What are the cons of comprehensive car insurance?
Asked by: Cheyenne Dickinson III | Last update: October 17, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (54 votes)
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.
When not to get comprehensive auto 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.
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.
Will my car insurance go up if I make a comprehensive claim?
Comprehensive claims are ``not at fault'' claims. They do not cause your premium to increase.
Comprehensive vs. Liability Car Insurance: Which Should You Buy?
Is it better to have collision or comprehensive?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When should you drop full coverage on a car?
- You drive a high-mileage car. ...
- You struggle to fit the cost of auto insurance in your budget. ...
- Your car is worth less than the cost of your full-coverage policy. ...
- You have relatively high risk tolerance. ...
- You rarely drive.
Is hitting a deer comprehensive or collision?
Comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy typically covers deer accidents. Comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged when you hit a deer.
When should you consider not carrying comprehensive insurance?
If your annual insurance is over ten percent of your car's value, it might not be worth taking out the additional protection. If you feel like you still need the collision and comprehensive covers, you might want to raise your deductible to lower the cost.
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.
Can you have too many comprehensive claims?
Multiple claims usually raise your rates, and too many in a short time might even put you at risk of cancellation or non-renewal. This can be a stressful situation, but understanding how insurance companies view multiple claims can help you navigate the process more smoothly.
Do I really need comprehensive?
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.
What type of car insurance is the cheapest?
Cheapest overall: Geico with an average rate of $40 per month. Cheapest for full coverage: Travelers with an average rate of $144 per month. Cheapest for young drivers: Geico with an average rate of $79 per month. Cheapest for senior drivers: State Farm with an average rate of $43 per month.
How much will a comprehensive claim raise my insurance?
By State. You can expect the most elevated car insurance rates post-accident in California, where the average increase is more than 74 percent. Increases are less than 25 percent in Rhode Island, in contrast.
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 is a good 6 month premium car insurance?
The average 6-month car insurance premium is $947 per year, but some insurers offer lower rates; Nationwide offers 6-month car insurance at $774.
How long do comprehensive claims stay on insurance Progressive?
Progressive factors the accident into your insurance premium for the first 3 years. At that point, the accident no longer affects your premium, but it will still show up on your record and may affect your eligibility for certain discounts. After 5 years, the company no longer keeps a record of that accident.
How can I lower my comprehensive insurance?
- Increase your deductible.
- Check for discounts you qualify for.
- Compare auto insurance quotes.
- Maintain a good driving record.
- Participate in a safe driving program.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Explore payment options.
- Improve your credit score.
What does not comprehensive insurance 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 comprehensive coverage pay regardless of fault?
Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage both insure your car, but they cover different events. Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage caused by events considered to be outside of your control, like theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, glass breakage, fire, and weather-related incidents (e.g., hail).