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Insurance providers offer lots of different add-ons and it can be pretty confusing making sense of what they are and why you might need them. To help out, we’ve put together a quick guide to some of the common policy add-ons that are available.
Which car insurance extras are worth having?
When considering car insurance extras, it’s important to evaluate which add-ons provide protection based on your personal circumstances and driving habits. Extras like breakdown cover, motor legal protection, and courtesy car cover often prove beneficial for many drivers, offering peace of mind in unexpected situations.
However, always check if these are already included in your existing policy or through other services you might have, such as bank accounts or vehicle warranties.
What are car insurance extras?
Car insurance extras, also known as optional add-ons, are additional coverages that you can purchase alongside your standard car insurance policy. These extras are designed to provide extra protection beyond the basic coverage, which might include third party cover or comprehensive cover. Extras can cover a range of scenarios such as legal fees, windscreen repairs, or replacement keys, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses if something goes wrong.
Do you need extra cover?
Deciding whether you need extra cover depends on your individual needs, the level of risk you are comfortable with, and the specific inclusions of your main car insurance policy. For example, if you frequently drive abroad, adding European cover or driving abroad insurance can be valuable.
What are the different types of optional extras?
There is a wide variety of optional extras available to enhance your car insurance policy. Some of the most common include:
What is motor legal protection?
Helps cover legal costs and fees if you need to pursue or defend a claim following a car accident.
What is breakdown cover?
Provides roadside assistance and recovery services if your car breaks down. This cover can include roadside repairs, towing your vehicle to a nearby garage if it cannot be fixed on the spot, and sometimes even onward travel arrangements such as a replacement car or accommodation if necessary.
What is personal accident cover?
Personal Accident Cover will pay a sum of cash to help support you and your family following the injury. The amount will depend upon the severity of the injury and how long you have to spend in hospital recovering.
Personal accident cover is usually included as standard in majority of car policies including at Budget Insurance, however, some car policies will have additional cover available as an add-on.
What is guaranteed replacement car cover?
Hire car cover, also known as courtesy car cover, (Guaranteed Replacement Car) provides you with access to a temporary vehicle while your own car is being repaired after a claim. This means you can continue with your daily activities without disruption, whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or school runs.
What is key cover?
Covers the cost of replacing lost or stolen car keys. That way, if your keys are permanently lost, stolen or inaccessible, you can claim up to a set amount agreed with your insurance provider when you take out the policy. Some will even offer you access to a network of locksmiths to help recover your keys.
It is important to note that there are only certain scenario’s key cover is provided as an add-on. For instance if the core insurer charge and excess or reduce NCD on key claims so it is important to read your policy documents in case additional cover is not needed.
What is a protected no claims bonus?
A protected no claims bonus (NCB) is an optional add-on that allows you to make a certain number of claims on your car insurance without losing your valuable no claims discount.
Normally, if you make a claim, your no claims discount is reduced or lost, which can lead to higher premiums at renewal. Protecting your no claims bonus means that you may maintain your discount even after making a claim. It is important to note that, NCD protection doesn’t protect the premium and the price may go up even if no claim is made.
What is windscreen cover?
Windscreen cover is an optional extra that helps pay for the repair or replacement of your car’s windscreen if it gets chipped, cracked, or broken. This cover may help with the significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially since windscreen repairs can be costly.
Many comprehensive car insurance policies including Budget Insurance (as part of a comprehensive car insurance policy) include windscreen cover as standard, but if you have a third party or third party, fire and theft policy, you might need to add it separately.
What is personal belongings cover?
Personal belongings cover protects your valuables inside the car in case they are stolen or damaged. This can include items such as handbags, mobile phones, laptops, and other personal possessions you typically carry with you.
It’s important to note that there are usually limits on the amount you can claim, and certain high-value items may require additional coverage or separate insurance policies. Claims may be declined if the items were left in plain sight or the car was left unlocked.
Personal belongings cover is a core part of your comprehensive car insurance policy (including at Budget) so it is important to check if additional cover is needed – especially if you are on a third party, fire and theft or third party only policy.
What is child seat cover?
Child seat cover provides protection for your child’s car seat in the event of an accident. Even if the child seat appears undamaged after a collision, it may no longer meet safety standards or be safe to use. This cover helps to replace the child car seat, ensuring that your little one continues to have the necessary protection on the road without the cost falling entirely on you.
Child seat cover is included within a comprehensive car insurance policy but it may be necessary to take out additional cover if you have a third party, fire and theft or third party only policy.
What is misfuelling cover?
Misfuelling cover protects you against the potentially costly mistake of putting the wrong type of fuel in your car. This can happen if you accidentally fill a petrol car with diesel, or a diesel car with petrol. Misfuelling cover typically covers the cost of removing the incorrect fuel, flushing the fuel system, and any necessary repairs to get your car running again.
How will I know what’s included or is an extra?
When you receive a car insurance quote, it will typically include a detailed breakdown of the coverages provided by the policy. This breakdown helps you distinguish between what is included as standard and what optional extras you might need to pay additional premiums for. It’s important to carefully review this information to avoid paying for add-ons you don’t need or missing out on valuable coverage.
Can I add extras to my insurance later?
Yes, in most cases, you can add extras to your car insurance policy after you have initially purchased it. However, it is important to check this with your insurer as not all insurers provide this.
Nonetheless, this flexibility allows you to adjust your coverage as your needs change throughout the policy term. For example, if you initially opted out of breakdown cover but later decide you want the added peace of mind it offers, you can usually contact your insurer to include this extra.
If you want to check out the add-on options available with Budget, you could visit our car insurance page. Or. If you just want to know more information about all things motor insurance, have a browse through the driving segment of our blog.