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Comprehensive Car Insurance Quotes

Find the best comprehensive auto insurance coverage for all non-collision damages.

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Written By Joel Kranc

Contributing writer

Updated Aug. 30, 2024

What is comprehensive car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance covers non-collision damage to your vehicle. In most cases, this coverage addresses threats that are beyond the control of the driver (and other drivers on the road).

This includes minor damages, like a chipped windshield caused by hail, as well as larger issues, like body damage caused by an earthquake.

Though auto insurance is mandatory in Canada, having comprehensive coverage is optional. It may, however, by required by your lender if your vehicle is leased.

If you own your vehicle outright, or are not obliged to get comprehensive coverage as part of your lease agreement, there are several factors to consider when contemplating whether it is a necessary protection. Chief among these considerations is location: do you regularly drive or park your vehicle places that face non-driving perils.

For example, in Yukon, northern Alberta and northwestern Ontario, wildfires are a frequent occurrence that pose a threat to your vehicle. When you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll be covered if such an event damages your car.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

A standard comprehensive insurance policy covers damage to your vehicle from:

  • Hail
  • Floods
  • Lightning from thunderstorms
  • Falling objects, such as tree branches or rocks
  • Fire or explosions
  • Hitting an animal
  • Theft
  • Earthquakes
  • Vandalism

Not all comprehensive insurance policies will include this entire roster of protections. Some policies explicitly exclude damages from certain sources.

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When is comprehensive car insurance not available for purchase?

There are restrictions as to who can purchase comprehensive car insurance. It will vary by insurer but some of the factors include:

  • The age of the car (e.g., if the car added to your policy is over 15 years of age or older. However, if it's been appraised within the last 12 months, you may still be eligible);
  • The car's value (factoring in depreciation and the type of car you drive)
  • The car's condition (e.g., if the car has undergone modification for personalization/aesthetic purposes or in contrast, the car has worn out parts).

Figuring out when to drop comprehensive car insurance has be to be carefully weighed. Generally, you’ll want to drop it if you decide you are paying too much insurance based on the value of your car. Use your car’s value, subtract the deductible, then take away the cost of the six-month policy. If you get a negative amount, you’re likely paying too much.

Recent comprehensive car insurance quotes

Recent Auto Insurance Quote from CRYSTAL BEACH, ONTARIO
Male, Age 28
2018 NISSAN SENTRA 1.8 SV 4DR
October 09, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 143 / month
$1,718 / year
Average Quote
$ 180 / month
$2,160 / year
Savings
$ 37 / month
$442 / year
or
20.46 %
Recent Auto Insurance Quote from BROCKVILLE, ONTARIO
Female, Age 35
2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED 4DR
October 09, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 348 / month
$4,174 / year
Average Quote
$ 477 / month
$5,726 / year
Savings
$ 129 / month
$1,552 / year
or
27.10 %
Recent Auto Insurance Quote from EAST YORK, ONTARIO
Male, Age 61
2022 KIA SOUL GT LIMITED 5DR
October 09, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 137 / month
$1,642 / year
Average Quote
$ 223 / month
$2,674 / year
Savings
$ 86 / month
$1,032 / year
or
38.59 %
Auto insurance quotes are compared from CAA, Coachman Insurance Company, Echelon Insurance, Economical Insurance, Gore Mutual, Pafco, Pembridge, SGI, Travelers, Zenith Insurance Company

How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?

The cost of your car insurance coverage depends on things like which insurer you are using, the province you live in, and of course, your premium and deductible amount. Since comprehensive coverage is generally an add-on to your policy, it will be an additional cost on your existing policy and will be subject to a deductible.

Some drivers opt to choose a smaller deductible amount for comprehensive coverage. This means the cost of your premium will increase and your overall insurance policy will cost you a bit more. However, you'd only be responsible for paying the small deductible if you file a claim. If, however, you choose a higher deductible amount, it may result in lower premiums, but you do risk paying more out of pocket if something happens to your car.

Although the costs will vary by provider, the price tag for comprehensive coverage can be between $100-$300. Adding collision insurance to your policy is much more expensive and could add an additional $500-$700 to your costs.

How to choose your comprehensive car insurance deductible

It’s important to know the value of your car before you figure out your deductible. Weigh the cost against potential repairs. As the car’s value decreases, losses can go up and buying optional coverages may not be worth it.

Also, know your financial situation. You may have to pay more out-of-pocket expenses down the road with a lower deductible. Will this fit into your budget? Can you afford the expenses? These are the things to consider.

Differences between comprehensive coverage and collision coverage

Collision coverage protects against any damage that may occur from a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a wall. In contrast, comprehensive insurance covers damages caused by things like theft, hail and earthquakes.

Here’s a breakdown of the major differences between comprehensive car insurance and collision car insurance in Canada.

