Comprehensive insurance isn’t required in the state of Georgia. But it’s a good idea to have it regardless.
When it comes to protecting your car, comprehensive insurance provides a much-needed layer of security that simple collision and liability do not. Unlike collision coverage, which strictly covers damages related to driving incidents, comprehensive safeguards your vehicle in a multitude of situations. These include events that are out of your control when your car is parked.
In this article, we’ll cover five dangers that comprehensive car insurance covers in Georgia.
1. Vandalism
Believe it or not, some of the worst damages can happen to your car when it’s parked! Vandalism and theft, for example, often occur when a car isn’t properly secured or when it’s parked in an unmonitored or seedy area. Vandalism can mean anything from keying or graffitiing the exterior of a car to breaking in and stealing items inside of it — or even stealing the car itself.
Luckily, comprehensive car insurance covers drivers in the unfortunate circumstance that they fall prey to vandalism or theft. The last thing any car owner wants is to have their vehicle defaced with graffiti or their windows smashed in. That’s where this coverage comes in handy. It will not only repair the damages but will also cover the cost of any stolen items inside the vehicle.
And with the recent uptick in crime and civil unrest in Georgia’s cities — there were more than 18,000 reported car thefts in the state in 2021 alone! — it’s more important than ever to have this type of coverage.
2. Destruction from Natural Disasters
Natural disasters, unfortunately, are often unpredictable.
And while Georgia may not be as disaster-prone as states like California and Florida, it still gets its fair share! There have been 38 disaster declarations in the state since the year 2000. Georgia is prone to severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and the occasional hurricane, as well as wildfires, winter storms, and tornadoes.
For all these reasons, it’s important that you have comprehensive coverage for your car in Georgia. It’s one way to ensure that you are financially covered in the event of any damages from these unforeseen occurrences. The coverage not only includes protection against damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods but also from accidents resulting from fires.
It’s important to remember that life is unpredictable, and natural disasters can happen anywhere at any time. So having this type of coverage could save you from dealing with unexpected financial stress. By investing in this type of policy, you’ll have peace of mind and drive with confidence, knowing that you are prepared for whatever comes your way.
3. Falling Objects
When a falling object makes a crash landing on the hood of your car, you can rest assured knowing that the damage will be covered by your policy. Comprehensive insurance covers damages from falling objects — whether that be hail, a loose tree limb, or even a UFO!
We’re joking about UFOs. But if one did land on your car, you’d probably be covered for that, too.
4. Hitting an Animal
Lots of drivers mistakenly assume that hitting an animal is covered by collision insurance. But it’s not!
In the unfortunate circumstance that you strike an animal on the road, comprehensive insurance is the only type of auto policy that will cover the damages. Damages from hitting animals are much more common than you might think. In fact, Georgia is considered a high-risk state for hitting animals: Georgians have a 1 in 89 chance of colliding with a deer while driving on the road.
Hitting a deer, cow or any large animal can be a scary experience, but it’s important to be calm and make sure you stay safe.
First, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Do not get out of the car if the animal is still up and moving. An angry bull that has been hit by a car can do a lot of damage. If it’s clear the animal is gone or dead – and it’s safe to do so – leave your car and wait in a safe place for help.
Contact the police to report the incident and ask if they can provide a report of the accident. Then take photos of the damage and get any witness information if there are any bystanders around. Call your insurance company to report the incident and provide all the necessary information.
Though it can be an unsettling experience, following these steps can help ensure a smooth claims process and get you back on the road in no time.
5. Civil Unrest
Civil unrest, unlike vandalism, is not a targeted attack on your car. It’s when there is mass unrest or rioting in a specific area that results in the collateral destruction or damage of personal property, including cars. Unfortunately, we’ve been seeing more and more civil unrest across America’s cities in recent years. So it’s wise to protect your car against this specific type of incident.
Comprehensive insurance coverage will protect your car if it’s damaged during a riot or some other type of civil unrest. If you frequently park your car on the street in Atlanta or other major cities in Georgia, it’s wise to have this coverage — just in case!
Dangers Covered by Comprehensive Insurance in the Peach State
As you can see, there are so many common events that fall under the umbrella of comprehensive. Whether it’s due to theft, vandalism, or destruction caused by natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes, this type of coverage will offer you peace of mind knowing that you won’t be left footing the bill when something unexpected happens.
With this coverage, your car is protected while it’s parked and not being driven. No matter what life throws at you, you can leave your vehicle in the parking garage or your driveway and feel relaxed.