What Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover? 

Tree branches fall on cars during a storm. Hail dents roofs and cracks windshields. Cars are stolen or vandalized while parked. In these situations, comprehensive auto insurance could provide important protection.

But what exactly does comprehensive coverage cover, and how is it different from collision coverage? 

What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance? 

Comprehensive coverage helps protect your vehicle from certain types of damage that are not caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. 

Depending on the policy, comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle after covered events such as: 

• Hail or other weather-related damage 

• Theft 

• Vandalism 

• Falling objects, such as tree branches 

• Fire 

• Damage caused by animals 

• Certain natural disasters 

Comprehensive coverage generally applies to your vehicle itself, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and deductible of your policy. 

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage 

One of the easiest ways to understand comprehensive coverage is to compare it with collision coverage. 

Collision coverage generally applies when your vehicle is damaged in a collision, such as hitting another vehicle, a stationary object, or another covered collision scenario. 

Comprehensive coverage generally applies to covered non-collision events, such as hail, theft, vandalism, or a falling tree. 

For example, imagine you park your car outside during a severe Colorado hailstorm, and the hood and roof are damaged. Because there was no collision, this type of damage would generally fall under comprehensive coverage rather than collision coverage. 

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Hail Damage? 

For many policies, yes. Hail damage is one of the common examples of a loss that can fall under comprehensive coverage. 

This can be particularly relevant for drivers in areas that experience significant hailstorms. A single storm can damage thousands of vehicles, so understanding your coverage before a storm occurs can help you know what to expect if you need to file a claim. 

Your deductible and the specific terms of your policy will determine how a covered claim is handled. 

What About Theft or Vandalism? 

Comprehensive coverage can also provide protection when your vehicle is stolen or damaged through vandalism, subject to your policy. 

If your vehicle is stolen, comprehensive coverage may help pay for the vehicle’s covered loss, up to applicable policy limits and after the deductible. If the vehicle is recovered with damage, coverage may also apply to covered repairs. 

It’s important to remember that coverage for personal belongings inside a stolen vehicle can be handled differently and may fall under another type of insurance, depending on the circumstances and applicable policy. 

How Does the Comprehensive Deductible Work? 

A deductible is the amount you are generally responsible for paying toward a covered claim before your insurance pays the remaining covered amount. 

For example, if you have a $500 comprehensive deductible and experience $2,000 in covered hail damage, you would generally pay the $500 deductible, and the insurer would cover the remaining eligible amount, subject to the policy terms. 

When reviewing your policy, don’t just look at your premium. Make sure you understand your deductibles, too. 

Is Comprehensive Coverage Right for You? 

There isn’t one answer that applies to every driver. 

When deciding what coverage makes sense, consider: 

• The current value of your vehicle 

• Your deductible 

• How much you could afford to pay out of pocket after a loss 

• Your area’s exposure to hail, severe weather, theft, or other risks 

• Whether your vehicle is financed or leased 

• How much financial risk you’re comfortable taking on yourself 

An insurance professional can help you understand how different coverage options would apply to your particular situation. 

Have questions about your auto coverage? 

The team at Cornerstone Insurance Agency can help you review your current coverage and compare options from multiple carriers. 

This article is for informational purposes only. You should not act based on this information without first consulting with your insurance agent; if you would like a quote from a Cornerstone Insurance Agency licensed agent, contact us. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken by you based on the contents of this article which is provided “as is.” Cornerstone makes no representation that this content is error-free.