All US states, except New Hampshire, require their drivers to take out liability insurance for legal driving. However, collision and comprehensiveness are optional, despite the fact that almost four out of five drivers decide to buy this insurance. What is covered under comprehensive auto insurance?
What is comprehensive insurance?
Comprehensive insurance (also known as ‘other than collision’ in some states) covers damage to your car caused by events beyond your control. Includes items such as theft, vandalism, glass and windscreen damage, fire, animal accidents, weather conditions / acts of nature, etc. Optional insurance is comprehensive.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage caused by accidents other than a car accident, including theft, fire, vandalism, weather, falling objects and animal damage. This is not required by law, but it may be a good idea depending on the value of the car you drive. In fact, drivers of leased or financed cars are often required to obtain this insurance to protect the investment of the car owner or lender. Although the driver is not covered by collision insurance, he usually must have collision insurance to be able to take out comprehensive protection.
How much it costs?
For the average driver, comprehensiveness is usually a fairly affordable price. Of course, it varies depending on the vehicle and driver, but in general, what you get is usually worth the cost. Even replacing your windshield can cost several hundred dollars if you don’t have insurance and broken windows are not uncommon. Contact an insurance agent for information about the benefits of comprehensive protection. It can potentially save thousands of dollars on pocket car costs.
Does comprehensive car insurance count as a breakdown or a responsible accident?
Comprehensive protection claims are usually not considered to be responsible accidents.
Responsible accidents would be covered by part of the civil liability or collision insurance, not by the comprehensive protection section.
One of the obscure parts of comprehensive insurance coverage that is not similar to all other insured risks that are covered by comprehensive protection is protection against the impact of an animal.
If you hit a marmot, squirrel, elk or even a deer in a car, then hitting the animal is covered by a comprehensive car insurance policy.
This is a rare opportunity that you hit something while driving and this is not considered a responsible accident. Most states and insurance companies do not recognize this type of claim as a responsible accident. Contact your insurance company to find out how they see it and make sure there won’t be any fees associated with a comprehensive claim.
