Comprehensive car insurance is particularly important for drivers in the Sunshine State. Besides the usual obstacles U.S. drivers face, Floridians have to deal with the risks posed by hurricanes and tropical storms.
Comprehensive car insurance covers damages not related to collisions. This includes property damage resulting from weather, theft, vandalism, and animals. Comprehensive insurance is typically optional for drivers, and you can add it along with collision insurance as part of a full-coverage policy.
Here’s what you need to know about comprehensive auto insurance in Florida.
Comprehensive insurance is an optional type of coverage you can add to your policy to protect your vehicle. It pays for damages caused by issues not related to collisions. Common perils include severe weather, theft, and vandalism.
This type of insurance covers the following perils and scenarios:
Comprehensive car insurance applies only to non-collision damages. It doesn’t cover the following:
Damage to other vehicles
Other property damage, such as a building or light post
Medical expenses for you or your passengers
Personal vehicle repairs related to a collision
Comprehensive auto insurance is optional unless you have an auto loan or lease for your vehicle. In those cases, your lender will likely require you to maintain full-coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive protection.
Insurance companies typically cap the maximum amount of comprehensive coverage you can buy at the actual cash value of your car.2 This maximum is the most an insurer will pay out for a comprehensive claim.
You’ll typically pay your premium for your auto insurance policy on a monthly basis. If you have comprehensive insurance, you’ll also have a deductible that you agreed upon with your insurance company.
A deductible is the amount you have to pay before your insurer will begin covering damages when you file a claim. Deductibles for comprehensive insurance are usually between $250 and $500. In general, having a higher deductible will decrease your premium.
Comprehensive and collision insurance are two different types of coverage for your vehicle. A full-coverage policy includes both coverage types as well as liability insurance.
Comprehensive insurance covers only non-collision damages, such as damages resulting from severe weather and theft. Collision insurance covers damage from collision-related accidents with another vehicle or object. For example, if you rear-end another vehicle, collision insurance can pay for damages to your vehicle.
Although Florida has relatively low state-minimum liability insurance requirements, it may be a good idea to purchase a full-coverage policy with comprehensive and collision insurance. The average cost of full-coverage insurance in Florida is $209 per month. It can help you avoid expensive out-of-pocket expenses in the event of damage to your vehicle.
You can compare a couple of the key advantages and drawbacks of having comprehensive coverage below.
If you live in Florida and are debating whether to purchase comprehensive insurance, the following information can help you understand your options.
Comprehensive insurance is a form of auto coverage for non-collision damages, such as repairs following a natural disaster or vandalism. Comprehensive insurance is just one part of a full-coverage policy, which also includes liability insurance and collision insurance.
No. Comprehensive insurance doesn’t include coverage for damages or injuries related to a collision. It covers only non-collision damages. You need collision insurance if you want your auto policy to cover damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.
Whether you need comprehensive auto insurance in Florida depends on your vehicle. You have to consider the value of your vehicle, the average costs to repair it, and the level of risk you’re comfortable with as a car owner.
If you have an older, lower-value car, you may be able to comfortably skip comprehensive coverage. But you may need comprehensive insurance as part of your auto insurance policy if you have an expensive or new vehicle.
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