What does comprehensive insurance policy mean? Here you'll learn what comprehensive insurance does and doesn't cover. Comprehensive coverage takes care of damage to your car that is not caused by a collision and helps pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not a traffic accident (vandalism, theft, natural disasters). Collision coverage will help pay your expenses if you lose control on a very slick road and hit a tree or any other obstacle. For the average driver (senior, veteran and even college student), comprehensive is usually a affordable coverage. Comprehensive coverage can be added to your auto insurance policy without collision, but not vice versa. Collision and comprehensive coverage are usually sold as a "discount" package by car insurance companies in the United States. But remember, no U.S state requires you to purchase this coverage types.
Difference between comprehensive coverage and full coverage!
In fact,there is no such thing as "full coverage auto insurance" that covers everything. The right coverage for you should - depending on circumstances - contain general car insurance (liability insurance required by state), comprehensive and collision coverage, Uninsured motorist protection, Underinsured motorist protection, Medical payments coverage, Rental reimbursement, Emergency road service and Gap insurance. What does “Full Coverage" mean? A nicely written definition and explanation is at allstate.com.
What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically cover?
Although the Personal Injury Protection (PIP insurance) is not available in all states, it may be beneficial to have it if you were injured in an traffic accident. PIP expenses generally include medical fees, funeral expenses, hospital bills, disability and lost income. USAA Child Care Expense = $25 per person per day / $750 max. You should always read your policy for more details about your insurance protection. If you live in a state where is PIP coverage required, make sure you're meeting state's minimum requirements. Wikipedia says: PIP is sometimes referred to as "no-fault" coverage, because the statutes enacting it are generally known as no-fault laws.
U.S States with mandatory PIP coverage | |
Arkansas | Michigan |
Delaware | Minnesota |
Florida | New Jersey |
Hawaii | New York |
Kansas | North Dakota |
Kentucky | Oregon |
Maryland | Pennsylvania |
Massachusetts | Utah |
Progressive: Definition
Definition of comprehensive and collision on progressive.com: With collision coverage, your insurance company pays for damage to your auto when you collide with another vehicle or object. If you hit a car, a pole or another nonliving object, collision coverage will apply. Basic liability insurance for every US state is made up of bodily injury and property damage.
Allstate: What's not covered?
What's not covered by comprehensive coverage? Damage to your car from a collision (traffic accident). Damage to another person's car from a collision. Your or your passengers' medical expenses after an automobile accident. More at allstate.com.
- Fire, Theft, Vandalism - it's covered
- Natural disasters (hurricane or a tornado) - it's covered
- Damage done to your car by animals (if you hit a wild pig, deer, dog, horse) - it's covered
- Falling objects - it's covered
- A civil disturbance - it's covered
USAA: Not required by law, but...
Collision and comprehensive coverage policy for damage to your car are not required by law. But, your lender or leasing company may require such coverage if your vehicle is financed or leased. Source: https://www.usaa.com. As long as you're paying leasing installments on your car, the lender usually requires you to have comprehensive and collision coverage.
How about you? Do you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance plan?
- Marguerite Salazar, Commissioner
- (Western Zone)
- Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agenciess
- Division of Insurance
- 1560 Broadway, Suite 850
- Denver, Colorado 80202
- Phone: 303.894.7499
- Fax 303.894.7455