What does comprehensive car insurance not cover

A comprehensive car insurance is an extensive motor insurance plan that covers the insured person against both, own damages and any third party liabilities. It is also known as 'own-damage' or a 'other than collision' car insurance as this policy also protects you financially against any losses that might arise not due to collision. A comprehensive car insurance covers any unforeseen incidents such as an accident, fire, theft or natural calamity.

Although comprehensive car insurance​ of​fers more coverage than a Third-party cover, it is not necessary that a comprehensive cover will always be expensive. And now that you know what ​​​comprehensive insurance for a car is you can compare comprehensive car insurance quotes online to check what suits you best.​​​​​

A comprehensive car insurance policy is the most superior kind of protection you can provide your car with. It is one step ahead of the basic third-party car insurance policy that offers protection and security only for the third-party or the vehicle you dash into. Third-party insurance fails to cover your own vehicle against the possibility of an accident. Comprehensive insurance on the other hand provides extensive coverage and offers more services. 

Benefits of Buying Comprehensive car insurance

A comprehensive car insurance ​ policy protects your car from any unforeseen event except collision. It also covers for losses incurred during an accident. Let’s take a look at the various other benefits of this “other than collision” cover:

  • It is the highest level of protection you can give your car
  • If you are found to be at fault in event of an accident, with comprehensive car insurance, you can claim for losses incurred in such situations
  • It covers lawsuits, including legal fees brought against you as a result of an accident
  • Peace of mind and financial protection
  • Offers financial aid in case your car is written off
  • Unlike third-party insurance, it covers from damages caused to your own car during an accident

What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?

In order to avoid any last minute surprises, it is always better to have a complete grasp on the inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your vehicle insurance policy. For that, you must read it very carefully. Generally, you won’t need to worry about the following, as they will be covered under your comprehe​nsive car insurance:

  • Damage caused by Natural disasters or severe weather
  • Fire
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Damage to third party
  • Damage to your vehicle caused by falling objects such as trees
  • Damage or destruction of your vehicle caused by an act of civil disturbance such as riots 

What Does Comprehensive Insurance Not Cover?

If your vehicle endures damage due to a collision, then a car insurance claim cannot be made unless you have a comprehensive car insurance. Similarly, there a bunch of things that have been excluded from a comprehensive car insurance:

  • Depreciation
  • Wear and tear of the vehicle
  • Electrical or Mechanical breakdown
  • ​Damage caused to the vehicle by a person driving without a valid license
  • Damage caused due to drunken driving
  • Damage caused due to driving under the influence of drugs
  • Damage to tyres and tubes. However, if the vehicle is damaged at the same time, liability of the company will be limited to 50% of the replacement cost
  • Loss / damage to the car caused by war, mutiny or nuclear risk

Reliance Comprehensive Car Insurance is the best choice for you if you wish to pamper your car and give it maximum protection. Get a Reliance comprehensive car insurance quote now and save thousands on your premium.​​

Car insurance can be complicated, for sure. Whether you choose a comprehensive car insurance policy or third party property cover, there are a raft of inclusions, exclusions and optional extras to consider, as well as specific circumstances which may invalidate a claim.

The best way to avoid a car insurance claim rejection is to read through your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully so you have a good understanding of your coverage and its limits. 

However, you can fast-track this research process by knowing what’s generally not covered by most Australian car insurance providers. 

Here are seven comprehensive car insurance coverage questions to ask before you make a claim.

1. Does car insurance cover general wear, tear and tyre damage?

This refers to all those little scratches, stains and mechanical issues which crop up, and unfortunately these things aren't covered by car insurance. Regular maintenance can help address problems as they arise, which should hopefully allow for a cheaper and more efficient route to fixing issues instead of organising emergent repairs.

A big element to remember is that tyre damage, including punctures and worn-down tread, isn’t covered by car insurance. So, you’ll need to keep an eye on tyre condition and replace the set if tread falls below 1.5mm (the legal requirement set out in the 1989 Motor Vehicles Standards Act).

Time is a cruel master. Depreciation is not covered by car insurance and your car will likely decrease in value the longer you use it. This is especially relevant if you’ve set an agreed value on your vehicle – you may want to update the value at renewal time.

If you’re not doing your due diligence in these matters and your car is deemed unroadworthy, then you can bet your insurer won’t cover you if you continue driving.

2. Does car insurance cover mechanical or electrical breakdowns?

This could be a problem in that “uh oh” moment when the hood starts spewing smoke while you’re driving, or if a million revs just won’t get the engine started. 

While comprehensive car insurance covers a lot of accidental events or natural disasters, most policies don’t insure breakdowns related to mechanical, electrical or structural faults in the car.

If you’ve got a newer car and it’s within a warranty period, these issues may be covered under by the seller or manufacturer. Or, if you’ve elected to include roadside assistance in your policy, some smaller mechanical issues can be addressed under this cover at the time of the breakdown.

3. Does car insurance cover you if your driving under the influence of alcohol?

Since driving while intoxicated is illegal, you might have guessed your insurer won’t cover you for any incidents which occur while you’re under the influence. 

If you have your full licence you are allowed to drive with a blood alcohol percentage up to the legal limit. However, you should check with your provider if this may affect your ability to make an insurance claim.

It’s important to also look out for anything related to prescription medication in your policy, especially if you’re taking a course of drugs which you need to declare to remain a licenced driver.

4. Does car insurance cover an overloaded car?

Again, this one might feel obvious – only carry as many passengers as there are seats and seat belts – but there’s more to it.

Your car insurance will be voided if you’ve loaded your car to a point where it’s heavier than the legal limit, or if the items aren’t secured properly. Same goes for anything you’re towing behind the vehicle.

Check your state or territory’s guide for the limits for various vehicle types, and the manufacturer’s specifications to find out how much your vehicle can safely tow,

5. Does car insurance cover repossessed or legally confiscated cars?

Is your ride in the impound lot after one-too-many speeding fines? Or has it been officially repossessed because you defaulted on your car insurance loan?

Unfortunately, your comprehensive insurance policy can’t help you out of either of these pickles.

6. Does car insurance cover unlicensed drivers or unregistered vehicles?

If you don’t have a current driver’s licence or your car’s rego has run out, don’t expect your car insurance to cover you while driving. 

It’s easy to forget these long-term registrations, so make sure you set reminders and keep on top of your paperwork for both.

7. Does car insurance cover you if you haven't paid your premium? 

If you want a pay-out, you need to pay your premium. Insurance companies are required to provide at least 14 days noticed before your policy period ends so you can renew it. 

Many providers will give you a heads-up well before this and there are often options to set up automatic renewal. So, hopefully you won’t forget to pay your premium, as any claim made under a lapsed policy won’t be valid.

Make sure you can stay on top of your car insurance costs by comparing and choosing the best value policy to suit your needs. You can start with some of the comprehensive options below.

What does a comprehensive policy cover?

Comprehensive insurance is insurance coverage that pays for the repair or replacement. Comprehensive car insurance typically covers third-party liabilities, damage from an accident, fire, natural calamity, theft, etc.

What does fully comprehensive mean?

In a nutshell, comprehensive car insurance cover – sometimes known as fully comprehensive cover, pays out if you damage your car, someone else's car or injure someone in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive car insurance also covers you against fire and theft.