Auto Insurance Coverage: State Farm's Comprehensive Plan Explained

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage is an optional addition to most car insurance policies. It covers damage to your car that is not the result of a collision, such as natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and weather. It is often required if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage does not cover damages to another vehicle, medical expenses, or legal fees. The cost of comprehensive coverage depends on factors such as the value, make, and model of your car, as well as your driving history and chosen deductible.

Comprehensive coverage vs. collision insurance

Comprehensive coverage and collision insurance are two of the most important types of car insurance. While they are not legally required by any state, they can be very useful for many drivers. Collision and comprehensive coverage are often sold as a package, and both pay to fix damage to your car or replace it entirely. However, they don't cover injuries or damage to anyone else's property.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance covers damage to your car in an accident you cause, such as if you hit an object or another vehicle. It also covers damage to your car if someone else hits you. In this case, you could also make a claim against the other driver's liability insurance. Collision insurance also covers damage to your car if you hit a stationary object like a fence or pole.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers the actual cash value of your car if it's stolen and not recovered, as well as damage from weather events, crashes with animals, riots and civil disturbances. It also covers damage to your car while parked, such as from a fallen tree branch or vandalism.

Cost Comparison

Collision coverage typically costs more than comprehensive coverage. The cost of both types of insurance depends on factors such as your location, the value of your vehicle and your driving record.

If you lease your vehicle or have taken out a loan to buy it, your lender or leasing company will likely require you to carry both types of coverage. Even if it's not required, you may want to consider buying comprehensive and collision coverage if you couldn't afford to replace or repair your car if it were stolen or damaged. On the other hand, if your car is older and not worth much, the cost of these coverages may not be worth it, as the maximum payout will be the value of your car minus the deductible.

What comprehensive insurance covers

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car that is not the result of a collision. This includes damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, hail, and tornadoes, as well as falling objects like trees and branches. It also covers damage caused by animals, for example, wiring damaged by rodents, or a collision with a deer.

Comprehensive insurance also covers theft of your vehicle, as well as vandalism. It can be useful if you need to pay for repairs following natural disasters, theft, or vandalism. It is often required if you are financing or leasing your vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance does not cover damage to another vehicle, medical expenses, legal expenses, or personal property stolen from your car. It is also important to note that coverage can vary by insurer and state, so it is always a good idea to check with your insurer to understand your specific policy.

In addition to the above, comprehensive coverage may extend beyond your own vehicle to include temporary substitute cars, newly-acquired cars, and cars you are using but are not owned by anyone in your household.

What comprehensive insurance doesn't cover

Comprehensive insurance does not cover accidents where you are at fault. This includes collisions with objects such as trees and buildings.

In addition, comprehensive insurance does not cover injuries to other people or damage to others' property.

Comprehensive insurance also does not cover the following:

• Damage from weather conditions, such as wind damage from hurricanes, floods, hail, and falling objects.
• Total or partial car theft and vandalism.
• Hitting or being hit by an animal.
• Fires and explosions.
• Violence from civil unrest or riots.

It's important to note that comprehensive insurance is designed to cover damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. If your vehicle is damaged due to any of the above-mentioned events, you may need separate coverage or additional policies.

When to get comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is an auto insurance policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged by something other than a collision. This includes damage from theft, fire, vandalism, or hitting an animal. It also covers weather conditions such as wind damage from hurricanes, floods, hail, and falling objects.

When deciding whether to get comprehensive coverage, consider the following factors:

• The value of your car: If you have a high-value vehicle, comprehensive coverage can provide financial protection in the event of damage or theft.
• Your location: If you live in an area prone to weather-related disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or hail, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs.
• The risk of theft: If you live in an area with a high rate of car theft, comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind.
• Your financial situation: Consider how much you can afford to pay out of pocket if you experience an accident that isn't covered by collision insurance. Comprehensive coverage can help offset these costs.
• Lease or loan status: If you lease your vehicle or have a loan on it, your lender or financing company will likely require you to purchase comprehensive coverage to protect their investment.
• The age of your car: Comprehensive coverage may be more cost-effective for newer cars, as the value of older cars may decrease over time, making the additional coverage less necessary.
• Your existing coverage: Evaluate your current insurance coverage and identify any gaps that comprehensive coverage could fill. For example, if you live in an area with a high risk of natural disasters, comprehensive coverage can provide additional protection.

It's important to weigh your options and consider your specific circumstances when deciding whether to add comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy. Contacting a State Farm agent can help you make an informed decision and ensure you have the protection you need.

Comprehensive coverage cost

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events that are outside of your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. The cost of comprehensive coverage depends on various factors, including the value of your vehicle, your personal preferences, and your financial circumstances.

When determining the cost of comprehensive coverage, one important consideration is the deductible. The deductible is the amount you agree to pay upfront when you make an insurance claim. A higher deductible will lower your premium, but it will also increase the amount you must pay out of pocket in the event of a loss. Conversely, choosing a lower deductible will result in a higher premium but reduce your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim.

The value of your vehicle also plays a role in the cost of comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle has a high cash value, comprehensive coverage could be a worthwhile investment to protect against unforeseen events. On the other hand, if your vehicle's cash value is relatively low and you have a higher deductible, comprehensive coverage may not be necessary.

Your personal preferences and financial circumstances will also influence the cost of comprehensive coverage. If you lease or finance your vehicle, lenders will typically require comprehensive coverage to protect their interest. Additionally, if you reside in an area prone to weather-related disasters or high car theft rates, comprehensive coverage may be more expensive to account for the increased risk.

It's important to note that comprehensive coverage is unlikely to be required by law in your area, but it's always a good idea to consult with a State Farm agent to understand the specific requirements in your state.

Frequently asked questions