When shopping for car insurance, knowing what policy covers and choosing the right one for your needs is essential. A comprehensive car insurance policy protects just collision and liability coverage. It gives you peace of mind and protects you against potential losses.
Comprehensive coverage
A vital part of a comprehensive policy is the comprehensive coverage itself. This protects you against losses from events “other than collisions,” such as:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Falling objects
- Hail, wind, and other weather-related damage
- Hitting an animal
- Broken or cracked windows
As with collision coverage, pay attention to the deductible amount for comprehensive claims. Also, determine if the policy includes replacement cost coverage for a total car. Some comprehensive coverage has restrictions, so ask about exclusions.
Additional benefits and perks
Beyond the core protections, many comprehensive car insurance policies offer additional benefits that add value and convenience. A few examples:
- Roadside assistance-Provide coverage for towing, flat tyre changes, jump-starts, locksmith services, and fuel delivery if you’re stranded on the side of the road.
- Diminishing deductible– Some insurers will reduce your deductible over time for every year you don’t file a claim, potentially lowering your out-of-pocket costs after an incident.
- Accident forgiveness – With qualifying policies, your insurer won’t raise your rate for a first at-fault accident. Eligibility requirements vary.
- New car replacement– If your new car is totalled, some comprehensive policies will pay the total cost of replacing it with a similar vehicle. Time and mileage restrictions usually apply.
- Mobile app– Many insurers now offer convenient mobile apps for managing your policy, filing claims, and accessing digital proof of insurance.
Additional perks often vary between insurers. Consider which benefits matter most to you. Hopefully, you won’t need to file a claim, but evaluating an insurer’s claims process is still wise. Check if the company offers 24/7 claims reporting by phone and app. See if you get repairs done at a more comprehensive network of shops or are restricted to certain repair providers. Research the insurer’s reputation for claims service and read reviews from current customers. The best car insurance companies make filing and tracking claims easy and convenient, providing helpful customer support and efficiently processing payouts. They also have reliable, user-friendly mobile apps.
Pricing and value
Price is still a significant factor when choosing a comprehensive insurance for a car policy. Get quotes from multiple providers so that you can compare premiums for the same levels of coverage. Just make sure you’re looking at the bigger picture, too. A slightly more expensive policy could provide meaningfully higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, or a more extensive network of repair shops. Paying more for better service and financial protection is often worth it.
Company Reputation
Finally, take some time to research an insurer’s history, customer service reputation, and financial stability before buying a policy. Even a comprehensive policy will only do you much good if the company is financially sound and can pay claims.
Check out customer reviews, look up complaint data from your state’s insurance department, and see how insurers. Also, review ratings from agencies like AM Best, Moody’s, and S&P Global that assess insurance companies’ financial health and ability to meet policyholder obligations.
