What is comprehensive car insurance?

Complete Guide to Comprehensive Car Insurance

Why This Question Matters for Colorado and Utah Residents

Comprehensive car insurance isn't just an optional add-on—it's often a financial lifesaver in Colorado and Utah. Our unique weather patterns, high auto theft rates, and frequent wildlife crossings mean local drivers face real risks that traditional collision insurance simply won't cover.

• Hailstorms are costly and common: In Northern Colorado, hail accounts for 62% of comprehensive claims, with the average repair cost at $4,815 per vehicle. Boulder, Fort Collins, and Greeley rank among the state's most hail-prone areas.
• Theft risk is rising: Urban areas like Denver and Colorado Springs experience theft rates as high as 560 vehicles per 100,000 residents. Comprehensive covers you for replacements, not just repairs.
• Wildlife collisions: Utah and mountain corridors in Colorado see hundreds of animal-vehicle crashes each year, especially during dusk and dawn. Repairs or total losses from hitting a deer or elk are only covered with comprehensive insurance.

What Most People Get Wrong

Many local drivers assume they're fully protected by liability or collision coverage, but these do not cover non-collision damage such as hail, fire, theft, or hitting an animal. Another common misconception: comprehensive coverage is only for "new or expensive cars." In fact, weather and wildlife risks affect nearly every vehicle on the road here, not just luxury models.

Some also overlook that most lenders require comprehensive coverage on financed or leased vehicles in both Colorado and Utah, regardless of your location.

The Complete Picture

Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle for damage caused by nearly anything except a collision—including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects (like tree branches), hail, floods, and animal encounters. It's a vital layer of protection given our regional realities.

In Colorado and Utah, adding comprehensive coverage typically costs about $302 per year. Given average hail or theft repairs easily run several thousand dollars, this coverage provides strong value. Remember, you'll choose a deductible (often $500 or $1,000) for each claim. Policyholders in Larimer/Weld counties file comprehensive claims nearly twice as often as the national average due to severe weather. Local experts recommend comprehensive for any vehicle you couldn't quickly or affordably replace out-of-pocket.

Making the Right Decision for Colorado and Utah Residents

Question 1: How much could you lose if your vehicle is stolen, damaged by hail, or hit by an animal?

Consider local risks and repair costs:

• Is your area prone to hailstorms? Average claim: $4,815.
• Do you park on the street or in public lots, raising theft risk?
• Do you drive on mountain highways or rural roads with high rates of deer/elk collisions?

Question 2: Can you afford your deductible and a potential full vehicle replacement?

Your deductible determines what you pay when making a claim. If a hailstorm totals your car and your deductible is $1,000, can you cover it comfortably? If not, consider if a lower deductible is worth a slightly higher premium. Comprehensive won't pay more than the car’s actual value minus your deductible.

Question 3: Is comprehensive required by your lender? Is your vehicle worth protecting?

If you lease or finance your car, most lenders in Colorado and Utah require comprehensive coverage. Even if you own your car outright, ask yourself: could you quickly buy a new car or pay for costly repairs out-of-pocket?