Best cheap coverage: Progressive
- Broad coverage
- Transparent pricing tools
- Accident forgiveness on small claims
- Stack a variety of discounts for multiple cars
Comprehensive coverage typically kicks in to help you cover the cost of repairing your car after damage from anything other than a collision with another car. Comprehensive car insurance isn’t legally required, but acts as protection against some of the more unexpected — and uncontrollable — damages that can happen.
Comprehensive insurance protects your car for almost anything other than a collision accident. Damage that’s covered by comprehensive insurance can include:
Comprehensive coverage costs an average of $134 a year when added to your existing policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Often you’ll find that comprehensive and collision insurance have to be bought together, which adds another $290 on average.
But many insurers also offer roadside assistance for free with comprehensive coverage, which is an added plus. The best way to find the cheapest comprehensive policy is to compare quotes from a few companies.
Comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible. You’ll choose how much you want your deductible to be when you’re buying insurance.
To decide what your deductible should be, weigh how much car repairs could cost against how much you’re willing to pay out of your own pocket. The higher you set your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums will be.
At $167 per month, Travelers comes in as the cheapest car insurance company for policies with comprehensive coverage, catering to a broad range of drivers. Progressive brings the second cheapest comprehensive policy at $171 per month.
However, the cheapest overall is USAA at $165 per month, but you’ll have to qualify as a member of the military first.
Company | Annual premium | Monthly rate |
---|---|---|
USAA | $1,980 | $165 |
Travelers | $2,005 | $167 |
Progressive | $2,047 | $171 |
Geico | $2,552 | $213 |
Nationwide | $2,674 | $223 |
Allstate | $2,723 | $227 |
State Farm | 2,869 | $239 |
Farmers | $2,972 | $248 |
Liberty Mutual | $3,213 | $268 |
Unlike liability insurance, you’re not legally required to have comprehensive coverage — regardless of the state you live in. But that doesn’t mean you won’t need it, or that you shouldn’t otherwise get it. You might want to opt for comprehensive insurance if: The biggest reason you might want to pass on comprehensive insurance is the value of your car. If your car isn’t worth much, it could cost more to keep up insurance than it would to put aside money for repairs or another car. A good way to tell if your car is worth enough to get comprehensive coverage is to compare the cost of your annual premium and deductible to your car’s value. If the premium and deductible combined are more than your car’s worth, you may be better off without. However, consider whether you have the cash reserves for another car or a backup car to get around if your lower-value car gets stolen or totaled for a covered reason. You always park your car on the street after coming home from work. One night, a tree falls on your car, smashing the hood of your car, and you’re stuck with a $5,000 repair bill. After you pay your $500 deductible for your comprehensive coverage, your insurance covers the additional $4,500 for your car repair. A car insurance policy with just comprehensive coverage isn’t considered full coverage. However, when you combine all state-mandated coverage like liability as well as comprehensive and collision, you get what’s called full coverage insurance. You’ll need a different policy type for other kinds of damages, including: Compare car insurance companies near you. Your information is secure. Comprehensive coverage offers protection against noncollision auto damage. It can offer peace of mind knowing you’re covered when the unexpected happens. To find the best price, compare car insurance companies.Compare comprehensive car insurance
Do I need comprehensive car insurance?
When to consider comprehensive coverage
When to consider skipping comprehensive coverage
Case study: How comprehensive coverage works
Is comprehensive insurance considered full coverage?
What isn’t covered by comprehensive car insurance?
Get the cheapest quotes
Bottom line
Common questions about comprehensive coverage
This insurer has four dental plans to choose from — compare costs and features now.
You can pay for car insurance in Bitcoin, even if your insurer doesn’t accept it yet.
Here’s where to get financial help for yourself and your business if you’ve been affected by the storm in February 2021.
Learn cost-sharing terms to find out how much you’ll really pay for healthcare.
Compare pros and cons of selling on Poshmark vs. Tradesy to help you get the most for your secondhand clothing, shoes and accessories.
This fintech just branched out into low-cost life insurance — but its lineup is limited.
Get an incentive to meet your existing health and fitness goals with a discounted premium.
Find unusually low face values for a whole life policy, ideal for supplemental insurance.
A health savings account (HSA) can help you get prepared for your retirement. Learn more.
Compare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance for every Medicare plan in 2021.