Casco

Casco is a term with multiple meanings in Spanish and in regional uses. It is used to refer to protective headgear, the hull of a ship, and the central area of a town, among other senses. The word also appears in place names and as a surname, and in the insurance industry as a designation for comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Headgear: In everyday Spanish, casco means helmet. It is used for safety helmets such as casco de protección in construction or industrial settings, as well as for motorcycle and bicycle helmets when accompanied by a modifier (casco de motocicleta). The term emphasizes protection of the head.

Hull of a vessel: In nautical contexts, casco denotes the hull or main body of a ship or boat, excluding masts and rigging. The word is used in technical descriptions and vessel classifications to distinguish the hull from fittings, equipment, and superstructures.

Urban core: In urban planning and tourism, casco can refer to the historic center or central area of a city, e.g., casco antiguo or casco urbano, often the focus of preservation, commerce, and cultural activity.

Insurance and other uses: In several Latin American countries, casco is used in auto insurance terminology to denote comprehensive coverage that protects the insured vehicle from most risks, regardless of fault (seguro casco). Casco also appears in proper nouns, including place names and surnames, such as Casco, Maine, in the United States.