Full Coverage Auto Insurance

You car is vulnerable to theft, fire, or natural disasters – no matter where you live . Comprehensive auto insurance may be necessary to protect yourself against these occurrences. Property damage liability coverage or collision auto insurance won't cover loss or damage if someone steals your car, or if it catches on fire, and comprehensive insurance can help provide that much-needed protection.

Damages covered under comprehensive auto insurance

Many states require motorists to carry property damage liability insurance to cover damages to the other motorist's vehicle in the event of accident. However, there is no requirement for comprehensive auto insurance. It's up to you to make the decision as to whether to get coverage, and it may be useful for minor damages as well. For example, if a small rock cracks your windshield while you're driving, you may be able to get it replaced under the policy, unless they offer separate glass coverage.

You're also covered if you suffer loss or damage due to one or more of the following circumstances:

• Floods
• Vandalism or riots
• Damage from falling objects
• Hail
• Earthquakes
• Windstorms

It may also cover damages to your car from animals, such as your own pets or outside animals. For instance, if you're driving one night and accidentally hit a deer, your comprehensive policy will pay for repairs to your car.

What's not covered?

It's important to emphasize that comprehensive auto insurance by itself will not cover a collision with another vehicle. However, most comprehensive policies automatically carry collision auto insurance coverage and property damage liability insurance as part of the comprehensive "package" of coverage.

A few other things:

• You may not receive insurance payments for some electronics that did not come with the vehicle originally, or are not installed permanently.
• Trailers and campers may not get covered either, unless otherwise specified in the policy.