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Compare comprehensive car insurance
Protect yourself from car damage that’s beyond your control with comprehensive coverage.
What is comprehensive car insurance?
Comprehensive coverage typically kicks in for anything other than a collision with another car. Think of comprehensive car insurance as protection against some of the more unexpected damages that can happen.
What’s covered by comprehensive car insurance?
Damages covered by comprehensive insurance can include:
- Vandalism and theft
- Weather-related incidents
- Damage from animals
- Natural disasters
- Explosions and fire
- Glass damage
- Falling objects
- Terrorism
What isn’t covered by comprehensive car insurance?
You’ll need a different policy type for other kinds of damages, including:
- Hit-and-run. Collision coverage is necessary for protection against a hit-and-run.
- Rental car. A separate type of coverage is needed for rental car reimbursement.
- Car crash. Whether you are at fault or the other driver is, a car crash is covered by collision insurance.
Comprehensive typically covers you for anything other than an accident. You’ll need other types of insurance for everything else. For example, liability insurance pays for damages you may have caused to another driver in an accident, and collision car insurance covers your car repair bill.
When you combine liability, comprehensive and collision policies, you get what’s called full coverage insurance.
Do I need comprehensive car insurance?
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.
Consider adding comprehensive in these scenarios.
- You finance your car. Financed cars are typically required to have comprehensive and collision coverage by lenders.
- You live in an area with high rates of car theft. Collision and liability coverage won’t do you any good against theft.
- Your city has a high incidence of animal collisions. Deer and other especially large animals can cause massive damage to your car, and comprehensive insurance can help cover it.
- Your area has the potential for severe storms. Damages from hail storms, flooding or tornadoes are all typically included in comprehensive policies.
Choose from a long list of discounts and coverage for almost any driver.
Our top pick: Progressive
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How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, comprehensive coverage costs an average of $134 a year when added to your existing policy. 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 rates from a few providers.
Does comprehensive car insurance come with a deductible?
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 are willing to pay out of your own pocket. The higher you set your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums will be.
Case study: Comprehensive coverage in action
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. You’re now stuck with a repair bill of $5,000. Luckily, you have comprehensive coverage. After you pay your $500 deductible, your insurance covers the additional $4,500 for your car repair.
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Bottom line
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 different providers.
Frequently asked questions about comprehensive coverage
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