Your car is parked in the driveway. You’re not weaving through rush hour traffic. You’re not texting your mother with one hand and steering with the other. And then—wham—a tree branch crashes onto the hood.
You weren’t driving. You didn’t cause the damage. In fact, no one did. So… who’s paying for it?
That’s where comprehensive coverage comes in.
It’s one of the most misunderstood parts of a car insurance policy—right up there with collision coverage. In fact, people often confuse the two. So let’s clear things up: here’s what comprehensive coverage actually protects against, what it doesn’t, and how to decide if it’s worth having.
The most common types of car insurance
Before we dive into comprehensive coverage, it helps to see where it fits in the bigger picture. Here are the most common types of auto insurance—and what each one actually covers:
- Liability insurance: Required in most states. It covers the other driver’s damages if you cause an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Pays for non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, or hitting an animal.
- Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your own car after a collision—whether you hit another vehicle, a pole, or a pothole.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): Steps in if you’re hit by someone without enough (or any) insurance.
Comprehensive and collision coverage are often bundled together under what people call “full coverage.” But that term is a bit misleading—neither coverage is required by law. The only time you’ll be required to carry them is if you lease or finance your car and your lender demands it.
What comprehensive coverage pays for
Despite the name, comprehensive coverage is far from comprehensive. It doesn’t cover everything—it’s specifically designed to protect against non-collision damage. In other words, the kinds of things that can happen to your car when it’s parked, sitting idle, or otherwise not being driven.
Think of it as “other-than-collision” insurance.
Confusingly, comprehensive coverage does pay for collisions with animals (like deer or loose dogs), even though the word “collision” is already taken by another coverage type. That’s because insurers don’t consider animal… let’s call them strikes… to be “collisions” in the traditional sense.
Here are some of the most common non-collision events that are typically covered under a comprehensive policy:
- Theft (if your vehicle is stolen and not recovered)
- Vandalism (including keying, graffiti, and smashed windows)
- Fire (including fires caused by electrical issues)
- Natural disasters (like hailstorms, flooding, hurricanes, or tornadoes)
- Falling objects (tree limbs, roof tiles, and even satellite debris)
- Civil disturbances (damage resulting from riots or protests)
- Animal collisions (such as hitting a deer, moose, or domestic animal)
Glass damage—including cracked windshields—may or may not be covered under comprehensive, depending on your insurer. Some companies offer it as part of comprehensive coverage, while others sell a separate “glass-only” policy with no deductible.
What comprehensive doesn’t cover
We don’t want you to be surprised when your vehicle is damaged and you file an insurance claim. So, here are some things comprehensive insurance does not cover:
- Damage from a crash (that’s what collision coverage is for)
- Medical bills for you or your passengers
- Damage to another driver’s car or property (that’s liability insurance)
- Normal wear and tear (bald tires, old brakes, etc.)
- Mechanical problems (engine failure, transmission issues)
How deductibles work with comprehensive coverage
Just like with collision coverage, comprehensive insurance includes a deductible—the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and a hailstorm causes $4,500 in damage to your car, your insurance company would cover $3,500, and you’d pay the remaining $1,000.
You typically choose your deductible amount when purchasing your policy. Common options are $500 or $1,000, though some insurers offer higher or lower amounts.
Generally, the lower your deductible, the higher your monthly premium. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your monthly payments but means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Comprehensive coverage is often more affordable than collision coverage. As of 2025, the average annual cost for comprehensive insurance is approximately $421, or about $35 per month. In contrast, collision coverage averages around $743 annually. Keep in mind that these figures can vary based on factors like your location, vehicle type, driving history, and chosen deductible.
Is comprehensive coverage worth it?
Once you own your car outright, you’re free to drop comprehensive coverage. But before you do, ask yourself:
- Can I afford to replace my car out of pocket? If not, comprehensive might be worth keeping.
- How much is my car worth? If your vehicle is older or only worth a few thousand dollars, the cost of the premium might not be worth the potential payout—especially with a high deductible.
- Where do I live and park? If you’re in an area with a lot of car theft, vandalism, or extreme weather, the risk is higher, and so is the value of comprehensive coverage.
Life’s stressful enough without having to worry about the unexpected—like falling tree limbs or a teenager keying your car. Comprehensive coverage won’t prevent those things from happening, but it can give you peace of mind knowing you’re protected if they do.
And if you’ve purchased comprehensive insurance but your claim is being denied or delayed, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced attorney. It could make all the difference in getting the coverage you paid for.
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