Comprehensive or “other than collision” coverage assists in covering damage caused by events outside of a collision, such as flooding and tornadoes or falling objects like tree limbs. It provides relief against such costs.
Collision coverage provides more comprehensive protection. However, theft and vandalism coverage costs more.
Damage from Natural Disasters
With recent extreme weather events across the nation, now is an excellent time to remember that comprehensive coverage protects drivers against damage to their vehicles caused by non-collision incidents such as floods, tornadoes and hurricanes that cause significant property damage – flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes in particular can wreak havoc with cars and property alike – including flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes as well as theft and vandalism losses. Furthermore, comprehensive coverage pays out damages caused by deer collisions – each year over 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur!
Insurance can save you money in repair and replacement costs if you live in an area prone to natural disasters that aren’t covered by collision coverage, while comprehensive coverage can protect against high value vehicles that you lease or finance from lenders requiring comprehensive protection policies on their cars.
Comprehensive auto policies typically cover up to the current market value of your car minus any applicable deductible. In the event that it is declared totaled by its insurer, they typically will issue you a check for its original market value at time of destruction, which can help mitigate unexpected expenses.
If your vehicle is damaged by natural disaster, filing an insurance claim as soon as possible after the event can help ensure faster repairs or replacements. Many insurers offer mobile apps and online filing options which make the process faster than having to call an agent directly.
Though comprehensive insurance typically costs more than minimum required coverage, it could be well worth your while if your car has high value or you live in an area prone to natural disasters. To determine this for yourself, think about its total value as well as speaking to an agent about any policies offered by your provider.
Damage from Animals
Damage from animals to cars is often highly costly. When hitting an unsuspecting squirrel or rabbit on the road, hitting them could result in expensive repair bills as well as possible medical expenses for you and your passengers. Larger animals like deer can do even more damage and even total your vehicle completely – collisions with animals ranking among one of the top forms of car insurance claims.
At first glance, comprehensive policies seem like the ideal solution when you hit an animal – they cover the cost of repairs to both you and your passengers’ vehicles while covering injuries sustained due to natural causes (ie animal hitting vehicle) which also fall under comprehensive coverage. But filing multiple comprehensive claims in quick succession may increase car insurance rates dramatically.
Comprehensive car insurance extends beyond covering collisions with animals; it also protects you against physical damage to your car caused by falling objects, fires, storm damage or vandalism that wasn’t directly caused by another stationary object or another vehicle. These events include falling objects, fires, storm damage and vandalism – the type of which depends on which insurance provider it comes from; for more details please review your policy documents or consult a Western car insurance expert in order to better understand what types of damages it covers.
Rodents can be particularly insidious in their damage to vehicle. Rodents have the ability to chew through wires and nest in various parts of your car’s structure causing costly repairs; to make sure this damage is covered under your comprehensive policy it would be wise to double check with them first.
Whenever an animal that is domestic – like a dog or horse – causes you harm, your insurance company may pursue compensation against its owner through homeowners insurance as their negligence in allowing their animal to roam free can result in accidents.
Damage from Other Cars
When your vehicle is being repaired for comprehensive damage, rental reimbursement coverage from your insurer may cover rental car expenses. Otherwise, out-of-pocket rentals might have to be paid for separately; and upon picking up the repaired vehicle after repairs have been completed, your comprehensive deductible must be paid.
Consider whether comprehensive coverage is worth your while before adding it to your auto policy. Take into account factors like the value of your vehicle, your ability and affordability of repairs/replacement expenses out-of-pocket should something go wrong, and where you live (e.g. if there is frequent hail or crime in your region, comprehensive may be worthwhile).
Comprehensive claims typically involve damage caused by nature such as flooding and tornadoes, as well as non-event related incidents such as break-ins and vandalism. Comprehensive coverage could prove especially invaluable if you own an expensive newer vehicle that needs financing or leasing agreements that include comprehensive and collision coverage provisions as part of their contracts.
Additionally, comprehensive coverage may help with covering costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle, such as extended glass coverage or roadside assistance policies. While these types of policies tend to come with higher deductibles than comprehensive, they can offer peace of mind knowing your car is usually protected against most instances. Hearst Autos Research, produced independently from Hearst Corporation, provides articles about cars and the automotive industry in general that help consumers make educated purchasing decisions. For more information visit Hearst Autos for more details; all rights are reserved by Hearst Corporation 2018. All rights are reserved by Hearst Corporation 2018. All rights are reserved by all parties involved.
Damage from Collisions
Car accidents cannot always be avoided, but by taking precautions and selecting coverage that will help reduce risk, the damage or loss can be minimized. Collision coverage is typically required by lenders when leasing or financing your vehicle; comprehensive insurance may provide added peace of mind by covering incidents not caused by collision, such as natural disasters, weather events (like hail or wind), fire theft vandalism. It may even cover one-off accidents like hitting a deer.
Comprehending whether to include comprehensive coverage can be difficult. While adding the extra protection may increase your overall rate, having comprehensive protection may provide peace of mind if you own an expensive car or live in an area prone to frequent natural disasters or weather events.
Consider this scenario: A tree limb falls onto your car during a storm, causing significant damage that would not fall under collision insurance, but instead would likely fall under comprehensive policy coverage. Your insurer would review any damages and repair or replace your vehicle accordingly, paying any deductibles that need to be met first before offering you compensation for its true market value minus the deductible amount.
Comprehensive insurance is often an essential form of coverage, covering costs associated with other incidents like deer running into your front end and shattering a headlight. To keep yourself protected against unexpected expenses in case anything happens while driving, regular reviews of your coverage needs must be performed and as driving habits and cars age change as well as more experience gained behind the wheel is gained.
