Car Insurance Optional Extras

When purchasing car insurance in the UK, policyholders are typically presented with a range of core cover options, from third-party only to comprehensive policies. However, the customisation of insurance policies doesn’t end 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 cater to various scenarios and preferences, allowing for a personalised insurance experience. Below, we explore 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 may 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 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 non-fault car accident. It can cover legal costs up to a set limit, typically around £100,000. This can include recovering uninsured losses such as your policy excess, loss of earnings, and compensation for injuries.

Courtesy Car Cover

Courtesy car cover ensures you are not left without a vehicle if yours is being repaired or has been written off. While some comprehensive policies might include basic courtesy car cover, an optional extra can provide a guaranteed hire car of similar size to your own, which is particularly useful for those with larger vehicles or specific needs.

Personal Accident Cover

Standard policies usually offer a limited amount of personal accident cover, but this can be increased with an optional extra. Enhanced personal accident cover provides a lump sum payment if you or any passengers are seriously injured or killed in an accident. This payment can assist with rehabilitation costs or provide financial support if you’re unable to work.

Protected No Claims Discount

Accumulating a no-claims discount (NCD) can lead to significant savings on your insurance premiums. However, making a claim could potentially reduce or eliminate your NCD. By adding protected no claims discount cover to your policy, you can make one or more claims without affecting your discount. It’s important to note that while your discount remains protected, your overall premium might still increase after a claim.

Windscreen Cover

Windscreen damage is a common issue, and repairs or replacements can be costly. While comprehensive policies typically include windscreen cover, it is often an optional extra for third-party or third-party, fire, and theft policies. Windscreen cover helps 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 assist with the cost of replacing and reprogramming keys and locks up to a specified limit. This can include locksmith charges, new locks, and sometimes even the replacement of the lock transmitter and central locking interface.

Excess Protection

Excess protection reimburses your policy excess after a claim. This means you won’t be out of pocket for the excess amount if you’re at fault or unable to reclaim costs (such as in a hit-and-run incident). Policies typically have an annual limit for excess claims, so it’s important to review the terms carefully.

Gadget Cover

With the increasing presence of technology, many drivers carry gadgets such as sat-navs, smartphones, and tablets in their cars. Gadget cover can be added to your car insurance policy to cover the cost of replacing or repairing these items if they’re stolen or damaged while in your vehicle.

Misfuel Cover

Misfuel cover provides assistance if you accidentally fill your car with the wrong fuel. Adding this cover to your policy ensures your insurance will cover the cost of draining and cleaning the fuel system, as well as replacing any damaged parts.

European Cover

If you plan to drive your car in Europe, extending your insurance to provide the same level of cover you have in the UK is advisable. While some policies include European cover as standard, others may offer only the minimum legal requirement, or exclude it altogether. Check whether you need to add comprehensive European cover as an optional extra.

Uninsured Driver Promise

This feature ensures your no claims discount remains unaffected and reimburses any excess if an uninsured driver hits your car. It provides reassurance given the presence of uninsured drivers on the roads.

Finally…..When considering these optional extras, it’s crucial to weigh up the cost against the benefits. Always read the terms.

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