Why You Need Car Insurance

Driving a car comes with risks, and not just when you’re on the road. Your vehicle can also suffer from damages that are out of your control, like severe weather. The good news is that having comprehensive insurance can help, no matter what comes your way.

What Is Comprehensive Insurance?

Your comprehensive car insurance coverage, also known as other than collision coverage, can help pay the costs of damage to your car for non-traffic accident related claims. For example, if hail dents your hood, this coverage can help pay for the repair.

This insurance helps cover damage up to your car’s actual cash value (ACV), minus any deductible amount. However, it doesn’t help cover your car when it’s in an accident with another car or someone else’s property. But it does help cover damage caused by contact with an animal. This means if you hit a deer, you’ll have to pay your deductible, then your comprehensive insurance will cover the rest of the costs.

It’s important to keep in mind that this coverage is optional. You have to add it on top of your other coverages. But, if you’re financing or leasing your car, your lender will likely require it.

What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?

Your comprehensive insurance can help pay for damages caused by:

•Natural disasters like hurricanes or tornados

•Vandalism

•Theft

•Fire

•Falling objects

•A civil disturbance, like a riot

•Hitting an animal

•Glass damage

Your comprehensive car insurance policy will not help cover:

•Damage to your car from a collision

•Medical expenses

•Legal fees

•Lost income to you or your passengers if you miss work after an accident

•Damage to another person’s car from a collision

•Property stolen from your car

Comprehensive Insurance Deductibles and Limits

Your deductible is the amount you pay on your claim before your auto coverage kicks in. Once you pay that, your car insurance will cover the rest of your costs, up to your limit.

Let’s say your car is damaged and will cost $6,000 to repair, and your deductible is $1,000. You’ll only pay the $1,000 deductible, and then your insurance company will pay the other $5,000 on your comprehensive claim. When you buy comprehensive insurance, you’ll choose a deductible amount.

How Much Does Comprehensive Insurance Cost?

Comprehensive car insurance rates can vary. Some factors that influence the cost are your:

•Driving history

•Car’s model and age

•Deductible amount

To get a better overview of the costs for comprehensive insurance cover, call the insurance company closest to you for a quotation.

Terms & conditions apply with all insurance covers and each case is treated individually.

Source: thehartford.com