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Jul
22

What Is Comprehensive Car Insurance?

UPDATED: July 4, 2025
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Comprehensive car insurance is an optional coverage that protects your vehicle from non-collision incidents. In other words, it covers damage to your car caused by things other than a car crash. For Chicago drivers, comprehensive insurance can be a lifesaver when facing risks like auto theft, vandalism, or Illinois’ unpredictable weather. In short, it’s an extra layer of protection for your vehicle against the unexpected. 

For personalized advice or a free quote, call Insure On The Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060.

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover in Chicago, Illinois?

Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of unexpected damages that aren’t the result of a collision with another vehicle. Whether you live in the heart of Chicago or drive across Illinois, this coverage steps in for many scenarios beyond your control. Here are some key things comprehensive car insurance typically covers:

  • Theft and vandalism: If your car is stolen or damaged by vandalism (not uncommon in a big city like Chicago), comprehensive coverage can pay to repair or replace it.
  • Weather and natural disasters: Damage from hail storms, floods, tornadoes, or falling objects (like a tree limb during a Chicago storm) is covered by comprehensive insurance.
  • Fire and explosions: If your vehicle is damaged by fire or an explosion, comprehensive coverage will help cover the repairs or loss.
  • Animal collisions: Hitting a deer or other animals on Illinois roads can cause serious damage. Comprehensive insurance covers collisions with animals, unlike standard collision coverage.
  • Glass breakage: Many comprehensive policies include coverage for broken windows or windshield damage (for example, a cracked windshield from flying debris).

While comprehensive insurance protects against these non-collision incidents, it does not cover damage from a regular car accident. Damage from crashing into another vehicle or object is handled by collision insurance, not comprehensive. Additionally, comprehensive coverage won’t pay for routine mechanical breakdowns or normal wear and tear on your car. It’s important to remember that when you file a comprehensive claim, you’ll need to pay your chosen deductible first (for example, the first $500 of a repair bill), and then the insurance will cover the rest up to your policy limit.

Is Comprehensive Car Insurance Required in Illinois?

No, Illinois does not legally require comprehensive insurance. The only mandatory coverage for Illinois drivers is liability insurance, which is the state minimum of 25/50/20 (at least $25,000 per person for injury, $50,000 per accident for injury to others, and $20,000 for property damage). Comprehensive coverage is optional if you own your car outright. However, if you’re financing or leasing a vehicle in Illinois, your lender or leasing company will likely require you to carry comprehensive (and collision) coverage. They want to protect the vehicle – their asset – until it’s paid off.

In summary, here’s what to know about requirements:

  • State law: Illinois requires only liability insurance (no comprehensive or collision mandate).
  • Lenders/Lease: If your car is financed or leased, the bank or dealership will require you to have comprehensive collision coverage.
  • Owning your car: If you’ve paid off your car, comprehensive insurance is optional but often recommended for full protection.

Many local drivers choose to carry comprehensive insurance even when it’s not required. In Chicago, where car thefts and weather damage can happen, having this coverage provides peace of mind. You might hear the term “full coverage” insurance – this usually means a policy that includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. While “full coverage” isn’t a specific type of insurance, carrying comprehensive coverage as part of your policy ensures you have much broader protection than the state minimum.

Why Should Chicago Drivers Consider Comprehensive Coverage?

Even though it’s optional, comprehensive coverage can be extremely valuable for drivers in Chicago and across Illinois. Chicago’s environment presents unique risks that comprehensive insurance addresses. For example, auto theft is a significant concern in the city – over 30,000 vehicles were stolen in Chicago in 2023. Without comprehensive coverage, if your car gets stolen or vandalized, you’d have to cover the loss yourself. Comprehensive insurance means the insurance company will pay to repair or reimburse you for your vehicle (minus your deductible) in these situations.

Illinois is known for heavy storms and hail. Even Chicago’s streets can flood during sudden downpours, and hailstones can shatter windshields. Comprehensive coverage steps in to pay for these repairs, saving you from hefty out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, thousands of Illinois drivers hit deer each year – another source of major car damage that comprehensive insurance will cover.

Cost is always a consideration with insurance, but comprehensive coverage is generally affordable relative to the protection it provides. Comprehensive coverage is often less expensive than collision coverage. You can also customize your comprehensive deductible to fit your budget – choosing a higher deductible (like $500 or $1,000) will lower your premium, while a lower deductible means you’d pay less out of pocket if something happens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q: What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?

A: Illinois requires at least 25/50/20 liability coverage. That means you need at least $25,000 of coverage for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to others, and $20,000 for property damage. This is the state minimum to drive legally, but many drivers opt for higher limits (and add comprehensive and collision coverage) for better protection.


Q: Is comprehensive car insurance mandatory in Illinois?

A: No, comprehensive coverage is not mandated by Illinois law. You must only carry liability insurance to meet the legal requirements. Comprehensive insurance is optional unless your lender or lease agreement requires it, but it’s often a smart choice to protect your vehicle from non-accident damage.


Q: Does comprehensive insurance cover car theft in Chicago?

A: Yes. If your car is stolen or vandalized in Chicago (or anywhere), comprehensive coverage will cover the loss. After you pay your deductible, your insurer will reimburse you for the value of the vehicle or the repair costs. This makes comprehensive coverage especially valuable in Chicago, where vehicle theft rates have been high.


Q: Will comprehensive insurance cover hail or storm damage to my car?

A: Absolutely. Comprehensive insurance covers damage from hail, floods, falling tree limbs, and other storm-related incidents. Illinois weather can be harsh – if a surprise hailstorm dents your car or a windstorm drops a branch on it, comprehensive coverage will pay for the repairs (after your deductible).


Q: If I hit a deer on an Illinois road, is it covered by my insurance?

A: It is covered if you have comprehensive insurance. Hitting a deer or other animals is considered a non-collision incident, so collision insurance won’t pay for that damage. Comprehensive coverage will cover the repair costs for animal collisions, which is important given the number of deer accidents in Illinois each year.


Get a Quote Today!

Insure On The Spot is proud to offer expert guidance to Chicago drivers. Our team understands Illinois insurance needs and can help you get the right protection for your car. If you’re considering adding comprehensive car insurance or want to review your policy, give us a call at 773-202-5060.

 

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