What does comprehensive coverage in a personal auto policy provide?

Comprehensive coverage in a personal auto policy is designed to provide protection against damages to a vehicle that are not the result of a collision. This includes a broad range of scenarios such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and falling objects. The term "open perils" indicates that the coverage applies unless specifically excluded in the policy. This means that all types of damage to the vehicle are covered unless the policy specifies otherwise.

This type of coverage is essential for protecting against unforeseen events that can lead to significant financial loss. It differs from liability coverage, which covers bodily injury and damage to other vehicles or property when you are responsible for an accident, and collision coverage, which only pays for damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. Additionally, while basic coverage for uninsured motorists addresses injuries caused by drivers who do not have insurance, it does not pertain to damages sustained by your own vehicle from non-collision events, which is what comprehensive coverage covers.