I get where you're coming from, especially with older cars. My last vehicle was an older model too, and comprehensive coverage really did feel unnecessary most of the time. But then again, I had a friend whose car got damaged during a hailstorm—something we'd never even thought about—and he regretted not having comprehensive coverage because the repair bill was pretty hefty.
"Last time someone dinged my bumper, I just shrugged it off—didn't seem worth the hassle of filing a claim and possibly raising my premium."
Yeah, minor stuff like dings and scratches usually isn't worth the hassle, but what about something unexpected like theft or weather damage? I guess it boils down to how much risk you're comfortable taking. I'm still kind of on the fence myself... For those who've skipped comprehensive coverage, have you ever had a situation pop up that made you rethink your decision?
Yeah, totally get that. I skipped comprehensive once on an older car, thinking I'd save a few bucks... then had a close call with a tree branch during a storm. Didn't hit, thankfully, but it definitely made me reconsider my comfort zone with risk.
Had a similar scare once with my '68 Mustang. Thought comprehensive was overkill since I rarely drove it, but then a neighbor's trampoline went airborne during a storm and landed just feet away. Made me rethink the whole "saving a few bucks" thing. Curious, do you guys set a specific car value threshold for deciding when comprehensive coverage is worth it?
I've always been pretty budget-conscious with insurance, and here's how I usually approach it:
- If the car's worth more than around $5k, comprehensive coverage feels like a no-brainer to me. Below that, I start weighing the odds.
- Had an old Civic once, worth maybe $2k tops. Skipped comprehensive thinking I'd save money... then a hailstorm turned it into a golf ball on wheels. Lesson learned the hard way.
- Also depends on where you live. If you're in a place prone to storms, flooding, or flying trampolines (ha!), comprehensive might be worth it even on cheaper cars.
- Another factor is how easily replaceable your ride is. Your '68 Mustang? Not exactly something you can just grab another of off Craigslist tomorrow.
Honestly, it's less about a strict dollar threshold and more about how much risk you're comfortable with. For me, peace of mind usually wins out over saving a few bucks each month.
I generally agree with your points, especially about location playing a big role. I've always wondered though, does anyone factor in their driving habits or mileage? For instance, if you're mostly working from home and barely driving, maybe comprehensive isn't as critical even on pricier cars. On the flip side, if you're commuting daily through heavy traffic or parking on busy streets... seems like the risk of minor damage or theft goes way up. Curious how others weigh that into their decisions.
