Comprehensive car insurance is an optional add-on that covers things other than car accidents — like weather damage, vehicle theft, glass breakage and animal collisions. If you experience a loss that stems from something other than a typical car accident, you would need to file a claim under the comprehensive coverage part of your policy for the damage.
What is comprehensive coverage and what does it cover?
Comprehensive covers repairing or replacing your vehicle when it is damaged from an incident other than colliding with another vehicle or stationary object. You’ve probably come across the term “full coverage” in reference to car insurance; comprehensive coverage is part of a full coverage policy. These policies generally also include collision insurance in addition to state-required liability coverage.
Examples of typical vehicle damage covered by comprehensive include:
- Weather-related damage like hail, fires and floods
- Damage from hitting an animal
- Theft
- Vandalism and riots
- Glass breakage (windshield and windows)
- Fire
- Falling objects, such as a tree limb
Comprehensive coverage does not cover the normal wear and tear on your vehicle. For example, when you need new tires or brake pads, you would pay for these maintenance items out of pocket or through another warranty program. It also does not include damage to your vehicle from hitting a vehicle or object. If there is another vehicle involved, then it falls under collision.
Reasons to consider comprehensive coverage
If your vehicle is financed or leased, you will almost certainly be required to carry full coverage car insurance to financially protect the lender’s investment in your vehicle. Although it adds to the cost of your policy, it gives you additional coverage to repair damage to your vehicle that minimum coverage car insurance doesn’t offer.
Conversely, full coverage may not be worth the cost if your car is old or needs repairs. In those cases, the cost of full coverage car insurance may outweigh the benefits. Speaking with your insurance agent can help you decide if the cost of coverage is worth it for your specific vehicle and circumstances. Comprehensive coverage is generally cheaper than collision, so most experts recommend keeping comprehensive coverage, even if your vehicle isn’t worth much.
When should I file a comprehensive claim?
Knowing when to file a comprehensive claim means understanding how much your deductible – the amount you pay out of pocket – is before filing the claim. If the cost to repair your vehicle is less than your deductible amount, you won’t be able to file a claim. If the repair costs are only slightly higher than your deductible amount, it may not be worth filing a claim and risking a premium increase upon your auto policy’s renewal.
We had a hail storm roll through our town that left us (and most vehicles in our area) with hail damage. The damage to our vehicle was pretty noticeable. We had a full coverage policy, so we filed a claim under the comprehensive coverage part of the policy. In the end, we were awarded several thousand dollars.
— Rebekah H., Bankrate Staffer
How to file a comprehensive claim
If you choose to file a claim under your comprehensive coverage, here’s how it works:
- Contact a customer service representative or your local agent through the mobile app, online or a phone call and inform them of the situation.
- Submit any documentation, such as pictures, videos or papers related to your claim. If your vehicle was stolen or vandalized, you’ll likely need to submit a police report as part of the claims process.
- If your insurance provider asks, get estimates from local repair shops. You may choose to do this before you file a claim to help you decide if filing a claim is worth it based on the estimated costs.
- Check regularly for updates from your agent for documentation requests. Once the calim is approved, your insurer will issue you or the repair shop a check for the work, minus your deductible.
Learn more: Filing a car insurance claim
Frequently asked questions
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While comprehensive and collision insurance are often lumped together in a full coverage policy, they are two different coverage options. Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision, such as damage from hail storms or hitting an animal. Collision coverage covers damage from colliding with another vehicle or object. Examples of collision coverage include being involved in an accident with another vehicle or hitting a mailbox or tree. Both comprehensive and collision have their own deductibles.
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Filing a comprehensive claim will usually increase your rates, but typically not as much as a collision claim. If you’re worried about a rate increase, you can discuss the potential premium surcharge your agent before filing a claim. If the cost of repairs is only slightly higher than your deductible, you may be better off paying out of pocket to avoid a rate increase.
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Most lenders require you to keep comprehensive coverage for as long as you are financing or leasing your vehicle. Once you own your vehicle outright, then you may consider dropping it. If you live in a state with hail storms, lots of wildlife, high crime rates or flooding, then you may want to consider keeping it as long as your budget allows. Another rule of thumb is to calculate if your car is worth 10 times the premium or more; if it is not, comprehensive coverage may not be financially worth carrying, according to Triple-I.
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If you’re looking for affordable comprehensive car insurance, it is often helpful to shop around and obtain quotes from multiple providers. Rates can vary, sometimes drastically, from one carrier to the next. However, it’s important to compare the same coverage options and deductible levels to ensure you are getting a true side-by-side comparison. It may also benefit you to ask about any car insurance discounts you may qualify for, both with your current insurer and any prospective carriers, as many carriers offer a variety of ways for drivers to save on their premiums.
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No single company will always offer you the cheapest prices on full coverage or any other car insurance. Your rate will be determined by a variety of factors that are unique to you, from your driving history to the make and model of your car. To find the cheapest option for your needs, it can be helpful to start with a list of insurers who are known for offering the cheapest full coverage policies and ask for quotes from several of them to see which one offers you the lowest rate.
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It comes down to your deductible and your premium. If the cost of repairing your vehicle is close to or below your deductible, it may not be worth it (or possible) to file a claim. On the other hand, if the damage is higher than your policy deductible, it may be more cost-effective to file a claim. Keep in mind that filing a claim will likely increase the cost of your policy when it renews.
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