Comprehensive Coverage
Auto insurance that covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, weather, or animal strikes.
What You Need to Know
Comprehensive coverage (often called "comp") protects your car from damage not caused by collisions. It's the "other stuff" insuranceโeverything except hitting something or rolling over.
What Comprehensive Covers:
- Theft or attempted theft
- Vandalism and malicious mischief
- Weather damage (hail, flood, hurricane, tornado)
- Falling objects (trees, rocks, debris)
- Fire and explosions
- Civil disturbance/riots
- Animal strikes (deer, moose, etc.)
- Glass breakage (windshield)
What It Doesn't Cover:
- Collisions with vehicles or objects (that's collision coverage)
- Normal wear and tear
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Personal belongings inside the car (use homeowners/renters insurance)
Typical Deductibles:
- $250 (higher premium)
- $500 (most common)
- $1,000 (lower premium)
Rate Impact: Comprehensive claims usually cause little to no rate increase (0-10%) because they're not your fault. However, multiple claims can still affect your rates.
Should You Buy It?
Yes if:
- Your car is worth > $5,000
- You have a loan/lease (usually required)
- You live in areas with high theft, hail, or deer
- You park on the street
Consider dropping if:
- Car value < $3,000
- Older vehicle you could afford to replace
- Annual premium + deductible > 20% of car value
Real Example: Car worth $4,000, comp premium $300/year, $500 deductible. Max payout: $3,500. Over 10 years, you pay $3,000 in premiums. Not worth itโdrop coverage and self-insure.
Sources & References
This information is sourced from authoritative government and academic institutions:
- naic.org
https://www.naic.org/consumer.htm
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Related Terms in Insurance & Risk Management
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How often you file insurance claims, measured as claims per year (e.g., 0.2 = 1 claim every 5 years).
Claim Severity
The average dollar amount paid out per insurance claim, indicating the size/cost of losses.
Collision Coverage
Auto insurance that covers damage to your vehicle from crashes with other cars or objects, regardless of who's at fault.
Insurance Premium
The amount you pay (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to maintain active insurance coverage.
Pet Insurance
Insurance coverage for veterinary expenses and pet health care, ranging from routine visits to emergency surgery.
Risk Management
The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to your financial security and goals.