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Deciding Whether Or Not You Need Comprehensive Auto Insurance

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There are numerous things that you should take into consideration before purchasing auto insurance. A lot of people don't know how much coverage is legally required and what kind of extra coverage is available to them. Among these things that you should take into consideration is whether or not you need comprehensive auto insurance. Read on and decide whether or not you actually need comprehensive auto insurance.

What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Essentially, comprehensive coverage is the next step of coverage for your car or other auto beyond standard PLPD coverage. There are a number of things that comprehensive auto insurance covers that standard coverage does not take into account.

It can cover windshields, hail accidents, deer accidents, fire damage, vandalism, flood damage, stolen cars, or a tree falling on your car (among other things not listed here; this list is not comprehensive). Remember that you will still pay the deductible that you wish to pay for comprehensive auto insurance, much like standard insurance. Many insurance companies offer a $0 deductible, but the monthly price of your insurance bill will be considerably larger.

Is Comprehensive Coverage Required By State Law?

There are no states where comprehensive coverage is necessarily required by state law. All states do require that if you own an auto and want to drive it, you must have PLPD coverage, however. This does not mean that comprehensive coverage is something you do not want to invest in, it just means it is something of which you are not legally required to invest in.

Comprehensive Claims and Risk Level

What is your level of risk if you so decide on spending a bit extra on comprehensive claims? It depends. Are you the sort of person who bowls down country roads at night, despite the fact that plenty of deer are out this season? Are you the kind of person who parks their car under a dying tree? All of these things (and more) put you at a high risk for a comprehensive claim. It is best to evaluate for yourself whether or not a comprehensive claim is really for you.

If you live in the city and rarely see a deer or if you park in a garage at night or a parking ramp during the day and you live nowhere near Tornado Alley, well, the chances are, a comprehensive claim is not exactly something you necessarily need. If you have a low risk for a claim, it might be best to simply forego comprehensive coverage altogether.

How Much Will You Pay?

The good news when it comes to comprehensive coverage is the fact that is, generally speaking, very reasonably priced. As long as you are a person who is not a high risk driver, chances are, this is something you do not necessarily have to deal with. Even an older vehicle with not much of a resale value can benefit from a comprehensive claim if it needs something such as a replacement windshield. It is best to consult with your insurance agent regarding the aggregate cost of a comprehensive auto insurance buyout.

What Is The Value Of Your Vehicle?

The value of your vehicle can also play into whether or not you should hunker and down and wind up paying for comprehensive auto insurance. Consult a blue book of your choice to discover the estimated value of your vehicle.

When it comes to purchasing insurance, there are plenty of times when it is absolutely worth it to spend a bit more on comprehensive auto insurance. Now you have a bit of insight into when that time is necessary and when it is beneficial for you and your pocketbook.


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