Which types of incidents are covered under comprehensive optional coverage?

Comprehensive optional coverage is designed to protect against a range of incidents that are typically outside of the driver's control. This includes events like vandalism and malicious mischief, which are specifically covered because they involve deliberate damage to the vehicle by someone other than the owner or authorized user. Such protections are crucial for policyholders who want to safeguard their investment against non-collision-related damage.

In contrast, the other options describe incidents that do not fall under the umbrella of comprehensive coverage. Fire and theft are indeed included; however, the answer is that these are not the only scenarios covered by comprehensive insurance. Collision with other vehicles falls under a different type of coverage called collision coverage. Lastly, while traffic violations can lead to penalties, they do not result in physical damage to the vehicle that would be covered under comprehensive insurance. Thus, vandalism and malicious mischief accurately represent the essence of what comprehensive coverage protects against.