Is comprehensive good or bad?

Asked by: Ashley Hettinger Jr.  |  Last update: June 27, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (6 votes)

Comprehensive coverage protects you from events outside your control like natural disasters or collisions with animals. These risks vary considerably from one area to another and might affect your decision about when to drop comprehensive coverage, especially on an older vehicle.

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.

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.

Does a comprehensive claim hurt your insurance?

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

When not to get comprehensive auto insurance?

If you don't have a loan or lease on your car, comprehensive insurance likely isn't required. And if the vehicle isn't worth much, it may not make financial sense to keep the coverage. Compare the value of your car to your comprehensive deductible plus the amount you pay for the coverage.

Is Comprehensive Insurance Worth It?

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Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

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.

How much will my car insurance go up after a comprehensive claim?

By State. You can expect the most elevated car insurance rates post-accident in California, where the average increase is more than 74 percent.

Should I raise my comprehensive deductible?

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 long does a comprehensive claim stay on your insurance?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

When to drop full coverage on a car?

You should think about dropping your full coverage insurance policy if:
  1. You drive a high-mileage car. ...
  2. You struggle to fit the cost of auto insurance in your budget. ...
  3. Your car is worth less than the cost of your full-coverage policy. ...
  4. You have relatively high risk tolerance. ...
  5. You rarely drive.

Is hitting a tire comprehensive or collision?

This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire.

Should I get comprehensive or collision?

If you hit another car or a stationary object like a telephone pole (or if you roll over), you'll be covered by collision insurance. If an animal or a non-stationary object such as a falling tree hits your car or it's damaged by vandalism, fire or a natural disaster, you'll be covered by comprehensive insurance.

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.

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 better to have a $500 or $1000 deductible?

Since a lower deductible equates to more coverage, you'll have to pay more in your monthly premiums to balance out this increased coverage. A survey commissioned by InsuraQuotes found that an increase in deductible from $500 to $1,000 had an average of 8-10% reduction in premium costs.

What does a $100 comprehensive deductible mean?

Let's say there's a bad hailstorm in your area and your vehicle has $1,000 in damage. You have a $100 deductible on your comprehensive coverage. You'll pay the first $100, and then your insurance company will pay the remaining $900 of the vehicle repair bill.

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 long do accidents stay on your record?

In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.

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.

Do insurance rates go up after a no-fault accident?

Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

When should you stop 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.

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.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

If Your Car Has Retained Much of Its Value

If the cost of car repairs exceeds the value of your car, insurance companies will consider it totaled. Instead of paying for repairs, you'll just receive a check. If your car is only worth a few thousand dollars, a full coverage premium might not be worth it.