Comprehensive insurance vs. collision insurance

 

Comprehensive coverage

Collision coverage

What's Covered

Non-collision damage to your vehicle, such as:

·       Theft

·       Falling objects

·       Fire

·       Floods

·       Earthquakes

Damages caused by collisions, such as:

·       Collision with another vehicle

·       Collision with an object, such as a wall or fence

·       Single-car rollover accidents

Deductible involved

Yes

Yes

Coverage limit

Actual cash value

Actual cash value

Is it mandatory?

Not mandatory, but may be required by a lender if the vehicle is leased.

Not mandatory, but recommended. Collision insurance comes in handy if someone hits you and the cost to repair or replace your car exceeds the limits of that person’s liability policy.

What's not covered

·       Damage to another person's vehicle

·       Medical bills (personal and third party bills)

·       External object inside your car that are unattached, like laptops, bags etc.

·       Damage to another person's vehicle

·       Medical bills (personal and third party bills)

Frequently asked questions about comprehensive car insurance

Wondering whether you should get comprehensive car insurance? Here’s what you should know.

Does comprehensive car insurance provide full coverage?

Though the name may imply that comprehensive coverage leaves nothing to chance, this type of coverage is not just another way of saying ‘full coverage.’ Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damage only. Other types of car insurance coverage include:

  • Accident coverage – mandatory in Canada
  • Third-party liability coverage – mandatory in Canada
  • Uninsured motorist coverage – mandatory in all provinces except Alberta
  • Collision coverage – optional

To protect your vehicle against all perils, each of these coverages is required.

How do I know if I need comprehensive insurance?

If you’re wondering whether you should get comprehensive car insurance or not, ask yourself these important questions:

  • What is the value of your car?
  • Could you afford to fix or replace your car if something happened to it?
  • How often is your vehicle exposed to non-collision risks, such as fire and theft?

If your car’s overall value is low (i.e. under $2,000), having a comprehensive insurance policy in place may not be worth it, as it may be more economical to replace your car than repair it.

If the value of your car is high and you want to be covered for non-collision damages, having comprehensive car insurance is a good idea. Especially, if your vehicle faces increased risk from disastrous weather conditions, theft, fire, etc.

Does comprehensive auto insurance cover rodent damage?

Rodents, such as rats, squirrels and raccoons, can damage parked vehicles by chewing wires and blowing up fuses, leading to high repair costs. But worry not, rodent damage is covered under most comprehensive car insurance policies. Speak with your insurer to get more details about rodent damage coverage.

Is hail damage covered by comprehensive car insurance?

Yes, comprehensive car insurance covers hail damage. A severe hail storm can significantly damage your vehicle’s body, leaving large dents and chips on your car.

If the damage is greater than your deductible, filing a claim may be worthwhile. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the hail damage amounts to $1,500, filing a claim will save you $1,000.

Can you have comprehensive insurance without collision insurance?

Yes, you can have comprehensive car insurance without collision insurance, or vice versa. These are two mutually exclusive types of car insurance, both optional rather than mandatory. You should pick the type(s) of optional car insurance coverage you need depending on your location, vehicle value and driving habits. Some people opt for full coverage car insurance (all coverages), while others try to save money by only choosing the coverage they’ll most likely need.

What do I need to make a comprehensive car insurance claim?

Comprehensive car insurance claims are similar to collision insurance claims. To start off your claim, call your insurance provider. Gather and submit the following information to ensure that your claim is approved.

  • Damage reports
  • Photos/videos
  • Relevant contact information
  • Date and time of incident
  • Police reports

A claims adjuster will investigate the claim to determine the amount covered under your policy. Once approved, the insurance company will subtract your deductible from your claim amount and reimburse you the difference.

Joel Kranc ,
Writer

Joel Kranc is a freelance writer and content provider who has worked with RATESDOTCA since 2019. He holds an MA in political science from the University of Toronto and a film certificate from New York University.

He has been published in and worked for such companies as CNN, Rogers Media, Institutional Investor Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Infrastructure Investor, BenefitsPRO Magazine, Global Finance Magazine, With Intelligence, the CPP Investment Board, Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan, and many more financial services and industry publications.

He is the author of "Retirement Planning in 8 Easy Steps," which, when released in 2015, was No. 11 on the Publisher's Weekly US Bestseller List for Business and Finance, beating out Mark Cuban's "How to Win at the Sport of Business."

Education
  • Master's of Political Science, University of Toronto
Featured in
  • Benefits Canada
  • Institutional Investor
  • Plan Sponsor Magazine
  • Global Finance Magazine
  • Infrastructure Investor
  • Private Equity Investor
  • The Globe and Mail
  • Fund Directions Newsletter
  • BenefitsPRO
  • HR Professional
  • Advisor's Edge
  • Institutional Investor
  • Employee Benefit Advisor
  • Investing in Infrastructure Magazine (i3)

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