West Virginia Property and Casualty Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a comprehensive loss under a commercial auto policy?

1. Damage caused when vandals spray-painted graffiti on the auto

2. Damage to a covered auto caused by hail during a thunderstorm

3. Damage caused when the auto overturned on a sharp curve

4. Damage to the auto caused by flood waters

The correct answer is: Damage caused when the auto overturned on a sharp curve

A comprehensive loss under a commercial auto policy is characterized by damages that occur due to incidents other than a collision. This encompasses various non-collision-related occurrences, including theft, vandalism, weather-related damages, and natural disasters. In this context, damage caused by hail during a thunderstorm fits the criteria for a comprehensive loss because it arises from an environmental factor and not from an accident involving another vehicle or object. Flood damage also falls into this category, caused not by the vehicle's operation but by a natural event impacting the area. Although overturning on a sharp curve could be perceived as a significant event in terms of vehicle safety, it is categorized as a collision. Collisions involve direct impacts either with another object or vehicle, and such losses would not be classified under the comprehensive coverage of the policy. In summary, the correct answer emphasizes the types of incidents that constitute comprehensive losses, primarily focusing on damages that arise from events outside of a collision, thus aligning with the definitions and provisions typical in a commercial auto policy.