Yeah, it’s wild how much “comprehensive” can mean different things depending on who you’re talking to. I had a similar run-in with a possum (don’t ask) and my insurer at the time just shrugged it off—said it wasn’t covered. Next company I tried, they actually had a whole section about animal damage. Makes you wonder if anyone’s ever gotten a straight answer on hail or flood stuff, too. Has anyone here actually managed to get a claim paid out for something weird like that?
Yeah, “comprehensive” really is a moving target. Here’s the deal:
- Animal damage (like possums, deer, etc.) is usually covered under comprehensive, but some policies sneak in exclusions or weird limits.
- Hail? Most comprehensive policies include it, but you’ll want to double-check for deductibles—sometimes they’re higher for hail claims.
- Flood is a different beast. Standard auto policies don’t cover it unless you have comprehensive, and even then, some companies get picky about what counts as “flood.”
- I’ve seen claims paid out for all sorts of odd stuff—squirrels chewing wires, cows sitting on hoods (don’t ask), but it really comes down to how your policy’s worded.
Bottom line: always read the fine print or ask for a breakdown before you buy. Some insurers are way more upfront than others...
I get what you’re saying about reading the fine print, but honestly, I’ve found that even when you do, it’s not always clear what’s actually covered. Especially with older cars—like, if you’re driving something classic or even just a bit vintage, some insurers will quietly tack on extra exclusions or “actual cash value” clauses that don’t really work in your favor if something weird happens. Ever tried to get a payout for hail damage on a car that’s more than 20 years old? The adjuster basically shrugs and says it’s “wear and tear.”
And about animal damage—sure, possums and deer are usually listed, but I’ve seen policies that specifically exclude rodents. Squirrels aren’t always covered, which is wild considering how often they chew through wiring around here.
I guess my point is, even if you ask for a breakdown, sometimes the real details only come out when you file a claim. Anyone else feel like the definitions of “comprehensive” are getting narrower every year?
I’ve seen policies that specifically exclude rodents. Squirrels aren’t always covered, which is wild considering how often they chew through wiring around here.
That squirrel thing cracks me up—well, except when it’s my car. I had a Mercedes that basically turned into a rodent buffet one winter, and the adjuster just shrugged. Apparently, “vermin” is in a different category than “wildlife.” Who knew?
I totally get what you’re saying about “comprehensive” meaning less and less. Here’s how I try to sidestep some of those gotchas, especially with higher-end or older cars:
1. Ask for sample policy docs *before* you buy. Not the summary, the actual legalese. Sounds dry, but sometimes that’s where you spot those exclusions.
2. If you own something rare or classic, look for agreed value coverage instead of actual cash value. It costs more, but at least you know what you’ll get if the worst happens.
3. For weird stuff (like rodent damage), I literally email the agent: “Is this covered? What about this?” and save their answer. It’s not bulletproof, but it helps.
Honestly, insurance feels like a game of “gotcha” some days. But yeah, the definitions get tighter every year... and the squirrels just keep getting bolder.
Apparently, “vermin” is in a different category than “wildlife.” Who knew?
That’s wild—never thought a squirrel would get a technicality like that. Makes me wonder: has anyone actually had luck getting rodent damage covered, or is that basically a lost cause with standard policies? I’ve had friends try and just get stonewalled.
