Comprehensive Coverage
Auto insurance that pays for vehicle damage caused by events other than collisions, such as theft, fire, weather, and animal strikes.
Comprehensive auto coverage (sometimes called "other than collision") pays for vehicle damage from covered non-collision events including theft, vandalism, fire, hail, windstorm, flood, falling objects, and striking an animal. It is one of the two physical damage coverages for your own vehicle; the other is collision.
Like collision, comprehensive is optional coverage (lenders require it on financed vehicles) and has its own deductible. Common deductible amounts are $100 to $1,000. Because comprehensive claims tend to be for total losses (theft) or moderate damage (hail), lower deductibles are more popular for comprehensive than for collision.
Comprehensive is generally inexpensive relative to the protection it provides—often $50–$200 per year. In hail-prone regions or areas with high vehicle theft rates, comprehensive coverage is particularly valuable. Glass repair (windshield replacement) is usually covered under comprehensive, and many policies waive the deductible for glass claims.
Real-World Example
A baseball-sized hailstorm left 200 dents on the car; the comprehensive claim paid $6,200 for repairs minus the $250 deductible.