Buying partial cover insurance is optional (as opposed to liability insurance). It covers an array of risks insurers may more or less combine as they see fit. Individual risks: Theft: Theft of vehicle. Includes coverage for damage due to attempted theft. Your risk depends on where you usually park your car (e.g. in a garage, private or public parking spot). Cars with alarms are considered to be less at risk for theft. Some insurers demand higher retention rates for theft occuring abroad. Damage due to natural forces: Damage to vehicle caused by forces of nature such as stormy winds, hailstones, avalanches, floods, rockfall and pressure under masses of snow. The probablity of such damage is relatively small, which keeps premiums down. Fire: Damage to your own vehicle caused by fire, lightning, explosions and short-circuiting. The older the car is, the greater the likelihood of it catching fire due to a technical defect. Nevertheless, damage costs are most often lower. (Broken)Glass: Covers shattered windows, sometimes other parts made out of glass or a glass-like substitute. If insurance covers costs for broken lights and similar objects, it is most likely more expensive, since such damage causes high costs and occurs frequently. Collision with animals: Damage to your vehicle caused by hitting an animal, e.g. a deer, is covered. The risk of colliding with a deer is at its peak during twilight hours on country roads. Acts of vandalism: If someone intentionally damages your vehicle or parts thereof, e.g. the aerial, windscreen wiper, tyres or pollutes the contents of the tank, the insurance will cover costs for repair. Martens: Covers damage caused by martens. Possible consequential damage is usually included. The risk of martens damaging your car is much higher if you park outside. Personal belongings: Covers costs due to stolen or damaged pieces of luggage which need to be repaired or replaced in case of damage. Valuables are exempt from this rule. The extent of coverage is usually limited. Stolen personal belongings are often covered by household insurance. Rule of thumb: The older your car is, the less compensation you will receive in case damage occurs. Therefore, it may not be worth buying partial cover insurance if your car is very old. You can find useful information about benefits in case of total loss here.