Do I really need comprehensive?
Asked by: Adelle Nicolas V | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (42 votes)
Is it okay to not have comprehensive insurance?
In summary, if the car is worth a significant amount and you want protection against non-collision incidents, comprehensive coverage can be beneficial. If the car's value is low and the risks are manageable, you might consider dropping it.
Is it worth it to get comprehensive?
If you live in an area prone to such risks or have an expensive car, comprehensive coverage is a safer bet. If your car is older and its market value is low, skipping comprehensive or collision might save you money. On the other hand, for new or valuable cars, a mix of both could offer peace of mind.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.
When should you decline comprehensive insurance?
Your vehicle holds a low value: As with collision, consider dropping comprehensive coverage if your vehicle's market value is lower than a few thousand dollars. Figure in your deductible as well and the potential insurance payout may not be worth the price of the coverage.
Why I Skip Collision & Comprehensive Coverage
Do I need both collision and comprehensive?
You probably don't need comprehensive and collision insurance if your car is older and not worth a lot. That's because the maximum payout you'll get in a comprehensive or collision claim will be for the current market value of your car, minus the deductible.
How do I avoid paying my comprehensive deductible?
You can avoid paying your car insurance deductible for vehicle repairs by not filing a claim at all or by getting the mechanic to waive the deductible, which is possible but highly unlikely. In some cases, your insurer may also waive your comprehensive deductible for glass damage specifically.
What is a good comprehensive deductible?
There aren't any hard statistics on this, but industry sources say a $500 deductible is considered “standard.” There are good reasons to opt for a higher deductible, though…
What is the disadvantage of having a higher deductible?
Cons. Higher deductible: If your deductible is higher, it means you are required to pay for your medical care out of pocket up to that amount before your health plan begins to help pay for covered costs. The exception is for preventive care, which is covered at 100% under most health plans when you stay in-network.
Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?
Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.
Do I need comprehensive insurance if my car is paid off?
Lienholders generally require you to have comprehensive car insurance coverage and collision car insurance coverage while you're paying off a loan. After the loan is paid back, and the lienholder is removed, you're no longer required to carry these coverages.
Does Dave Ramsey recommend full coverage car insurance?
Dave usually recommends full coverage for car insurance, which includes both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. These are often purchased together since they provide similar protections, but are actually distinct coverages.
Why is comprehensive coverage important?
What is comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive coverage helps cover the cost of damages to your vehicle when you're involved in an accident that's not caused by a collision. Comprehensive coverage covers losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal.
Do all states require comprehensive insurance?
Comprehensive and collision are also common types of car insurance coverage, though no state requires them. These optional coverages pay for damages to your car due to fire, theft, vandalism, animal strikes, acts of nature, glass breakage, and collisions. Learn more about each type of car insurance coverage.
Why is comprehensive insurance so expensive?
The cost of your comprehensive insurance might increase if you file a claim, live in an area with high crime or bad weather, or if repair costs rise. Filing a claim for something comprehensive insurance covers—like vandalism or a cracked windshield—could result in higher prices.
Why would someone want a high deductible but a lower premium?
The size of your monthly premium impacts your deductible—typically, the lower the premium, the higher the deductible. Why does having a higher deductible lower your insurance premiums? Because you'd be taking on more costs if you actually need care, rather than paying more each month toward potential care.
What deductible is too high?
In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.
Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?
Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.
Do I need comprehensive and collision?
Unlike property damage liability insurance (which covers damage to other people's property), collision and comprehensive insurance are optional in California.
Is a $3000 deductible high?
The IRS defines high-deductible health plans for 2023 as: Individual plans with deductibles of at least $1,500. Family plans with deductibles of at least $3,000.
Is a $2000 deductible good for car insurance?
WalletHub notes that you can save about 6 percent by choosing a $2000 deductible instead of a $1000 deductible, which may or may not make sense depending on the price of your policy. As Bankrate notes, you will not have to pay your deductible for a claim if another driver caused the accident.
How high should my comprehensive deductible be?
Comprehensive deductibles can range from $100 to $2,000 in most states. The right comprehensive deductible amount for you depends on your preferences and needs for out-of-pocket costs and your overall insurance rate.
How to get comprehensive deductible waived?
Take comprehensive coverage, for example, which helps pay to repair or replace a broken windshield. In most states, insurers typically waive the comprehensive deductible on a glass claim if the glass is repaired rather than replaced.
Is a $0 deductible good for car insurance?
Your car insurance company pays for the full cost of your medical bills and auto repairs if you have a zero-deductible plan. While you will pay a high premium for this type of coverage, you avoid the possibility of an unexpected cost if you do have an accident.