Comprehensive or Basic Coverage? Compare with claim examples and avoid regrets

What No One Tells You Before Buying Car Insurance

If you’re researching car insurance, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is it worth paying more for comprehensive insurance, or is basic third-party coverage enough?

This is, without a doubt, one of the most common questions I hear from clients. And the answer?

It depends. But I’m going to show you exactly what it depends on — using real comparisons and claim examples I’ve seen over the years working in insurance.

No fluff here. Just truth — and the kind of advice you’d only get from someone who really understands and cares about your safety.

What is Comprehensive Insurance?

To sum it up, comprehensive insurance is the most complete type of coverage. It protects your car against:

• Theft and robbery
• Collisions (even if you’re at fault)
• Fire
• Third-party damages (property and bodily injury)
• Natural events (floods, hail, falling trees)
• And includes services like a replacement car and 24/7 roadside assistance

💡 It’s the ideal choice for those who want peace of mind knowing they’re protected against almost any mishap.

And What is Basic (Third-Party) Coverage?

Basic coverage, also known as RCF-V (Voluntary Civil Liability for Vehicles), covers:

• Damages you cause to others (vehicles, property, people)

But it does not cover your own car. If you crash, get robbed, or face a flood, the loss is entirely yours.

💡 It’s cheaper, but protects much less.

Real-World Comparison: Two Claim Scenarios

📌 Case 1: Collision where the driver was at fault
Scenario:
João crashed at an intersection. He was at fault. His car’s front was wrecked, and the other vehicle had side damage.

João had COMPREHENSIVE insurance:

• Insurer paid for his car repair: R$ 8,400
• Also paid for the other car’s damage: R$ 6,200
• He only paid a R$ 2,000 deductible

If João had only BASIC coverage:

• The insurer would pay the R$ 6,200 for the other car
• But the R$ 8,400 for his own car would come out of his pocket

📌 Case 2: Car stolen
Scenario:
Carla parked near work. When she returned, the car was gone. No witnesses. Cameras were useless.

Carla had COMPREHENSIVE insurance:

• After 5 days, the car wasn’t found
• The insurer paid R$ 42,500 (market value based on Fipe table)
• She was able to buy another car of the same model

If Carla had only BASIC coverage:

• She would receive nothing.
• Total loss.

Direct Comparison:

Coverage Type	Comprehensive ✅	Basic (RCF-V) ❌
Theft and robbery	Yes	No
Collision (at fault)	Yes	No
Third-party damages	Yes	Yes
Fire	Yes	No
Natural events (flood, hail)	Yes	No
Replacement car / 24h assistance	Yes	No
Average price (economy car)	R$ 2,500/year	R$ 700/year

📊 Source: Porto Seguro, Azul Seguros, CNseg – June 2025

Is It Worth Paying More for Comprehensive Insurance?

This is the question that separates those thinking short-term from those thinking about the long-term cost of an accident.

If your car is:

• New or slightly used
• Financed
• Essential to your daily routine (work, kids, commuting)
• Driven in urban areas with high accident or theft rates

…then the answer is clear: yes, it’s totally worth it.

However, if your car is over 10 years old, fully paid off, and rarely used — basic coverage can be a temporary option.

Still, considering today’s risks on the road, I always say:
Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Expert Tip for the Undecided

If comprehensive insurance seems expensive, negotiate optional coverages like a replacement car or glass protection. This can significantly lower your final premium without compromising your core protection.

And if you’re a good driver, have bonus points, or already use a tracking device, you could save up to 30%. It’s all about adjusting the policy to fit your profile.

Your Car is an Asset — Insurance is Your Shield

Choosing between comprehensive or basic insurance isn’t just about cost.
It’s about the size of the financial hit you’re willing to take if something happens.

If you want peace of mind, confidence to leave your house, and the assurance you’re covered in any situation — comprehensive insurance is your strongest ally.