Is comprehensive coverage worth it on a car?

Asked by: Dennis Lubowitz IV  |  Last update: May 30, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (40 votes)

If your vehicle's cash value is relatively low and you have a higher deductible, for example, it may not be worthwhile to carry comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, it may be worthwhile if your vehicle has a higher cash value, or you cannot afford the cost to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket.

When should I drop comprehensive coverage?

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.

What are the disadvantages of fully comprehensive car insurance?

There are downsides. If you are in an accident, comprehensive insurance won't pay for the damage: collision coverage does. Comprehensive insurance may also be expensive if you are purchasing it along with collision insurance.

Is it better to have collision or 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.

Why I Skip Collision & Comprehensive Coverage

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What is a good deductible for comprehensive?

Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles. For example, you could have a $1000 collision and a $500 comprehensive policy deductible or vice versa.

What happens if my repairs cost less than the deductible?

What if my car repair costs less than my deductible? There may be times when your car insurance deductible is more than the cost of the damage to your vehicle. Unfortunately, in these cases, you'll need to pay for all repairs out-of-pocket. This is because insurance only pays for damages that are above your deductible.

Is it worth getting comprehensive?

Whether comprehensive coverage makes sense for you depends on the value of your vehicle, how you're paying for it and your overall financial situation. If you have an auto loan or are leasing your car, you'll probably be required to get comprehensive coverage.

Will my car insurance go up if I make a comprehensive claim?

Comprehensive claims

Depending on your insurance company and your state, your rate may increase for damage-related incidents that were out of your control.

Do I need comprehensive insurance on a financed car?

If you have an auto loan, the lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage, in addition to liability and other legally required coverages, which your lender may refer to as "full coverage." Lenders may also require additional coverages, such as uninsured motorist coverage or gap insurance ...

What does comprehensive coverage not cover?

Comprehensive coverage does not cover damages caused by hitting another vehicle or object. These incidents are covered under collision coverage. It will also not cover normal wear and tear on your vehicle.

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.

Is comprehensive good or bad?

Comprehensive insurance provides coverage to your car when it's damaged by something other than a collision. If you drive a car that would be expensive to replace or you don't have ample savings, comprehensive coverage may be a good investment.

What is a good amount of comprehensive coverage?

Typical coverage amounts: Insurance experts recommend at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $100,000 for property damage.

Is it worth having full coverage on a paid-off car?

Risk Tolerance: Full coverage can provide peace of mind by protecting your car from various risks, including accidents, theft, and weather damage. If you prefer the extra security, keeping full coverage might be worth it, even after the car is paid off.

How long should you keep full coverage on your car?

If you have financed your vehicle and your lender requires full coverage, you must keep it on your vehicle until you have paid off your loan (or until you buy out your lease, if you decide to). Once you own your vehicle outright, you have the option to remove both comprehensive and collision.

Is it better to file a comprehensive or collision claim?

If your car is damaged in a road collision with another car or object and you're at fault, only your collision coverage can help pay to repair it. Only comprehensive coverage covers losses caused by contact with animals, civil disturbances, fires, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.

Why is my comprehensive deductible so high?

A higher deductible typically means a lower insurance rate, but you'll pay more out of pocket for repairs. If you know you can afford to pay for a larger portion of repair costs yourself and you never or rarely file claims, then a higher comprehensive deductible may work best for you.

How many comprehensive claims before insurance drops you?

Every insurance company sets its own benchmark for triggering a cancellation, but it is more likely that you'll face cancellation or non-renewal if you've made three or more claims within a three-year period. Most cancellations occur within the first 60 days of a policy, usually due to non-compliance.

Should I carry full coverage on a 10 year old car?

If your vehicle is older and is not worth as much, you may be able to reduce your insurance premium by avoiding comprehensive and collision coverage. However, if you have a loan on the vehicle or drive a leased vehicle, you may be required to have comprehensive coverage.

When should you drop comprehensive coverage on your car?

The ten rule is this: Once the value of your vehicle is less than ten times what its insurance premiums are, it's more economical to drop comprehensive and collision coverage than to pay for them.

Does a comprehensive claim hurt your insurance?

Yes, a comprehensive claim might increase your rate, depending on your insurer and state.

What is the best deductible for car insurance?

You pay a deductible each time you file a claim with your auto insurance coverage. Most drivers choose a $500 auto insurance deductible, but policies with higher deductibles cost less. Choosing a plan with a higher deductible to get a lower insurance rate means higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.

What not to say when filing a claim?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include:
  1. “I'm sorry.”
  2. “It was all/partly my fault.”
  3. “I did not see the other person/driver.”

What if repairs cost more than car value?

Know your car's value

Note that most standard auto policies will not pay to repair a vehicle if it is "totaled"—that is, if the repairs cost more than the cash value assigned to the car. It is up to your insurer to decide whether to pay for repairing your car or to declare it a total loss and pay you its book value.