Many people only think about collisions and third-party covers when insuring their cars. While collisions are the most common accidents, there are still several things that can happen to your car. For example, hail damage, fire, theft, and vandalism.
Getting your car covered against these events can give you peace of mind knowing you’re still covered despite the calamity.
So, if you’re considering getting cover for calamity and other accidents that are not collision related, you need comprehensive car insurance. Read on to learn about comprehensive car insurance and what it covers.
What Is a Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive car insurance covers you against calamities and natural disasters that are beyond your control. It covers your car against damages caused by vandalism, fire, hail damage, and theft.
The coverage is also known as ‘other than collision’ because it covers the damages that are not collision related.
For example, if you hit a tree or another vehicle while driving, this will be considered a collision, and your comprehensive insurance will not cover it.
However, if a tree falls on your car while parked, your comprehensive insurance will cover the repair costs or replacement.
Getting comprehensive insurance for your car is not a state requirement but rather an optional decision. If you own your vehicle outright, you’ll not need to get comprehensive insurance.
However, if you get financing, the loaning company will make it mandatory to have comprehensive insurance.
You’ll also not have to select your insurance limit because you’ll pay depending on the actual value of your car. If you own an old car that has lost most of its value, there’s no need to waste your money paying for comprehensive insurance.
What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive insurance covers the damages to your vehicle other than that of collision. For example, if you’re driving and an animal crosses the road out of nowhere, comprehensive insurance will cover you if you hit it. However, if you hit a tree or another vehicle, your comprehensive insurance will not cover you.
Some of the things that comprehensive insurance covers include:
• Fire
• Hail and floods damage
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Hitting an animal
• Glass breakage
• Falling objects
What Comprehensive Insurance Doesn’t Cover
While you’ll need to add comprehensive insurance to your existing third-party insurance, it will not cover anything not mentioned above. Some of the things that comprehensive insurance will not cover include:
• Damages from a collision
• Stolen property from your car
• Damages to another car from a collision
• Aging and car wear out
• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Legal fees
Another thing you should know is that comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover every damage that occurs from the events above.
For example, if a tree falls on your tree, comprehensive insurance will cover the damages to some extent. Some of the things your comprehensive car insurance will not cover are:
• Windshield wipers
• Tires
• Brakes
• Belts and hoses
Why Should You Get a Comprehensive Insurance?
Many people don’t think comprehensive insurance is worth it. Well, natural disasters are not common, and you might not get a chance to use the coverage. However, no one knows when such accidents may hit, and it’s good to be prepared.
Here are some reasons you shouldn’t think twice about getting your car covered under comprehensive insurance.
Your Insurance Needs Are Covered
Unlike third-party insurance, which only covers injuries and damages to a third party in case of an accident, comprehensive coverage takes care of everything.
It includes damages to your vehicle as well as third-party damages and injuries. You will have your vehicle covered, other vehicle damages, and occupants involved.
Tailor Your Coverage
If your car is severely damaged and you can’t get a repair or a replacement on time, your comprehensive coverage will have your back.
Depending on your premium amount, you can get a car rental or alternative transport means covered under comprehensive.
Most insurance companies offer up to 14 days of car rental if you’re car is stolen. They can also cover emergency transport or accommodation if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
So, if you can’t go through your day-to-day activities without a car, your comprehensive insurance will have your back.
Peace of Mind
While car theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters are rare, it doesn’t mean they don’t happen. Whenever you leave your car unattended, you’ll always be worried about its safety.
However, with comprehensive insurance in place, all your worries will be taken care of. You can rest easy knowing that there’s a cover against any unexpected events.
Save Money
With comprehensive insurance coverage, you can rest easy knowing that most of your expenses from car damage are covered.
Even though the premiums are higher than third-party insurance, you’ll definitely see the benefits when you need the coverage.
You’ll not have to dig deep into your pocket to repair your car when an incident occurs.
Assistance and Support
Your comprehensive coverage can earn you roadside assistance or support if you’re stuck. If you get into an accident or any other calamity, you can call your insurance provider to help tow your car to the garage.
They can then guide you on filing a claim and ensure you get your compensation as soon as possible.
While some of these services are minor things that you rarely think about, they can come in handy when you need them.
Bottom Line
Comprehensive insurance offers you the financial support you need in times of need. Whether your car gets stolen, vandalized during a riot, or damaged by natural disasters, your comprehensive coverage will have your back. With this insurance, you’re assured that you won’t cover the damages or replacement costs of your car out of your pocket.
However, before you take this insurance, make sure you weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks. For example, you should consider the fact that comprehensive insurance won’t cover you if you get into an accident with another vehicle or hit an object.
Also, this coverage won’t be worth it if you have an old car that has lost most of its value.
With all these in mind, you can make an informed decision before you get your insurance coverage. Keep in mind that comprehensive car insurance isn’t mandatory.
