What is the difference between comprehensive and partial comprehensive insurance?
December 2, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Gallenberg
Dear insurance lawyer,
My name is Dennis Pilz and I have a question regarding my insurance coverage. I have been a proud owner of a car for several years and have always taken out comprehensive insurance to be fully protected in case of an accident.
Now, a friend has advised me to also consider a partial coverage insurance. However, I am unsure about the exact difference between full coverage and partial coverage insurance, and whether it is really necessary to take out both insurances.
Currently, I am satisfied with my full coverage insurance as it provides me with comprehensive protection in the event of a self-caused accident. However, I am wondering if a partial coverage insurance would be useful to cover other damage cases such as theft or wildlife accidents.
My concern is that I may not be sufficiently insured in case of damage and may have to bear high costs myself. Therefore, I would like to know from you what the differences are between full coverage and partial coverage insurance and whether it is advisable to take out both insurances.
I look forward to your expert advice and thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dennis Pilz
Dear Mr. Pilz,
Thank you for your question regarding insurance coverage, specifically the difference between comprehensive (full) and partial (comprehensive) insurance. I am happy to provide you with detailed information to assist you in making your decision.
Firstly, it is important to understand that comprehensive insurance provides extensive coverage, including damages to your own vehicle in self-inflicted accidents and vandalism. Additionally, comprehensive insurance covers the costs of damages caused by unknown third parties. It offers a very comprehensive protection, especially recommended for new vehicles or high-value cars.
On the other hand, partial (comprehensive) insurance covers damages to your own vehicle that are not caused by an accident. This includes theft, break-ins, glass breakage, collisions with wild animals, or natural disasters. Partial insurance is a useful addition to car insurance to protect against these risks. It is usually cheaper than comprehensive insurance and is therefore often recommended for older vehicles or cars with a lower market value.
Whether it is advisable to have both comprehensive and partial insurance depends on various factors. If you place a high value on comprehensive protection and your vehicle is of high value, the combination of both insurances may be beneficial. In your case, where you are already satisfied with your comprehensive insurance, it may still be advisable to consider adding partial insurance to be protected against the mentioned risks.
In conclusion, I recommend seeking individual advice from your insurance advisor or lawyer to clarify your personal insurance needs and find the appropriate coverage for your vehicle. I hope this information has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Ingo Gallenberg
