Comprehensive Car Insurance

Comprehensive Car Insurance - What's Covered, What's Excluded?

Comprehensive car insurance will help you to pay for damages to your vehicle, not covered under your collision insurance. A wide range of damages are included in most comprehensive policies for example damage by fire, vandalism, falling or flying objects that may damage your car or windshield, malicious mischief, natural disasters, riots, damage from rising water or stranding.

But what isn't covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy? Collision coverage won't protect you against loss or damage to the contents of your car (unless it's a motor home, in which case some contents may be covered), the tires of your vehicle (unless they are stolen or damaged by one of the covered causes), vehicle parts damaged by mechanical breakdown, rust, corrosion, wear and tear, freezing or explosion within the combustion chamber (unless they are caused by one of the covered factors).

If you make a claim on your comprehensive auto insurance policy it won't affect your discount on the claim-related scale. But how much will your comprehensive coverage cost you? The premiums you pay for comprehensive car insurance depend largely on the type of vehicle you drive, where you live and your score on the claims-related scale. If your points indicate a low risk you may be eligible for a discount. If you are in a high risk category you may have to pay a surcharge.

What deductible should you set on your comprehensive auto insurance policy? A deductible is the money you pay out of your own pocket before your insurance covers the balance. Deductibles on comprehensive coverage can vary from $300 to $2500 on a standard automobile. The minimum deductible for most packages is $300 (except for windshield claims where it is set at $200). If you are in a high risk category your deductible may be specified at a higher rate.

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage will only protect you against 'Loss of Use' if your car is stolen. 72 hours after you report the theft your cover begins and ends according to the parameters set by your insurer.