What is comprehensive insurance, and how does it work?
Comprehensive coverage on your USAA Auto Insurance policy typically helps pay for incidents that are often out of your control. Whether your car is damaged by hail, a falling tree branch or vandalism, your comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair it.
What's usually covered?
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Damage from falling objects
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Weather events, such as hail and hurricanes
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Theft and vandalism
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Fire and explosions
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Flood
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Hitting a deer or other animal
What's not covered?
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General wear and tear
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Theft of belongings inside your car
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Collisions with stationary objects and other vehicles
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Hitting a pothole
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Rollovers
Is comprehensive insurance required?
Most lenders require comprehensive coverage when you lease or finance your vehicle. If you've paid off your car, this coverage may be optional. Think about how much your car is worth and how much you're able to pay out of pocket to repair it before removing comprehensive coverage.
How much does comprehensive insurance cost?
There's no one-size-fits-all policy. Your car's value, your location and your deductible amount are just some things that affect how much you pay for comprehensive insurance.
What's the difference between comprehensive, collision and liability coverage?
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Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle from other events, such as fire, glass damage, theft and animal collision.
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Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle from accidents related to driving, no matter who's at fault.
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Liability coverage helps pay for the other person's expenses if you cause an accident.
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What do people mean by full coverage for my car?
You may be surprised that full coverage doesn't exist as an option when buying car insurance. Your bank or lender may say they require it, though. They're usually referring to physical damage coverage including collision and comprehensive, along with the minimum liability coverage amounts that most states and some lenders require. The physical damage coverage can help pay for repairs to your car for covered losses like damage from hitting an object or flooding, and liability may help pay the medical expenses for someone you're responsible for injuring.
How do comprehensive deductibles work?
Choosing a lower deductible means you may pay less toward a covered claim. It also means you may pay a higher premium.
Example: Let's consider a deductible of $250. If you have hail damage that costs $2,500 to repair, you'll only have to pay $250. Your insurance will pick up the remaining $2,250. That's nice to have, but it also means you may have paid a higher premium than if your deductible was $500.
Does comprehensive coverage have a limit?
Yes. Most policies pay up to the actual cash value of your vehicle for a covered claim. For most vehicles, the value continues to go down or depreciate the longer you own it. Your insurance company may consider your vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair it is greater than the actual cash value.
Did you know?
If a rock or other road debris chips or cracks your windshield, we'll waive your comprehensive deductible if we can repair it rather than replace it. Learn more about glass and windshield claims.
How can I save on my premium?
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Increase your deductible. Paying more out of pocket may lower your premium.
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Select a different car. Consider a vehicle that won't be too costly to repair, and run quotes on the ones you're looking at.
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Get an anti-theft device.See note1 If you also have comprehensive coverage, having an anti-theft device installed in your car may help lower your car insurance premium.
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Bundle and save. Most insurers, including USAA, offer savings if you buy both your auto and property coverage from them.See note2
Get tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Did you know?
If a neighbor's tree falls on your car in your driveway, you may still be responsible for the damage. Comprehensive insurance can help you pay for that.
Get the other coverage you need.
Have more questions or need to file a claim?
Filing a claim online is easier than ever, but we're here to help. Call 800-531-USAA(8722)([thats 800-531-]8722) if you have questions. Or visit our car insurance FAQ page to learn more about car insurance.