Coverage Guide

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Explained: What It Covers & Costs

Complete guide to comprehensive coverage in Nevada — what it protects against, how it differs from collision, who needs it, and how much it costs.

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Quick Definition

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. It's often called "other than collision" coverage because it protects against everything EXCEPT hitting another vehicle or object.

What Comprehensive Insurance Covers

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from a wide range of non-collision perils

Theft & Vandalism

  • • Vehicle stolen
  • • Parts stolen (catalytic converter, wheels)
  • • Vandalism and graffiti
  • • Broken windows/keyed paint

Weather Damage

  • • Hail damage
  • • Flood damage
  • • Wind/tornado damage
  • • Lightning strikes

Animal Collisions

  • • Deer strikes
  • • Other wildlife hits
  • • Bird collisions
  • • Rodent damage

Fire & Explosions

  • • Vehicle fire
  • • Wildfire damage
  • • Engine fire
  • • Explosions

Falling Objects

  • • Tree branches falling on car
  • • Rocks/debris hitting windshield
  • • Hailstones
  • • Building materials

Glass Damage

  • • Windshield cracks/chips
  • • Window damage
  • • No deductible (some policies)
  • • Mirrors and sunroof

What Comprehensive Does NOT Cover

  • Collision damage – hitting another car/object
  • Medical expenses – injuries to you/passengers
  • Liability – damage you cause to others
  • Personal belongings – items stolen from car
  • Wear and tear – mechanical breakdowns
  • Custom equipment – aftermarket parts (unless added)

Comprehensive vs. Collision: Key Differences

Scenario Comprehensive Collision
Your car is stolen
Hail damages your roof
You hit a deer
Someone vandalizes your car
You rear-end another car
You hit a tree/pole
You roll your car
Fire destroys your vehicle

Simple Rule of Thumb

Comprehensive: Your car was sitting still when damaged (theft, weather, vandalism, falling objects)

Collision: Your car was moving and hit something (another vehicle, tree, pole, guardrail)

Exception: Animal strikes are covered by comprehensive even though your car is moving.

Do You Need Comprehensive Coverage in Nevada?

You MUST Have Comprehensive If:

  • Financing/leasing your vehicle – Lenders require full coverage (comprehensive + collision)
  • Vehicle is worth more than $3,000-5,000 – Can't afford to replace out-of-pocket

You SHOULD Consider Comprehensive If:

  • Nevada's weather risks – Flash floods (monsoon season), hail, windstorms common
  • Las Vegas theft rates – Higher than national average for auto theft & catalytic converter theft
  • Desert wildlife – Deer, coyotes, and bighorn sheep on highways
  • Street parking – Vandalism and theft risk increases

You CAN Skip Comprehensive If:

  • Older vehicle (10+ years) – Worth under $2,000-3,000
  • Can afford total loss – Have savings to replace vehicle
  • Low crime/safe area – Gated community, secure garage
  • Premium equals value – Annual comp cost approaches vehicle value

Nevada-Specific Risks

Monsoon Season (July-September)

Flash floods and hail can total vehicles. Comprehensive covers flood damage.

Auto Theft Hotspots

Las Vegas ranks high for auto theft. Honda Accords, Civic, Toyota Camrys most stolen.

Wildfire Risk

Rural Nevada (Reno, Carson City) sees wildfire risk. Comprehensive covers fire damage.

Wildlife Collisions

Highways 95, 93, and I-15 see frequent deer strikes, especially dusk/dawn.

Comprehensive Insurance FAQs

Common questions about comprehensive coverage

Get Comprehensive Coverage Quote

Compare rates with and without comprehensive to see if it's worth the cost