Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage caused by events other than collisions. While not legally required in Ontario, it provides valuable protection against theft, vandalism, weather damage, and more. Understanding what comprehensive covers helps you decide if it's worth adding to your policy.
What Does Comprehensive Coverage Include?
Comprehensive coverage, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, protects against a wide range of non-collision events:
Theft and Attempted Theft
- Vehicle theft
- Theft of parts (wheels, catalytic converters, airbags)
- Theft of contents (with limits)
- Damage from break-in attempts
Weather Events
- Hail damage
- Flood and water damage
- Wind damage
- Lightning strikes
- Tornado damage
Fire and Explosion
- Vehicle fires
- Damage from nearby explosions
- Wildfire damage
Animal Collisions
- Hitting a deer, moose, or other animal
- Damage from animals entering your vehicle
Other Covered Events
- Vandalism
- Glass breakage (windshield, windows)
- Falling objects (tree branches, debris)
- Riots or civil disturbance
What Comprehensive Doesn't Cover
Comprehensive coverage has limitations:
- Collision damage: Hitting another vehicle, object, or rolling over (requires collision coverage)
- Mechanical breakdown: Engine failure, transmission problems (requires extended warranty)
- Normal wear: Rust, paint fading, worn parts
- Personal belongings: Coverage is limited; consider home or renters insurance for valuables
How Comprehensive Coverage Works
When you file a comprehensive claim:
- Report the incident to your insurer
- Provide documentation (photos, police report if applicable)
- Get repair estimates or assessment
- Pay your deductible
- Receive payment for repairs or actual cash value if totalled
Deductible Options
Comprehensive deductibles typically range from $100 to $1,000. Common options:
- $100 - $250: Lower out-of-pocket costs, but higher premiums
- $300 - $500: Balanced approach for most drivers
- $1,000: Lower premiums, but more out-of-pocket for claims
Some insurers offer a separate, lower deductible for glass-only claims.
When Is Comprehensive Coverage Worth It?
Consider comprehensive coverage if:
Your Vehicle Is Newer or Valuable
For vehicles worth more than a few thousand dollars, the cost of comprehensive is often worthwhile protection against total loss from theft or major weather events.
You Have a Loan or Lease
Lenders and leasing companies typically require comprehensive coverage. It protects their financial interest in the vehicle.
You Live in a High-Risk Area
- Urban areas with higher theft rates
- Regions prone to hail storms
- Areas with significant wildlife (deer collisions)
- Flood-prone locations
You Park Outside
Vehicles without garage protection are more exposed to weather damage, vandalism, and theft.
When to Skip Comprehensive
Comprehensive may not be worth it if:
- Your vehicle is old and low-value: If the car is worth less than 10 times the annual comprehensive premium, coverage may not make financial sense
- You have significant savings: You could self-insure the loss if needed
- You drive a vehicle that's cheap to replace: The premium might exceed potential benefits
Cost Factors for Comprehensive Coverage
Your comprehensive premium depends on:
- Vehicle value: More expensive cars cost more to insure
- Vehicle type: Some models are more theft-prone
- Deductible: Higher deductibles mean lower premiums
- Location: Urban areas often have higher rates
- Anti-theft devices: Alarms and tracking systems may earn discounts
Comprehensive vs. Specified Perils
An alternative to comprehensive is "specified perils" coverage, which only covers specific named events:
- Fire and lightning
- Theft or attempted theft
- Windstorm, hail, or flood
- Riot
- Falling or forced landing aircraft
Specified perils is cheaper but doesn't cover vandalism, glass breakage, or animal collisions.
Making Your Decision
To decide if comprehensive coverage is right for you:
- Know your vehicle's current value
- Get quotes with and without comprehensive
- Consider your risk factors (location, parking situation)
- Evaluate your financial ability to absorb a loss
- Check if your lender requires it
For most drivers with vehicles worth more than $5,000-10,000, comprehensive coverage provides valuable peace of mind at a reasonable cost.