(800) 253-1482What Is Comprehensive Insurance in Tennessee?
Summary: Comprehensive insurance in Tennessee covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, falling objects, fires, hitting animals, and weather damage, unlike liability or collision insurance. It doesn’t cover accident-related damages or personal property theft. The cost depends on your vehicle’s value and deductible; a higher deductible reduces premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs. It is ideal for peace of mind against unexpected damage and is often required for financed or leased vehicles. While comprehensive coverage covers non-collision events, collision insurance handles accident-related damages. Combining both coverages can offer savings, but neither covers uninsured motorists or accident damages. Estimated Read Time: 5 mins
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Comprehensive insurance protects Tennessee drivers from incidents that liability or collision insurance won't cover, such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
It fills the gaps by covering a range of unforeseen events that could impact your vehicle.
Use our tool below to get quotes on comprehensive insurance or speak with an agent to learn how you can save more by comparing top-rated auto insurance companies near you.
What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover for Tennessee
Comprehensive car insurance covers perils that can damage your vehicle outside of accidents with other drivers. Here’s how drivers in Tennessee are covered:
- Damage caused by falling objects, including trees
- Damage from fires and explosions
- Damage from rocks and other thrown objects from other vehicles
- Damage to your glass and windshield may be covered
- Hitting an animal
- Riots, vandalism, theft (including grand theft auto)
- Weather-related damage (hail, floods, earthquakes, etc.)
What’s Not Covered by Your Coverage
While your policy generally covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by an accident with another party's vehicle or property, it's not going to protect you from everything.
You should review what your policy does not cover to fully understand your protection.
This will help you avoid surprises and better protect your vehicle and finances.
Here are some common exceptions drivers in Tennessee should be aware of:
- Damage from accidents to you or another vehicle
- Hit-and-runs
- Loss of income following an accident
- Medical and legal expenses in the aftermath of an accident.
- Personal property stolen or damaged inside your vehicle
- Pothole damage.
- Underinsured and uninsured motorists
While comprehensive car coverage won’t protect you from the perils listed above, there are other forms of auto insurance available that can help. Be sure to compare and find a level of coverage that meets your needs.
Comparing Comprehensive vs Collision Insurance in TN
Comprehensive insurance coverage isn’t the same as collision but both are often paired together to create “full coverage”, along with a liability policy.
Collision coverage is a protection that restores your vehicle after an accident even if you cause the accident.
Remember, comprehensive coverage is there for you when you suffer a loss not involving a wreck.
Both are affordable protections and can work together to help you better prepare for potential losses to your vehicle.
The Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage for Tennessee Drivers
Most drivers can benefit from maintaining comprehensive insurance and should have enough coverage to help them fully restore their vehicle from larger losses, assuming it’s not totaled.
Finding the right policy is going to provide you with many benefits without breaking the bank in the process. Here are a few reasons to add this protection to your auto policy:
Restore Damage to Your Glass and Windshield
Depending on your policy, you may have coverage to restore your windshield when it cracks or damages your vehicle’s other windows.
Keep in mind that each policy is different and there still may be deductibles to consider before you can submit a claim.
Still, for some drivers in Tennessee, this is an added perk that can bring peace of mind and quick repairs.
Protection Against the Weather
Whether it’s flooding in the Upper Tennessee Valley, wildfires near Pigeon Forge, or a tree falling down on your vehicle wherever you find yourself in the Volunteer State, comprehensive insurance has you covered.
Peace of Mind for Grand Theft Auto
You’re more likely to have your vehicle stolen in Tennessee than a large majority of states, despite having a smaller population than many others in the nation.
This is an unfortunate statistic, however, drivers can prepare and protect against grand theft auto with the right insurance policy.
Lease or Finance Your Vehicle
Most companies offering to finance or lease vehicles make comprehensive car insurance a requirement within their terms and conditions.
If you’re relying on these options to purchase or lease your vehicle, be aware that affordable coverages are available.
The Cost of Comprehensive Auto Insurance in Tennessee
On average, the cost of comprehensive auto insurance coverage for drivers in Tennessee is $32 per month and $384 per year.
However, each insurance company measures risk differently, so rates can vary even for the same driver and coverage.
Calculating the cost of comprehensive insurance is like other policies—it depends on the risk you present as a client.
Your premium is also affected by your deductible amount and your vehicle's value, among other factors, such as where you live, how much you drive, your driving record, etc.
Furthermore, your vehicle's value matters because payouts are usually based on your car's Actual Cash Value (ACV).
If an older car is damaged, like by a tree falling on it, the coverage won’t pay for a brand-new model; you’d have to cover the extra cost yourself.
Deductibles and Policy Limits
Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible—the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurer covers the rest.
For example, if you have repairs that cost $2,000 but a $1,000 deductible, you'll pay half and your insurance company will provide the other half as a reimbursement for your claim.
A higher deductible can help you lower your premiums but if you have an accident, you're on the hook for more money upfront.
Lower deductibles typically come with higher premiums but if you have an accident, your insurance company takes on a larger financial responsibility.
Higher deductibles suit drivers with fewer claims, while lower deductibles can save money for those more likely to file claims.
Consider personal factors when choosing your deductible, like the risk of damage to your vehicle from appropriate perils and your risk tolerance, to find the right amount for your needs.
Quick Facts About Comprehensive Insurance in Tennessee
Making an informed decision about your Tennesee car insurance policy is essential for being prepared for whatever you might face.
Here are some important facts to consider when shopping for comprehensive coverage:
- Full coverage can include comprehensive insurance but they are not the same. You can, in some cases, forgo full coverage and just purchase comprehensive coverage. However, you can save through discounts when you purchase full coverage auto insurance.
- Neither collision nor comprehensive coverages protect drivers in Tennessee from uninsured motorists. You’ll need a separate uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage policy.
- There may come a time when dropping comprehensive insurance makes sense. If you aren’t leasing or financing your vehicle, can afford to restore or replace your vehicle after a major loss, and its value isn’t worth the premium and deductible, speak with your insurance agent.
