Comprehensive Insurance Explained: Your Complete Guide

When it comes to comprehensive insurance, it’s all in the name. Large in scope, thorough in understanding, and carefully thought-out in order to best serve your needs and ensure peace of mind in the event of an accident. Comprehensive car insurance is all about going the extra mile in terms of protection for you and your vehicle. Medical expenses, personal accident cover, and emergency treatment are just a few of the key benefits on offer. This guide will break down comprehensive car insurance coverage and help you choose the package that’s right for you. 

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

We’ve listed a few already, so let’s outline the benefits of comprehensive car insurance:

Damage to Your Car

Straightforward enough, this one. Should your car be subject to accidental damage, or if it’s damaged by fire, lightning, theft, or attempted theft, comprehensive car insurance will - at the discretion of the provider - pay the cost of repairing any damage to the car, an amount in cash equivalent to the level of damage, or the cost of replacing the car with a vehicle of a similar type and condition. 

Also, accidental damage includes accessories and spare parts that were either in the car or private garage, but only if they were damaged at the same time. 

Tip: Learn more about AIG’s Breakdown Assistance and Other Useful Car Insurance Add-ons

Loss of Your Car

The same as the above, but in the event of the loss of your car. 

Damage to Other Vehicles and Property

Causing damage to the vehicle or property of another person via an accident is a uniquely difficult situation. Emotions can run high, and so too can financial costs. 

Comprehensive cover lessens the pain of it all by paying the amount of damages, the claimant’s cost and expenses, and any other agreed costs that arise from the death or bodily injury to any individual, and/or accidental damage to the property of any person for which the insured person is liable. 

Legal Costs and Expenses

Unfortunately, there are many other costs to consider beyond property damage and subsequent repair thereof. Should the matter require legal intervention, it will likely prove quite expensive. 

Comprehensive cover will pay for solicitor’s fees for representation at any coroner’s inquest or fatal accident inquiry or court of summary jurisdiction. It will also cover reasonable legal costs for defending a charge of manslaughter or reckless driving causing death. 

Medical Expenses

Comprehensive coverage will pay for medical expenses that occur as a result of injuries sustained in an accident while in your car. At AIG, the maximum amount we will pay is €150 for each person injured.

What Doesn’t Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

It’s important to note that while comprehensive car insurance is pleasingly extensive, it doesn’t apply to literally everything. As such, let’s underline the areas that aren’t covered, just so there’s no confusion: 

Exclusions and Limitations

Wear and Tear

Should your car degrade both cosmetically and mechanically through frequent usage, this is regarded as a natural occurrence and thus not an area for insurance to cover. 

Mechanical Breakdown

As above. 

Driving Under the Influence

Should an accident arise because of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this would be regarded as a violation of the law and your relevant insurance policy. 

Driving Without a Valid Licence

The same applies to operating your car without a valid in-date licence or with false or forged documentation. 

Specific Tyre Damage

Comprehensive car insurance does not cover damage to tyres caused by braking, or by punctures, cuts, or bursts. 

Market Value Alteration

Should there be any reduction in the market value of your car following repair, this element does not apply. 

General Fraud

Any claims of a fraudulent or deceptive nature are not covered. 

Improper Fuel

Comprehensive coverage does not cover any loss or damage that arises from your car being filled up with the incorrect fuel, or any fuel that proves to be contaminated or substandard. 

Animal / Insect / Vermin Damage

Should your beloved pet cat or dog, a bothersome moth or spider, or even a rogue mouse or rat inflict damage upon your car’s interior or exterior, this is also not covered. 

Importance of Reading the Policy Document

Once again returning to the word ‘comprehensive’, there are naturally many areas to be aware of, and you’re unlikely to learn them all off by heart like you’re preparing for an exam. Thankfully, there’s a clear and coherent policy document to assist you. 

Think of it as your go-to bible for all things comprehensive car insurance. If you’re confused about an existing situation or potential scenario, the answers should be cleanly presented within this text. 

It’s essential to read the document so that you best understand everything on offer, as well as the things that aren’t covered. It should also remove the risk of any unwanted surprises down the road. 

If you have a particular query that isn’t explained in the policy document, we encourage you to contact us directly so we can help you out one-on-one. 

Common Questions About Comprehensive Car Insurance

As you might expect, there are many frequently-asked questions when it comes to the subject of comprehensive car insurance. Let’s go through some of the most common: 

Can I drive any car with comprehensive insurance?

You may drive someone else’s private car on a third party-only cover basis. This cover does not extend to other drivers or to commercial vehicles. 

Can two cars be insured on the same policy? 

Yes, but restrictions apply. A second car which you own and are also the main operator of, may be added to your existing policy, but only for a short time period. Should you want to insure the car on a permanent basis, a second policy will need to be set up.

Can I insure a car I don’t own? 

At AIG, we require that either you or your partner/spouse are the registered owner of the car in question. 

Does comprehensive insurance cover theft? 

Yes, and attempted theft. 

Does comprehensive insurance cover scratches and dents?

Yes, provided they are incurred within the terms of your policy. 

What if my car is written off? 

In this case, we will pay you the market value of the vehicle at the time of the accident, but no more than the value you have specified to us in advance. 

Can I avail of same-day car insurance?

Yes, the process can be speedy, subject to acceptance criteria. Quotes can be attained and purchased within a matter of minutes. To get a quote today, click here. 

Can I purchase temporary car insurance? 

Insurance is sold on an annual basis. However, if you are an existing policy holder, you can speak to our team at any time to enquire about possible temporary extensions. 

Why Choose AIG for Comprehensive Car Insurance?

At AIG, we’re dedicated to providing the very best insurance coverage possible. We aim to get you back on the road as quickly as possible, and to provide you with extensive support and peace of mind throughout that process. 

Our comprehensive car insurance is tailor-made for you if:

• You want costs for damage to your car covered
• You want accidental damage cover for your car
• You want to benefit from personal accident cover
• You want a replacement car while your car is repaired
• You want 24-hour breakdown assistance
• You want no-fuss windscreen protection and replacement
• You want cover for medical and legal expenses 
• You require emergency response treatment

As noted, getting a car insurance quote through AIG is quick and easy, so if you’re interested, simply fill out this form and we’ll go from there.