Comprehensive coverage (sometimes listed as “other than collision), covers most incidents that are not covered under your cars collision coverage. Comprehensive covers occurances such as: fire, theft, vandalism, glass breakage, flood, storm damage, deer strikes, etc. Comprehensive coverage will not pay for collision incidents to your vehicle such as hitting another car or backing into a pole. Coverage for this type of occurrence would be covered under your auto’s collision coverage.
Usually comprehensive coverage is less expensive than collision coverage. Comprehensive can also be purchased independently of collision coverage. In most cases, there’s not a big difference in deductibles. For a few dollars more you can have a lower deductible. For example, if you have a $500 comprehensive deductible and crack your windshield, most if not all of the cost to replace your windshield will be out of pocket. Usually, comprehensive claims will not cause an increase to your car insurance, although, most insurance companies do look at frequency of claims. Too many claims of any kind could cause an insurance company to non-renew your policy.
Comprehensive coverage is not required by law, If you have a loan on your car, the lein holder may require you to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their interes in your car.
