“Collision” and “Comprehensive” coverages, which are also known as physical damage coverages, pay for repair or the actual cash value of your auto regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage pays if your auto collides with an object, including another car, or if it overturns. Your own insurer will pay for such damage even if the collision is your fault.
In addition, collision premiums are based on the make and model year of your car. You should evaluate the current market value of your car and your ability to afford a similar car should it be destroyed before you purchase this coverage. You may not need this coverage if your car has decreased in value or if you can afford to replace it.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your auto from almost all other causes such as fire, vandalism, water, hail, glass breakage, wind, falling objects, civic commotion, or hitting an animal. Damage from striking a deer is a relatively frequent accident in Wisconsin. It is important to know that most policies cover hitting an animal under comprehensive, not collision, insurance.
Comprehensive coverage also pays if your auto or parts of it, such as a battery or tires, are stolen. Flood damage to your car is also covered if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. If you carry collision without comprehensive coverage, you are not covered for flood damage. If you borrow money from a bank or some other financial institution to buy your car, the lender will probably require you to purchase physical damage coverage to protect both of your interests in the car.