Among the many coverages available for auto insurance policies, comprehensive coverage is one of the most common yet misunderstood types of coverage. This insurance generally comes as part of a full coverage auto insurance policy, but it is important to know the difference between this coverage and your other available coverage.
Overall, comprehensive coverage covers all physical damage to your vehicle except collision. If you accidentally hit another moving vehicle or vice versa, for example, you will not be covered under comprehensive coverage. Instead, damages for this collision will fall under your collision coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverages often come hand in hand, as both deal with physical damage to your vehicle.
For the most part, accidents involving other vehicles will be covered under collision coverage. This includes if you collide with another object, as well, such as running over a median or hitting a traffic sign.
Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers practically all other dangers. It covers damages to your vehicle caused by:
- Fire
- Wind
- Hail
- Lightning
- Explosions
- Falling objects
- Theft
- Vandalism
If your vehicle is stolen, it should be covered under your comprehensive coverage. The same applies if something falls on your windshield. For example, say a storm sweeps in and a tree in your front yard is blown by the rough winds. A weak limb snaps and shatters your windshield. Despite the fact that the branch collided with your windshield, this is not considered a collision. Instead, it is a comprehensive coverage accident. This is because you were not operating the vehicle at the time. If you had driven into the same tree, for example, that would be considered a collision accident.
Does Comprehensive Coverage Cover Flooding?
Unlike many property coverages, comprehensive coverage typically does cover water damage to your vehicle. If a bad storm causes floods to disrupt or destroy your vehicle’s engine, you may be covered under comprehensive coverage.
Make sure that your limits for both comprehensive and collision coverage are as you need them. Not even all full coverage policies are created equally, and low limits can leave you with gaps in your coverage. You can also set your deductible for these coverages. A high comprehensive and collision deductible may save you money on monthly car insurance premiums, but it also may mean paying more out of pocket if you have to file a car insurance claim.