Comprehensive insurance covers theft, vandalism, weather damage (hail, wind, flooding), animal collisions, broken windshields, and glass damage. It does NOT cover accidents, wear-and-tear, or maintenance. Comprehensive is optional if your car is paid off, but often required by lenders. Cost: $150-$300/year on average.
What does comprehensive insurance actually cover?
Comprehensive covers: theft or attempted theft; vandalism and malicious damage; broken windshield and glass; weather damage (hail, wind, lightning, flooding); fire and explosions; animal collisions (deer, etc.); falling objects (branches, debris); and riots/civil commotion. Each claim is subject to your deductible. Example: hail damage costs $3,000 to repair, you have a $500 deductible → comprehensive pays $2,500, you pay $500. Not covered: accidents (use collision insurance), normal wear-and-tear, mechanical breakdown, maintenance, or damage from omitting upkeep.
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision?
Comprehensive = you hit something or something hits you while parked (theft, vandalism, weather, animal). Collision = you hit another vehicle, a tree, a building, or roll your car. Both require a deductible. Most accidents require collision insurance; most non-accident damage requires comprehensive. You can buy either alone (unusual) or together (standard for financed/leased cars). If your car is financed, your lender typically requires both.
How much does comprehensive insurance cost?
Average comprehensive coverage costs $150-$300/year in most states, though ranges are $100-$500+ depending on location, car value, deductible, and insurer. Newer, more expensive cars cost more to insure comprehensively; older cars are cheaper. Raising your deductible from $250 to $500 or $1,000 lowers comprehensive premiums 10-25%. In high-theft areas (urban centers), comprehensive costs more. Check multiple insurers—comprehensive rates vary widely.
Do I need comprehensive insurance if my car is paid off?
No—it's optional if you own the car outright. You legally only need liability insurance (required by all states). Decide based on: car value (if it's worth $3,000+, comprehensive is worth it for theft/weather protection), your risk tolerance, and whether you could afford repairs out-of-pocket. If you couldn't replace the car easily, keep comprehensive. If your car is old ($2,000 or less), the cost of comprehensive may exceed the car's value; dropping it makes sense. If you have a loan, your lender requires it.
Will comprehensive cover a stolen car?
Yes—if your car is stolen, comprehensive covers the loss minus your deductible. You must report the theft to police (get a police report number) and your insurer. If the car is recovered undamaged, comprehensive pays nothing. If recovered damaged, comprehensive covers repairs minus deductible. If not recovered within 30 days (varies by insurer), most insurers total the loss and pay the actual cash value (ACV) minus deductible. Example: $15,000 car stolen, $500 deductible, ACV $13,000 → you receive $12,500.
Does comprehensive cover vandalism and broken windows?
Yes—vandalism (slashing tires, breaking windows, keying the paint) is covered. Broken or cracked windshield is covered (usually with $0 or low deductible; many insurers waive the deductible for glass-only claims). Hail dents and weather damage are covered. Most insurers offer $0-deductible glass coverage if you have comprehensive, so file glass claims separately without affecting your deductible for other claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is not covered by comprehensive insurance?
Collisions with vehicles or objects (collision insurance covers that), wear-and-tear, mechanical breakdowns, missed maintenance, intentional damage you cause, and damage from driving through standing water (flood) in some states—check your policy. Rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance are optional add-ons, not included in base comprehensive.
Can I lower my comprehensive insurance cost?
Raise your deductible ($500 or $1,000 instead of $250 saves 10-25%). Drop it if your car is worth less than 10x the annual premium. Get quotes from multiple insurers—rates vary 30-50% for the same coverage.
Does comprehensive cover hitting a deer?
Yes—animal collisions (hitting a deer, moose, etc.) are covered under comprehensive, not collision. Report to your insurer with details (date, location, police report if available). Repair costs are subject to your deductible.
Is windshield replacement covered with full deductible?
Depends on your policy. Many insurers offer $0-deductible glass coverage if you have comprehensive. Check your declarations page; if glass deductible isn't listed separately, you pay your regular deductible ($250-$1,000). Some insurers offer free glass replacement at in-network shops.
If my car is financed, is comprehensive required?
Yes—lenders require both comprehensive and collision as a condition of the loan. You cannot legally drop either without the lender's permission (which they won't give). Once the loan is paid off, you can drop both.