What is the purpose of comprehensive coverage in auto insurance?

The purpose of comprehensive coverage in auto insurance is to cover damages to your vehicle from non-collision incidents. This type of insurance protects against a variety of risks that can cause damage to a vehicle outside of a typical traffic accident. These incidents may include theft, vandalism, natural disasters (like floods or hail), and hitting an animal, among others. By providing this type of coverage, comprehensive insurance gives vehicle owners peace of mind that they are protected from financial losses that can occur from events not related to collisions with other vehicles.

Understanding that comprehensive coverage focuses on non-collision-related events helps clarify why other options do not fit. For instance, collision coverage specifically addresses damages from accidents involving another vehicle or object, medical payments relate to injuries sustained from an accident, and coverage for lost wages is typically part of disability insurance, not automobile insurance.