Comprehensive coverage, also called “other than collision” or OTC coverage, is a type of auto insurance that covers damages to your vehicle that are, wait for it…not caused by a collision. Damages from events such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and hitting an animal would be covered. There may also be coverage for other accidental things that may happen. For example, your pet rips your upholstery or a tree falls on your car.
Comprehensive coverage is generally optional, meaning you can choose to include it in your policy or not. However, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender may require you to carry comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage does not cover damages that result from a collision or other types of accidents. For that, you would need a separate type of coverage called collision coverage.
Generally, in Pennsylvania, claims paid under comprehensive coverage are not chargeable, which means your premium shouldn’t increase due to a claim. Comprehensive coverage typically has a deductible, which is the amount you'll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of the damages. However, some companies have additional policy features that may reduce your deductible down to zero.
The best way to find out about these features is to work with a qualified insurance professional who can help you find a policy to meet your specific needs.