Car Insurance Add-Ons: How to Save Money and Stress on the Road

These add-on covers are designed to enhance your basic car insurance and can save you money and stress in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. Let's look into what the additional car insurance coverage is, the various types available, and why they matter.

Understanding Car Add-on Covers

Car add-on covers are optional extensions that provide extra benefits beyond the standard coverage in your policy. These covers are typically designed to provide protection for specific scenarios that the basic policy may not fully cover.

When purchasing car insurance, it's easy to focus solely on the mandatory coverage. However, add-on covers are equally important, as they provide additional safeguards against financial loss.

They act as a safety net, ensuring you aren't left vulnerable in the face of an accident, theft, or other damaging situations. In many cases, these covers are affordable and offer invaluable peace of mind.

Types of Car Add-On Covers and What They Offer

There are several different car insurance add-ons available, each with its own specific benefit. Here are some of the most common add-ons:

1. Zero Depreciation Cover

Ideal for cars less than 5 years old, the zero depreciation cover in a car insurance nullifies depreciation charges on car parts during a claim. This means that when you make a claim for repairs or replacements, the insurer will cover the full cost of the damaged parts, without factoring in depreciation.

The zero depreciation cover for a car is vital to ensure you receive the complete value of repairs.

2. Return to Invoice Cover

In the event of theft or irreparable damage, the return-to-invoice add-on ensures the insured receives the full purchase price of the car. This includes the cost of registration and road tax.

The following cover is helpful when the vehicle's value has depreciated, as it helps you recover the amount you originally paid for the car.

3. Tyre Protect Cover

Tyre damage isn't typically covered in standard car insurance unless it's caused during an accident. The tyre protect add-on offers coverage for tyre damage such as tyre bursts, bulges, or cuts, even in situations not involving accidents.

This add-on provides financial protection for replacing damaged tyres, which can otherwise be an unexpected cost.

4. Breakdown Assistance

This add-on ensures you receive help when your car breaks down, including towing, tyre changes, or fuel delivery. It guarantees assistance when you need it most, ensuring you're not left stranded.

The best part? It doesn't count as a claim, ensuring that your No Claim Bonus (NCB) remains unaffected.

5. Consumable Cover

Consumables, such as engine oil, nuts, bolts, and grease, are not typically covered in regular car insurance. However, with this add-on, these items are included in your coverage.

This ensures that even the smallest components of your car are protected during an accident or other incidents.

6. Engine and Gearbox Protection Cover

Replacing an engine or gearbox can be expensive, often constituting a significant portion of your vehicle's overall value. Standard car insurance typically covers only damage caused by accidents, but with a comprehensive car insurance policy, you can enhance your protection further.

This cover is crucial for those with high-value cars, where engine and gearbox failure would be a significant expense.

7. Daily Conveyance Benefit

If your car is in repairs after an accident, this add-on provides a fixed daily allowance or a stand-in vehicle to ensure you're not left stranded. This cover compensates for the inconvenience caused and helps maintain your mobility.

8. Key and Lock Protect

Key and lock protection covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car's locks and keys in case they are lost, damaged, or stolen. This is especially useful if you're in an area where car theft or break-ins are more common, as replacing locks and keys can be quite costly.

9. Loss to Personal Belongings

If your personal belongings, such as electronics or documents, are damaged or stolen from the vehicle during an accident or break-in, this add-on will help reimburse you. It is an essential cover for those who often travel with valuable items in their cars.

10. Pay as You Drive Cover

This cover provides a discount on your car insurance premium based on your driving habits. The less you drive, the less you pay for insurance.

It is especially beneficial for those who don't use their cars frequently or only for short distances, allowing them to save on premiums.

11. EV Shield Add-On Cover

For electric vehicle owners, the EV Shield add-on offers protection for the vehicle's electrical components, including the charging panel, cables, and charger. This add-on also provides roadside assistance for Electric Vehicles (EVs), which is crucial given the unique needs of electric cars, such as access to charging infrastructure.

Choosing the right car insurance add-on covers can make all the difference in protecting your vehicle and yourself. Furthermore, as insurance policies often have exclusions, add-on covers ensure you are not left exposed to risks not covered by your standard policy.

These extra covers give you the flexibility to customise your car insurance policy to your personal needs and driving habits.

- TINN