Comprehensive auto insurance is usually optional coverage for your vehicle. However, you may want to include it for additional protection. Your insurance agent can help you decide which comprehensive auto insurance to add to your policy. Use the following details to help understand what comprehensive insurance is, what it covers and the benefits of buying it.
What Is Comprehensive Car Insurance? 
The name of this insurance confuses some policyholders. Comprehensive car insurance pays for damage that doesn't involve a collision. This includes vandalism, weather-related events, fire, theft, and storm damage. It also pays for damage due to falling objects such as rocks or branches. Even if a deer runs out in front of you and damages your vehicle, this is not a collision. It is your comprehensive car insurance that probably covers the damage.
Advantages of having this coverage include:
- Reimbursement for a stolen car.
- Payment to fix vandalism damage.
- Coverage for weather-related damage.
- Coverage for animal collisions such as deer and cows.
- Protection from fire and flood damage.
Each policy is different, and you should review your coverage with a licensed insurance agent to fully understand what it pays for.
Why Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance Optional?
Most states require liability coverage and certain other coverage from their licensed drivers. However, most (with a few exceptions) do not require comprehensive car insurance. All the same, many drivers buy it to cover their car for non-accident related damages. It helps them save on a potentially-hefty repair bill down the road.
Several factors could influence your decision to buy. If you finance or lease your vehicle, the lender or leasing agency will probably require you to have comprehensive insurance. If you own a brand-new car, it's generally a good idea to fully protect your investment. Keep in mind that most insurers you to buy collision insurance and comprehensive coverage together.
How Much Will You Pay for Comprehensive Auto Coverage?
The cost of comprehensive coverage varies based on numerous factors, including:
- Age: Drivers younger than 25 years old typically pay higher premiums, though this age range can vary by insurer.
- Type of car: If you own an expensive vehicle — or one that's expensive to fix — your comprehensive premium will likely be higher. It costs more for the company to pay your claim.
- Where you live: Certain communities tend to have higher crime rates and accident rates. So, you may pay more for coverage in these areas.
- Claims record: If you have several at-fault accidents in your claim’s history, your comprehensive coverage will probably cost more than average. You are a higher risk to insure.
Taking out comprehensive insurance can protect you from damages that are hard to predict. Your insurance agent can help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation.