What is comprehensive coverage in car insurance?

Asked by: Fredrick Breitenberg  |  Last update: December 31, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (33 votes)

Comprehensive car insurance is a coverage that helps pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not a collision. Comprehensive, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, typically covers damage from fire, vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail).

What does comprehensive coverage cover?

Comprehensive insurance coverage is defined as an optional coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events that are outside of your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature.

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 worth getting comprehensive?

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.

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.

What Is Comprehensive Coverage? | Progressive Answers

33 related questions found

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.

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.

Is hitting an object collision or comprehensive?

Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle from unexpected non-collision incidents like theft, animal damage, falling trees, and weather damage. Collision covers damage to your vehicle that's the result of a collision with another vehicle or object.

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.

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 ...

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.

Is there a deductible on comprehensive?

Comprehensive coverage deductibles and limits. When you purchase comprehensive insurance coverage, you will select a set deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. Let's say you choose a $500 deductible, and your car is later damaged by hail in a covered claim.

When should I get comprehensive insurance?

Comprehensive insurance pays to repair or replace your car if it's stolen or damaged in incidents where you aren't at fault. It's typically required if you finance or lease your car, and optional if you own your car outright.

What does fully comprehensive cover include?

Fully comprehensive car insurance includes as standard all the protection you'd get from third party, fire and theft insurance, in addition to covering you if an accident is your fault (with some exclusions). If you are looking for motorbike insurance, or van insurance, see our specialist guides.

Is windshield damage covered under comprehensive?

Auto insurance coverage for windshield damage

Comprehensive coverage may help pay to replace or repair a damaged windshield if it's hit by a rock or another object. Comprehensive also helps cover damage from perils such as fire, theft, falling objects or hail.

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.

Is a tire blowout comprehensive or collision?

The type of insurance that covers accidents involving tire blowouts is called comprehensive insurance. This insurance is used when factors other than an accident or collision caused damaged to your vehicle, which are covered under collision insurance.

Will my insurance go up if I hit an object?

Insurance companies consider hitting an object in the road to be an accident. Unfortunately, that means you will need to use your collision coverage, the incident will be considered your fault, and you'll likely see an increase in premium.

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

Yes, a comprehensive claim might increase your rate, depending on your insurer and state. Comprehensive claims include non-collision events like car theft, car vandalism, car fire, chipped/cracked windshield, hitting an animal, and acts of nature.

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.

What is a good collision deductible?

$500 is the most common car insurance deductible. Not every type of car insurance coverage uses a deductible. A higher car deductible can lower your insurance premium. You pick your deductible when buying insurance.

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.

How can I lower my comprehensive insurance?

13 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
  1. Increase your deductible.
  2. Check for discounts you qualify for.
  3. Compare auto insurance quotes.
  4. Maintain a good driving record.
  5. Participate in a safe driving program.
  6. Take a defensive driving course.
  7. Explore payment options.
  8. Improve your credit score.

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

Yes, insurance rates may go up even if the accident is not your fault, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the types of coverage you have, and your claims history. However, the increase may not be as significant as it would for an at-fault accident.