Page 40 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – September 2018

‘Ask Ed’
Insuring AAA Members in Ohio for more than 70 years
Contact your AAA Ohio Agent at 1.800.288.4467 to learn more about MAPFRE Insurance.
www.mapfreinsurance.com MAPFRE Insurance® is a brand and service mark of MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp and its affiliates, including American Commerce Insurance CompanySM.
Each issue, we’ll break down an insurance topic – and what it means for you – with answers from Ed Conley, CPIA and director of Insurance Sales and Financial Services at AAA. Have a question for Ed? Drop us a line at AAA.com/AskEd.
What is comprehensive coverage on my insurance policy? Why do I need it?
Comprehensive coverage on your auto policy is an optional coverage (unless you have a loan on the vehicle; then it’s mandatory) that is
sometimes also called “other than collision.” While that’s true for the most part, it doesn’t tell the whole story of what it covers. Comprehensive coverage is generally less expensive than collision coverage and protects you against losses due to glass breakage, fire, hail, theft, water and hitting an animal, among other things. Claims that fall under this coverage will be subject
to a deductible that you choose based on your individual needs
Does hitting a deer raise my insurance rates, and will I pay a deductible if I file a claim for hitting a deer?
Hitting a deer can be a traumatic experience and the cost of the damages can vary greatly. If you have comprehensive coverage on
your policy, your insurance company will cover the loss up to the amount needed for repairs or the total value of your vehicle, whichever is lower, minus your deductible. This event also can impact your premium at your next renewal. How much will be dependent on several factors, including the total payout and other accidents or violations you may have had within the last five years.
Even if your vehicle is older and you’ve removed the collision coverage, you can still keep comprehensive coverage for a minimal expense to protect against some of those events out of your control. Talking with an insurance agent about your coverage options and deductibles will make sure you have the right coverage at a competitive price.
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