Life is full of risks. With every decision taken, there is a margin of risk involved. Protection against risk has been the mainstay of insurance from the medieval era to today’s modernized world. Over the years, the concept of insurance keeps evolving to meet new realities. This is especially true in the case of car insurance, especially when concerning comprehensive insurance.
This kind of insurance is currently patronized by over 78% of vehicle owners in the U.S. So, what is comprehensive car insurance coverage, and how does it work? Read on to find out more about what this kind of insurance covers.
What is comprehensive car insurance?
The concept of comprehensive car insurance was built on the traditional third-party auto insurance models. It forms part of several other types of coverage like collision insurance, liability insurance, etc., which are collectively known as full coverage insurance.
Third-party insurance is more restrictive in the amount of coverage. A third-party insurance policy is only enough to cover the repair cost of the smashed vehicle and not yours. But if your car has comprehensive coverage, both you and the victim are sorted out. Comprehensive insurance coverage is a great option for car owners. However, if you’re financing a leased car, your leaseholder will likely demand comprehensive auto insurance as a requirement. It has become one of the most preferred car insurance policies.
What does it cover?
This car insurance covers car owners for accidental damages caused by them or others. You might want want to ask your insurance company for any extras, but here are some specific benefits of comprehensive car insurance coverage:
- Vandalism. Comprehensive coverage pays for any car damages from civil disturbances like riots.
- Repairs to your windscreen.
- Damage to your car other people’s properties in an accident. Even if the fault of the damage can’t be proven (like walking out to see someone has hit your car and driven off) comprehensive car insurance covers such damages.
- Personal belongings stolen or damaged in an accident.
- Hitting an animal.
- Theft. If your car gets stolen, comprehensive car insurance covers replacement costs
- Disaster.
If your car is involved in any form of natural disaster (tornado, hail, hurricanes, earthquakes), comprehensive insurance coverage pays out the damages. Other disasters that are covered include fire or explosions etc.
What it doesn’t cover?
- Damage to your car from a traffic collision.
- Damage to another person’s car from a collision.
- Medical expenses of you and your passengers after an accident.
- Damages from wear and tear or general aging of your car.
- Consequential damages from drunk driving, driving without a license, etc.
In short, if you treat yourself and your car right, you are good to enjoy comprehensive insurance benefits.
Do you need it?
Unlike third-party insurance, comprehensive car coverage isn’t mandatory unless your lender requires it to finance your vehicle. However, comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of protection you could get from any insurance company. It’s certainly a great option if you’re looking for complete peace of mind while driving.
To determine how a comprehensive insurance policy might benefit you, begin by calculating the worth of your car and subtracting the amount of your deductible. The amount you arrive at is the most value to expect from your comprehensive policy when it’s activated. Therefore adding comprehensive coverage to your liability might never be a miss, especially if the value of your car is high.
Generally, automobile owners need way more cushion behind their backs and not just car seats. Albeit comprehensive coverage is a great start, it’s advisable for drivers to opt for full coverage car insurance.
Also Read: What to Consider Before Starting a Manufacturing Business
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