Everything you need to know about insurance basics, like coverage types, limits, cost and more.
What Is Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your car caused by external events out of your control.
We’re here to protect your car whether it’s on the road, parked in the driveway or anywhere in between. And when accidents do happen, we’re ready to help you pick up the pieces. While many accidents involve other drivers, there are types of accidents that don’t involve another car – and that’s where comprehensive insurance steps in.

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Narrator: Wondering what comprehensive car insurance is? Comprehensive coverage steps in to protect you when damage occurs that doesn’t involve colliding with another car or object.
On screen: Comprehensive Coverage
Pays to repair damage that doesn’t involve a collision.
Narrator: If your car is caught in a storm and gets damaged by hail or a fallen tree limb, then your comprehensive coverage will help cover the damage.
Other non-accident related events that are covered include fire, theft, vandalism, a collision with an animal and floods.
On screen:
- Fire
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Animal
- Flood
Narrator: Comprehensive insurance is optional, but it’s a great way to protect you and your vehicle from unexpected damage. If you do need repairs, your comprehensive coverage will help pay damages that exceed your deductible.
You can’t predict the unexpected, but you can repair for it. And we’re here to help you recover faster.
On screen: Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Narrator: If you’d like to learn more about comprehensive insurance, or other car coverage options, contact an American Family Agent. We’re Always happy to help.
On screen: American Family Insurance
Get a quote at AmFam.com
What Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage caused by accidents that don’t involve colliding with another vehicle or object. That means this type of smart coverage, minus the cost of your comprehensive deductible, pays for damage caused by things like:
- Theft
- Collisions with animals
- Vandalism
- Fires or explosions
- Hail or natural disasters
- Certain falling objects
- Floods
How Do I File a Comprehensive Car Insurance Claim?
The fastest way to get your claim filed and in the hands of our experienced claims professionals is to use the MyAmFam app. You can file a claim anytime, anywhere, and you can track your claim’s status right from the app. Another way to file your auto insurance claim is by logging in to My Account or by calling 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326) to speak to a representative.
What Does Comprehensive Insurance Not Cover?
Comprehensive may sound all-inclusive, but there are instances where you’ll need addition coverage, like with emergency roadside assistance, for example.
Although you’ll have great coverage for your car, its passengers and the property involved in a covered loss, comprehensive coverage won’t pay for a rental car if your car’s in the shop under those circumstances. You’ll need additional rental car reimbursement coverage in that case. And even though you’re protected in a lot of important ways, you won’t be covered if your car is ticketed and towed.
Is Comprehensive Insurance Required?
There are many great reasons to have this coverage, but comprehensive auto insurance is not required in any state. Other insurance, like uninsured motorist coverage, may be. You’ll need to check with your DMV to learn about minimum insurance requirements.
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need comprehensive coverage?” the state you’re living in may not require it, but it really can make all the difference if something happens.
Need Additional Car Insurance Coverage?
Discover some of the ways people like you protect what matters most with our variety of car insurance coverages.
- Property damage liability insurance
- Bodily injury liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Medical expense coverage or Personal Injury Protection
- Rental reimbursement coverage
- Emergency roadside service
Ready to protect everything you’ve worked hard for? Get a comprehensive car insurance quote today.