Comprehensive Auto Insurance in 2025 (Coverage Guide)
Comprehensive auto insurance covers your car against theft, vandalism, natural disasters, animal crashes, and fire. Comprehensive coverage is best for newer cars, high-risk weather zones, or drivers who want to be covered against unforeseen non-collision costs. Compare rates starting at $35 a month from USAA.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated life insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Apr 26, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Apr 26, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
On This Page
Buying auto insurance can be daunting, but learning about comprehensive auto insurance coverage is important to protect your vehicle and yourself on the road.
- Comprehensive insurance covers theft, vandalism, and weather damage
- It also covers repairs for animal collisions, like hitting a deer
- USAA offers cheap comprehensive auto insurance for $35 a month
Learn when comprehensive coverage is worth it and how it safeguards against non-collision damage versus collision coverage. We also compare auto insurance companies, revealing that USAA offers the most affordable comprehensive coverage at just $35 monthly.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make an informed decision about whether comprehensive car insurance is right for your situation.
See how much you’ll pay for coverage by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.
Understanding Comprehensive Auto Insurance
The comprehensive auto insurance meaning applies to vehicle damage that occurs outside of a collision with another vehicle. When animals or natural disasters damage your vehicle, comprehensive coverage steps in to help with repair costs. This protection extends to incidents like theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, floods, hail damage, and encounters with wildlife (such as hitting a deer).
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage| Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Theft | Covers your car if it's stolen. |
| Vandalism | Pays for damages from intentional acts like keying or spray paint. |
| Fire | Covers damage caused by fire or explosions. |
| Natural Disasters | Includes hail, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and more. |
| Falling Objects | Covers damage from trees, branches, or debris falling on your car. |
| Animal Collisions | Pays for damage if you hit a deer or other animals. |
| Glass Damage | Covers broken or cracked windshields and windows. |
| Weather Events | Covers damage from storms, lightning, and extreme weather conditions. |
| Riots or Civil Disturbance | Pays for damage caused during riots or public disturbances. |
| Fire Department Charges | Reimburses fees if the fire department is called to respond to a fire. |
It includes coverage for events such as floods, hailstorms, and hurricanes, as well as animal collisions. Windshields may also be covered in cases of damage from falling objects, such as branches.
While not legally required in most states, comprehensive auto insurance coverage is often recommended for newer vehicles and is typically required by lenders if you’re financing or leasing your car. Comprehensive insurance gives you solid coverage for a lot of things, but it doesn’t cover accidents with other cars. That’s where collision or full coverage auto insurance steps in to keep you fully protected.
Coverage Comparison: Comprehensive Auto Insurance vs. Collision
When comparing both coverages, comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events like theft, weather damage, and animal collisions, while collision coverage covers damage from accidents involving other vehicles.
A comprehensive auto insurance deductible applies to non-collision claims, while collision typically requires a separate deductible for accident-related damages. Many drivers choose both types of coverage because combining comprehensive and collision insurance helps fill major protection gaps, offering broader financial security.
People who got auto insurance right often choose both with full coverage for complete protection, ensuring coverage for a wide range of risks.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Comprehensive Auto Insurance Rates From Top Insurers
The cost of comprehensive car insurance can be significantly different depending on the company you choose. For instance, if you get comprehensive auto insurance with State Farm or USAA, it is much cheaper than companies like Allstate or Liberty Mutual.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider| Insurance Company | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
 | $87 |
 | $40 |
 | $76 |
 | $43 |
 | $96 |
 | $63 |
 | $56 |
 | $47 |
 | $50 |
 | $35 |
If you’re searching for the cheapest car insurance, USAA and American Family offer some of the lowest monthly rates at $35 and $40, respectively.
Comparing rates by provider and state is key to finding the best value for your comprehensive coverage. The map below breaks down comprehensive coverage costs nationwide.
Drivers in states with more weather-related risks may see higher rates regardless of driving experience or discounts. Always compare quotes online before you buy to see which providers have the best rates near you.
When Comprehensive Auto Insurance Makes Sense
If you’ve got a newer or pricier car, live in a place prone to natural disasters, or just want to feel more secure against things like theft or weather damage, getting comprehensive auto insurance is worth it. Some car owners have shared their opinions on the necessity of comprehensive auto insurance on Reddit.
Comment
byu/Red318 from discussion
inAusFinance
It just shows that failure to buy comprehensive car insurance can cost you an arm and a leg in terms of repairs and leave you wishing you had. To save some cash on your premiums, consider tips to pay less for car insurance, such as bundling policies or increasing your deductible.
Evaluate your car's value and repair costs to ensure comprehensive coverage is cost-effective.
Schimri Yoyo LICENSED AGENT & FINANCIAL ADVISOR
However, if your car is old and low in value, comprehensive coverage may not be worth the cost. To avoid overpaying, be aware of ways you’re wasting money on your car, such as paying for extra coverage on a car that is not worth much. But for newer vehicles or those in high-risk areas, the peace of mind is invaluable.
With rates as low as $35 monthly from USAA, comprehensive coverage is often more affordable than expected.
Use our free comparison tool to see what comprehensive auto insurance rates look like in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is comprehensive auto insurance?
Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. To find the best protection at a competitive rate, it’s smart to get multiple auto insurance quotes before choosing a policy.
Is it worth having comprehensive insurance on an old car?
Generally, not when your car’s value is less than 10 times the premium. For older vehicles with limited value, comprehensive coverage may cost more than the potential payouts for damages.
Will your car insurance go up if you make a comprehensive claim?
Possibly, but typically less than with collision claims. Compare auto insurance companies to find those that don’t raise rates for comprehensive claims.
Is it better to have collision or comprehensive?
Both serve different purposes. Ideally, get both for complete protection. When comparing comprehensive versus collision auto insurance, remember that comprehensive coverage is for non-collision events, while collision coverage applies to accidents.
At what point is comprehensive insurance not worth it?
When your car’s value drops below $3,000-$4,000, or when premiums exceed 10% of its value, comprehensive insurance may no longer be cost-effective.
Can you drive any car with comprehensive?
No. Comprehensive insurance only covers the specific vehicle listed on your policy, not any car you happen to drive. Find your cheapest auto insurance quotes by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.
What is an example of a comprehensive accident?
A comprehensive accident would include your car being damaged by hail during a storm, stolen from a parking lot, vandalized, hit by a falling tree branch, or damaged when you collide with a deer. What does fully comprehensive coverage include? Theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, animal collisions, falling objects, glass damage, and weather events.
Does comprehensive insurance cover engine failure?
No. Engine failure is typically considered a mechanical breakdown or wear and tear, which isn’t covered. Consider what to do if you can’t afford your auto insurance.
Is hitting an object a collision or a comprehensive event?
Hitting a stationary object (pole, fence, etc.) is covered under collision insurance. Comprehensive coverage only if the object falls onto your car. Explore your auto insurance options by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool today.
Does comprehensive insurance cover medical bills?
No. Comprehensive coverage only covers damage to your vehicle. Medical expenses require medical payments, personal injury protection, or health insurance coverage.
How much should your comprehensive coverage be?
Comprehensive auto insurance costs range from $35 monthly to $96, depending on your provider and where you live. Look for car insurance discounts you can’t miss to reduce costs.
What’s the difference between full coverage vs. comprehensive and collision insurance?
Comprehensive auto insurance covers non-collision incidents like theft and weather damage, while full coverage combines comprehensive and collision coverage. Full coverage provides complete protection by covering collision and non-collision events affecting your vehicle.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated life insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
