car insurance optional extras
When purchasing car insurance in the UK, policyholders are typically presented with a range of fundamental cover options, from third-party only to comprehensive policies. However, the customisation of insurance policies doesn’t stop there. Insurers offer an array of optional extras that drivers can add to their policies for additional peace of mind, protection and convenience. These extras can cover a multitude of scenarios and niches, allowing for a tailored insurance experience. Here we delve into some of the most popular optional extras available on UK car insurance policies.
Breakdown Cover
Breakdown cover is one of the most common add-ons for UK motorists. While some drivers might already have separate breakdown memberships, adding this cover to your car insurance can sometimes be more cost-effective. This service ensures that if your vehicle breaks down, you have assistance to either fix your car on the spot or tow it to a garage. There are varying levels of breakdown cover, from basic roadside assistance to more comprehensive options that may include a courtesy car or accommodation if you break down far from home.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Legal expenses insurance, often referred to as Motor Legal Protection, covers the cost of pursuing legal action following a car accident that wasn’t your fault. It can cover legal costs up to a set limit, which is typically around £100,000. This can include the recovery of uninsured losses, such as your policy excess, loss of earnings, and compensation for injuries.
Courtesy Car Cover
Courtesy car cover ensures that you are not left without a vehicle if yours is being repaired or has been written off. While some comprehensive policies might include a basic level of courtesy car cover, an optional extra can provide a guaranteed hire car of a similar size to your own, which can be particularly useful for those with larger vehicles or specific needs.
Personal Accident Cover
Most standard policies offer a limited amount of personal accident cover, but you can increase this with an optional extra. Enhanced personal accident cover can provide a lump sum payment if you, or any passengers, are seriously injured or killed in an accident. The payment can help with rehabilitation costs or financial support if you’re unable to work.
Protected No Claims Discount
Building up a no-claims discount (NCD) can save you a significant amount on your insurance premiums. However, if you need to make a claim, you could lose your NCD. By adding a protected no claims discount option to your policy, you can make one or more claims before your discount is affected. However, it’s worth noting that while your discount remains, your overall premium could still increase after a claim.
Windscreen Cover
Windscreen damage is a common issue, and repairs or replacements can be costly. Standard comprehensive policies may include windscreen cover, but it is often an optional extra for third-party or third-party, fire, and theft policies. Windscreen cover can help you pay for the repair or replacement of your windscreen, sunroof, or windows without affecting your no claims discount.
Key Cover
Replacing lost or stolen car keys can be expensive, especially with modern key fobs and transponders. Key cover can help with the cost of replacing and reprogramming keys and locks up to a specified limit. This can also include locksmith charges, new locks, and sometimes even the replacement of the lock transmitter and central locking interface.
Excess Protection
Excess protection is an add-on that reimburses your policy excess after a claim. This means if you’re at fault or unable to reclaim costs (such as in a hit-and-run incident), you won’t be out of pocket for the excess amount. Policies will have an annual limit for excess claims, so it’s essential to check the terms.
Gadget Cover
With the increasing use of technology, many drivers have gadgets in their cars such as sat-navs, smartphones, and tablets. Gadget cover can be added to your car insurance to cover the cost of replacing or repairing these items if they’re stolen or damaged while in your vehicle.
Misfuel Cover
For those moments of inattention at the petrol station, misfuel cover can be very helpful. Adding this cover to your policy ensures that if you accidentally fill your car with the wrong fuel, your insurance will cover the cost of draining and cleaning the fuel system, as well as replacing any damaged parts.
European Cover
If you’re planning to drive your car in Europe, extending your insurance to provide the same level of cover you have in the UK is wise. While some policies offer European cover as standard, others may only provide the minimum legal requirement, and some might exclude it altogether. Check whether you need to add comprehensive European cover as an optional extra.
Uninsured Driver Promise
This feature promises that your no claims discount will not be affected and that you’ll be reimbursed for any excess if an uninsured driver hits your car. It’s a reassuring feature, given the risk of uninsured drivers on the roads.
When considering these optional extras, it’s crucial to weigh up the cost against the benefits. Always read the terms.