird, comprehensive auto insurance will provide coverage for the damage caused to your vehicle, minus your deductible.
Glass Damage
Comprehensive auto insurance provides coverage for damage caused to your vehicle’s glass, such as windshield cracks or chips.
Civil Disturbances
If your vehicle is damaged during a civil disturbance, such as a riot or protest, comprehensive auto insurance will provide coverage for the damage caused to your vehicle, minus your deductible.
Exclusions
Comprehensive auto insurance does not cover the following:
- Damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object (this is covered by collision insurance).
- Medical expenses for you or your passengers (this is covered by personal injury protection or medical payments coverage).
- Damage to another person’s property (this is covered by liability insurance).
- Normal wear and tear, mechanical failure, or maintenance issues.
- Intentional damage to your vehicle.
Conclusion
Comprehensive auto insurance provides protection for your vehicle against a wide range of risks that are not covered by collision insurance. Covered perils include theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, animal damage, glass damage, and civil disturbances. However, it’s essential to understand that comprehensive auto insurance does not cover damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, medical expenses for you or your passengers, damage to another person’s property, normal wear and tear, mechanical failure, or intentional damage to your vehicle. By understanding what is covered by comprehensive auto insurance, you can make an informed decision about whether this coverage is right for you.
FAQs
Q: Is comprehensive auto insurance required by law? A: No, comprehensive auto insurance is not required by law. However, if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry comprehensive auto insurance.
Q: How much does comprehensive auto insurance cost? A: The cost of comprehensive auto insurance varies based on several factors, including your vehicle’s make and model, your driving history, and your location.
Q: Is comprehensive auto insurance worth it? A: Whether comprehensive auto insurance is worth it depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters or have a valuable vehicle, comprehensive auto insurance may be a good investment.
