Comprehensive car insurance: Covers what collision doesn’t
Comprehensive car insurance — also called “other-than-collision” coverage — protects your car from damage caused by anything but a crash. This includes damage from fire, theft, vandalism, animals, falling objects, and natural disasters. Basically, the unpredictable stuff that’s out of your control.
💡 When bundled with collision coverage, it’s often referred to as “full coverage.”
Comprehensive insurance
Covers claims related to:
- Flood damage and weather-related occurrences
- Damage caused by animals
- Collision with a deer or other animal
- Stolen car or vandalism
Collision insurance
Covers claims related to:
- A collision with another vehicle or vehicles
- A crash into a fixed object, such as a pole or a wall
Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance Coverage
What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance? Our insurance experts dive into the details of each.
How much is comprehensive car insurance?
Because comprehensive insurance protects against a wide range of non-collision events, it typically will increase your premium. In contrast, liability-only insurance meets state legal requirements and is the most affordable option, but it won’t cover damage to your own vehicle from any losses. Comprehensive coverage also includes a deductible, which you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurer covers the rest of a claim.
Average 6 month rates by coverage level from top companies
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,395 |
| Auto Club | $1,206 |
| Farmers | $1,141 |
| State Farm | $1,123 |
| Nationwide | $1,077 |
| Progressive | $952 |
| GEICO | $831 |
| USAA | $757
|
Do I need comprehensive insurance?
This optional coverage is helpful in an accident, but comprehensive coverage comes at a price. Adding comprehensive (and collision insurance) will raise premiums significantly compared to what it costs to insure a car with liability-only. If you’re not leasing or financing your vehicle, you have the choice to include comprehensive coverage or not. Let’s weigh the options:
🔒 Required: Leased or Financed Vehicles: Lenders typically require full coverage to protect their investment.
💰 Recommended: Vehicle Worth Over $4,000— Check value with tools like Kelley Blue Book or NADA.
🔑 Recommended: Vehicles You Plan to Sell— Full coverage helps protect your investment in case the vehicle is totaled, and full coverage offers financial recourse if resale plans are derailed by damage.
🧍 Recommended: High-Risk or Teen Drivers— Young or high-risk drivers benefit from extra financial protection.
🌪️ Recommended: Elevated Natural Disaster Risk— Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute considers it wise to carry comprehensive coverage if you live in areas prone to natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or severe winter weather.
How does a comprehensive claim affect insurance premiums?
Filing a claim can raise concerns about rate hikes, but insurers are generally more lenient with comprehensive claims, as they’re typically beyond your control and don’t signal risky driving. The table below shows average premiums with comprehensive claims from top insurance companies.
↓ Compare the premium impact of comprehensive vs. collision claims
| Company | No claims | 1 comp claim | 2 comp claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,484 | $1,524 | $1,566 |
| American Family | $795 | $887 | $971 |
| American National | $688 | $704 | $708 |
| Farmers | $1,202 | $1,258 | $1,348 |
| GEICO | $949 | $963 | $981 |
| Nationwide | $1,070 | $1,070 | $1,077 |
| Progressive | $1,076 | $1,210 | $1,276 |
| State Farm | $1,178 | $1,178 | $1,178 |
| Travelers | $723 | $878 | $917 |
| USAA | $831 | $831 | $838 |
Source: The Zebra
While these companies provide the cheapest rates based on our base driving profile, your circumstances could differ. What you pay for car insurance will ultimately depend on you and your driving history.
How to file a car insurance claim
Filing a claim is usually straightforward. The Insurance Information Institute and most insurers recommend contacting your company immediately after a car accident—either by phone or via their mobile app.[1]
Call your insurer or use their mobile apps to report the incident and upload photos of the vehicle damage.
Share any requested forms, including a police report if available.
Check if your insurance policy covers rental cars or alternate transportation while your vehicle is in the shop. This may be part of your coverage—or an add-on worth considering.
Zebra Pro Tips for Filing a Claim
Call the police
Filling out a police report is a great way to document the facts of the accident.
File quickly
Stick to your insurer’s deadlines to avoid delays or denial.
Take photos
Photos and videos can help process a claim more efficiently.
How to find cheap comprehensive car insurance
If you meet the criteria above and want robust coverage, comprehensive insurance is a smart choice. While it can cost more, there are ways to make sure you’re getting the best value for what you need.
Decide how much coverage fits your needs; you can stick with your state’s minimum liability limits (though these are often not enough to cover costs after an accident) or choose higher limits for added protection.
One of the best ways to save is to see if other auto insurance companies are offering lower rates. Insurance quotes are free and easy to find. The Zebra can provide you with a number of auto insurance quotes, allowing you to find a great policy with a premium that fits your budget.
Each insurer offers its own set of discounts, and you might qualify for more with one company than another. When comparing quotes, ask about available discounts—they can make a significant difference in your final premium.
