In this guide
Comprehensive car insurance pays to repair or replace your car when it is damaged by something other than a collision, such as theft, fire, hail, flooding, vandalism, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It is optional by law but usually required by lenders and lessors. It pays up to your car's actual cash value, minus your deductible, and it does not cover wear and tear or mechanical failure.
Key takeaways
- Comprehensive covers non-collision damage to your own car, including theft, weather, fire, vandalism, and animal strikes.
- It is not required by state law, but lenders and lessors typically require it with collision.
- Payment is capped at actual cash value, and you pay your deductible first.
- It does not cover mechanical breakdowns, normal wear, or other people's property.
- For older cars, Triple-I suggests weighing the premium against what the coverage might pay.
What comprehensive covers
The NAIC describes comprehensive coverage as covering damage to your car not caused by a collision, such as theft, hail, windstorm, flood, fire, or hitting an animal. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) lists theft and non-collision damage from events like fire, flood, vandalism, hail, and falling objects. The NAIC also refers to it as "Other Than Collision" coverage.
| Event | Typically covered by comprehensive? |
|---|---|
| Car stolen | Yes |
| Hail or windstorm damage | Yes |
| Flood damage | Yes, in most policies |
| Fire | Yes |
| Vandalism or break-in damage | Yes |
| Hitting a deer or other animal | Yes |
| Tree branch or object falling on the car | Yes |
| Cracked windshield from road debris | Often yes, but deductible rules vary by state and policy |
| Hitting another car or a guardrail | No, that is collision |
| Engine failure or normal wear | No |
Policy wording differs, so your declarations page and policy are the final word. See our overview of car insurance coverage types for how it fits with other coverages.
Comprehensive vs. collision
These two optional coverages are often sold together, and each covers a different set of events. The NAIC says collision covers damage from hitting another vehicle, an object, a pothole, or a rollover. Triple-I adds that collision does not cover mechanical failure or normal wear.
- Comprehensive: theft and non-collision damage.
- Collision: damage from a crash or rollover, regardless of who is at fault.
Hitting an animal is a good example of a gray area people ask about. The NAIC lists hitting an animal under comprehensive, while swerving to avoid one and hitting a tree is usually treated as collision. Check how your policy defines it. For the other half of the pair, read collision coverage: what it covers and when to drop it.
What comprehensive does not cover
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown and normal wear and tear.
- Tires worn out by use, though tire damage from vandalism or a covered event may be covered.
- Personal belongings stolen from the car. These are usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance, not auto, though policies differ. See renters insurance: what it covers.
- Injuries to people. Medical coverage comes from other parts of your policy, such as medical payments coverage.
- Damage to other people's property. That is liability coverage.
- Custom equipment or modifications that are not listed or endorsed on the policy, in many cases.
Watch out: Comprehensive pays only up to your car's actual cash value. If you owe more than that on a loan, consider whether gap insurance could apply. Also note that rental cars and roadside help are usually separate add-ons.
How payment works
When you file a comprehensive claim, the insurer typically evaluates the damage and either pays to repair the car or, if the cost is too high compared with its value, treats it as a total loss. In either case, the amount is reduced by your deductible. If the car is totaled, you receive its actual cash value, which reflects its age, mileage, and condition just before the loss.
- Report the loss to your insurer. For theft or vandalism, file a police report as well.
- Document the damage with photos.
- Get an estimate or have an adjuster inspect the car.
- Pay your deductible when the repair is done or the claim is settled.
- If the car is totaled, review the valuation and ask for the supporting comparable-vehicle data.
More detail is in how car insurance claims work and what happens when your car is totaled.
Deductibles
Comprehensive has its own deductible, separate from collision on most policies. Triple-I estimates that moving from a $200 to a $500 deductible could cut collision and comprehensive costs by 15% to 30%, and a $1,000 deductible could cut them by 40% or more. Higher deductibles lower the premium but increase what you pay after a loss, so choose an amount you could afford. Our article on how car insurance deductibles work goes deeper.
Some states or insurers treat glass claims differently, offering low or zero deductibles for windshield repair or replacement. Ask your insurer how glass is handled.
When comprehensive is required or worth keeping
Required
No state requires comprehensive. But the NAIC says lenders typically require comprehensive and collision together while you have an auto loan, and lease agreements usually require them too. If you drop required coverage on a financed car, a lender may buy coverage and add the cost to your loan, and the Texas Department of Insurance notes that this coverage is expensive and protects only the lender. See car insurance for leased and financed cars.
Worth considering
- Your car is financed or leased.
- You live in an area with hail, flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or high theft rates.
- You park on the street or in a high-risk area.
- You could not comfortably replace the car from savings.
- You often drive where wildlife is common.
When people reconsider
Triple-I suggests considering dropping collision or comprehensive if the car is worth less than 10 times the annual premium for that coverage. The NAIC suggests comparing the car's value and the cost to repair or replace it with the premium you would save before canceling. Because the insurer subtracts your deductible, the actual benefit can be lower still. Read more in full coverage vs. liability-only car insurance.
It is possible to keep comprehensive and drop collision with some insurers, since comprehensive is often priced differently. Ask your insurer what is allowed. Comparing quotes from several insurers with identical deductibles can show how much comprehensive adds.
Factors that affect comprehensive pricing
- Vehicle make, model, and value. Cars that are costly to repair or frequently stolen may cost more to cover.
- Location. Areas with more theft, vandalism, or severe weather generally have higher comprehensive costs.
- Deductible. A higher deductible usually lowers the price.
- Anti-theft devices. Some insurers offer discounts, so ask what applies.
- Claim history. Insurers may treat comprehensive claims differently from at-fault accidents, depending on the state and company.
See how insurers calculate your car insurance rate for the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Does comprehensive cover theft of items inside my car?
Usually not. Personal belongings are generally covered by renters or homeowners insurance. Comprehensive covers the car itself and sometimes attached parts. Check your policy.
Is hitting a deer covered by comprehensive?
Yes, typically. The NAIC lists hitting an animal under comprehensive coverage. Your deductible still applies.
Will a comprehensive claim raise my rates?
It can, depending on your insurer and state. Many consider comprehensive claims less of a driving-risk signal than at-fault accidents, but practices vary. Ask your insurer.
Do I need comprehensive if my car is old?
Not necessarily. If you own the car outright and it is worth little, you might drop it. Triple-I offers a rule of thumb about comparing the car's value with 10 times the annual premium.
Does comprehensive cover flood damage?
Typically yes. The NAIC lists flood among comprehensive events. Confirm your policy's wording, especially for storm surge or hurricane-related losses.
Sources
- NAIC – What Does Auto Insurance Cover?
- NAIC – "Declarations" of Saving
- Insurance Information Institute – Auto insurance basics: understanding your coverage
- Insurance Information Institute – Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs
- Texas Department of Insurance – Auto insurance guide
General information only. This guide explains general concepts and is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and prices vary by state and insurer. Check your policy documents and speak to a licensed insurance professional or your state insurance department about your situation.