Nearly all states require some types of auto insurance, but some coverages are optional. Comprehensive coverage covers the owner of the vehicle and is not legally mandated (although some lenders require it for leased vehicles). 

The insurance can help you recover costs for repairs or replacements when your vehicle gets damaged, but the choice whether or not to supplement your policy is based on your personal preference, risk factors, and feelings of peace of mind.  

Each category of insurance covers a variety of concerns and it is important to be aware of everything when selecting your coverages. 

Rain, tornadoes, hail, floods, winter storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters are happening in record numbers each year. That means the likelihood that your car (and your wallet) will feel the impact is also heightened.  

Comprehensive can cover your losses from these storms and weather conditions. Protect yourself further by learning some tips on and off the roads. 

• How to Stay Safe While Driving in Tornado Alley 

• Winter Rx: Cold Weather Survival Guide for Drivers 

• Do’s and Don’ts of Tornado Road Safety 

• 5 Essentials: Winter Survival Emergency Kit 

Money may not fall out of the sky, but tree branches or rocks certainly can, either during storms or if they get picked up from the tire of a passing car. Comprehensive coverage typically covers the cost of replacing or repairing damages to your car. 

Statistics show about 1.5 million deer collisions occurring annually across the country, with costs to the unhappy tune of about $4 billion each year. But wildlife collisions aren’t about deer alone. While deer are the most commonly hit animal in nearly ¾ of the US, collisions are also caused by hitting birds, squirrels, coyotes, foxes, and many other creatures big and small.  

Comprehensive coverage generally applies if you are driving and hit a deer (but not, say, if you swerved and instead hit an object like a tree). 

Of course, try your best to avoid getting into a car accident with animals by applying tips from our blog on Preventing Deer Collisions. 

It’s not just wildfires that may be covered by comprehensive insurance, but car fires as well. 

According to some recent statistics, there’s roughly 174,000 vehicle fires that are reported on all U.S. highways. And per FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), approximately one out of every eight fires that fire departments respond to is a highway vehicle fire. 

But while some fires occur because of a collision (and would thus probably fall under Collision Insurance), it’s more often that electrical or mechanical issues cause the flames. Comprehensive coverage would likely cover these damages, based on the limits of your deductible.  

Regular car maintenance is key to helping locate a mechanical issue before it turns into something bigger. Protect yourself further by reading Car Fires: Can It Happen To You? You can find out what to watch out for, preventative measures to take, and what to do in case of a fire. 

Vehicle theft is on the rise, with over one million cars stolen nationwide in 2022. This represents a 7% increase from the year prior, as reported by the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau).  

While car theft is an issue all year long (no matter which state you live in), data shows up to a 25% uptick in this crime during the winter months. Keep in mind that if you are a victim of theft, comprehensive may cover the damage to your vehicle, but not anything inside that is stolen. 

Avoid being a victim to begin with by reading helpful tips on our blog:

• Car Thefts Spike in Winter: Don’t Leave Your Car to Warm Up Unattended

Do you ever worry about getting your car keyed? Tires slashed? Comprehensive coverage can protect you from damages due to vandalism, which is defined as intentional damage to your car (as opposed to when someone accidentally breaks your glass windows).  

State laws do not mandate comprehensive insurance (although drivers with leased cars may be required to have it from their lenders)... which may leave policyholders to wonder if it’s something they should add on their own. 

Some natural disasters come with a warning. This is lucky for those that live in the area as they can plan ahead to get to a safe location, as well as protect their belongings. But while people may go about purchasing last-minute emergency supplies like extra food or filling up their car with gas… this does not mean that they can add last-minute coverage to their auto insurance policies.  

For example — hurricanes, whether they make landfall or not, can be forecast several days in advance. While the trajectory may alter significantly, once such a storm is on the map, there will probably be a moratorium on binding a new policy. 

The same would apply to the flooding that is often a byproduct of a hurricane. Or a major winter storm barreling towards your state. Or a tornado warning that has been issued. Or a wildfire that has begun nearby. 

Insurance is there to protect you from an unforeseen event… not one that’s been scheduled.  

Since there will likely be a moratorium on binding new policies when a disaster is expected, you want to add comprehensive insurance before you can see that you need it. 

Some locations are more prone to natural disasters, wildlife collisions, and car thefts, these scenarios (and more) can happen to anyone, anywhere.  

The more informed you are, the more likely you will select the right insurance policies that fit your needs. Check out more posts on car insurance:  

• Insurance 101: What is Property Damage Liability 

• Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism? 

• Current State of the Personal Auto Insurance Market

This post is general in nature and is meant to provide general policy information to offer extra insights and information about the different types of coverages available as you deliberate on which policy to select. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and do not alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies expressly stated in your contract with Novo, which may also differ based on your state of residence. As always, we encourage you to speak to your professional advisors, read your policy contract fully, and consider your personal circumstances when selecting coverage. All comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views and Novo assumes no responsibility for them.