What is covered by comprehensive auto insurance?

Comprehensive insurance for your automobile covers all types of damage related to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision.

Comprehensive auto insurance protects your vehicle from the elements, such as hail or wind damage, it covers the cost of your vehicle when it is stolen, it covers damage if you hit a deer, and it will cover damage caused by vandalism. It covers a wide array of other perils, but you shouldn’t assume it covers your vehicle for everything.

Requirements

While no states require comprehensive coverage, it may be required if there is a lien on your vehicle. Lenders want protect their investment.

Deductibles

Deductible ranges for comprehensive auto insurance vary, from as low as $100 for some policies, to $1,000 or even more, depending on the value of your vehicle. If your vehicle isn’t worth a lot, it may not make sense to carry comprehensive coverage, especially if you have a high deductible.

Environmental protection

Comprehensive auto insurance is recommended if you live in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or floods. Hail can also do a lot of expensive damage to your vehicle.

Deer collisions are another area to make sure you are covered for if you drive in certain areas. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there are over 1.5 million deer and vehicle collisions every year, which results in over $1 billion in damage.

Theft

If you live in an area where theft is common, especially if you have valuable vehicle, comprehensive insurance could be a good investment. If the vehicle is stolen and the police aren’t able to locate it, your insurance company will cover your vehicle at market value.

What isn’t covered

Comprehensive auto insurance doesn’t cover towing or fixing a flat tire, though there are separate endorsements that will. It also won’t cover aftermarket parts like an upgraded exhaust system or stereo system. If you’ve made a lot of upgrades to your vehicle you should speak with an agent about additional endorsements to cover these items.

Also, if you have your personal property stolen from the vehicle it may not be covered by your auto policy (though you can file a claim through your homeowners policy). Glass damage is another area that comprehensive auto insurance may not cover. While it may pay for body damage caused by things like hail, window damage is excluded under some policies.

To better understand your specific coverage, and to make sure you are protected, speak with the experts at John B. Wright Insurance.