Coverage Explained - The Overlooked Comprehensive Coverage

When it comes to auto insurance, most folks think there are only two options - full coverage or liability only. There is actually a third, in-between, option known as comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive is quite the jewel of the coverage bundles, providing coverage for many frequently occuring perils for your vehicle! This coverage is often removed without any thought when a client decides their vehicle is no longer worthy of needing collision coverage. They simply move straight past this overlooked middle option, when choosing to go to liability only.  Another good point, this coverage typically costs considerably less than collision coverage and can help keep a vehicle qualified in the preferred tier.

Comprehensive – Also referred to as "Other than Collision" or "Comp", provides coverage for just about anything to your vehicle, except an accident/collision while driving or mechanical failure.  An auto policy can provide comprehensive coverage, in addition to the liability, for any named vehicle. It is not necessary to carry collision or "full coverage" to carry comprehensive coverage.  Comprehensive covers:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Glass damage (such as a broken windshield)
• Damage sustained from hitting an animal or bird
• Damage from falling objects or missiles
• Damage sustained due to severe weather or natural disasters such as wind storms, hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.

Collision – this provides coverage to repair or replace your vehicle damaged in a car accident that was your fault. It specifically deals with accidents that occur while the insured person is driving and/or applies to the insured person's vehicle. Damage done to others' property is covered by auto liability insurance. Damage or loss caused by other factors, like theft, vandalism, or weather, is covered by auto comprehensive insurance.  An auto policy cannot provide collision coverage without comprehensive coverage for the named vehicle.

·  Full Coverage – this term typically refers to an auto policy having both comprehensive and collision coverages, atop the liability and PIP/medical coverages.

Michelle LaMaster, Insurance Agent
Cell: 502.643.4124
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