Why You Need Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Why You Need Comprehensive Auto Insurance

It is not a hard task to determine whether you require comprehensive coverage for your car. However, before you make the decision to buy comprehensive coverage, you need to have a good understanding of how it works. Comprehensive coverage is intended to cover a variety of physical damage claims, such as windshield and body damage, vandalism, and contact with an animal. Here is some information about why you need comprehensive car insurance.

Do You Have a Loan on the Car?

Lenders usually must have full coverage insurance on the cars they have financed to drivers. Comprehensive is usually a portion of such mandatory coverage.

When you sign the contract for a loan, you agree to protect the car against physical damage by buying both collision and comprehensive coverage. You can end up having to deal with expensive penalties if you fail to notify your lender about your insurance coverage. You should ask your auto insurance agent to add your lender as a loss payee for the car. Doing this will ensure your lender is immediately notified of the coverage in case an accident occurs.

What Is Your Level of Risk for Having a Comprehensive Claim?

If you have a high level of risk for having a comprehensive claim, you should get comprehensive auto insurance. Some factors that will put you at high risk of having a comprehensive claim include living in a tornado alley or packing your car under a half-dead tall tree every night. Indeed, any driver can benefit from this coverage. However, for some people it’s worth more than others.

You should take the time to evaluate your risks before deciding whether to get comprehensive car insurance. In general, one would file a comprehensive auto insurance claim for damage to your car caused by the following:

• Falling objects like a tree limb
• Explosions or fire
• Lightning, floods, or hail from tornadoes, thunderstorms or hurricanes
• Theft
• Vandalism and certain civil disobedience
• Hitting an animal

The higher the risk is for a comprehensive claim, the more you should consider getting the coverage.

What Is the Value of the Vehicle?

If the value of your vehicle is high, this will help you decide whether it is worthwhile to pay for comprehensive auto insurance. If the vehicle isn’t worth much anymore, then coverage might not be worth the investment.

How Much Does Comprehensive Coverage Cost?

You will be happy to know that comprehensive coverage tends to be reasonably priced. As long as you are not considered a high-risk driver, comprehensive coverage is typically worth the price. Even an older car with minimal value is likely worth the replacement of a windshield from damage.