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Car Insurance

Car insurance extras: Which do you need?

When comparing third party car insurance online, the cheapest policies tend to be the ones without additional features. Unfortunately, these may not provide the right level of cover and protection. That’s why it’s vital to check what’s automatically included in your policy and what you might need to pay extra for.

To help you get the right cover, here’s all you need to know about car insurance extras.

What are car insurance extras?

These are cover benefits that insurers can add to your policy at an extra cost. They include:

• Breakdown cover
• Legal cover
• Courtesy car cover
• Cover for driving abroad
• Personal accident cover

Some policies offer more benefits as standard than others. So, it’s worth comparing different policies to find what suits you.

Which do you need?

Generally, the add-ons you choose depend on your budget and needs. For example, adding personal accident cover to your policy can raise your premiums from £10, 000 to £100, 000, so you have to afford the extra cost.

Alternatively, if you want to save money and need extra protection against uninsured losses, you may need legal cover. This protects you against the legal expenses you incur after an accident that wasn’t your fault.

If your car is unreliable and breaks down often, you might want to consider adding a breakdown cover to provide you with roadside assistance and recovery services. You can add it as an extra or purchase it as a standalone policy.

If you rely on your car every day, consider buying a courtesy car cover, which provides you with an alternative vehicle if your current one is unavailable following an accident. But, to get a courtesy car, there are some conditions you have to follow, including using an approved garage for repairs. So, speak to your insurer first to know the terms and conditions required.

Ultimately, assess your needs before adding any extras to your policy. They may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but their benefits far outweigh their costs.

Don’t know where to start with your car insurance extras? Compare Insurance is happy to help. Browse our website today to compare auto insurance quotes online and quotes from different providers.

Photo: Free image by Pixabay
Categories
Car Insurance

Which type of car insurance is best for you?

The world of car insurance brokers can be confusing for the uninitiated. With an array of choices, including comprehensive cover, third party, fire and theft and third party insurance, it may prove daunting when you come to select which is the best for you. When you also add black box policies and decisions about excesses into the mix, that can complicate it even more.

This helpful guide simplifies the process, allowing you to pick the perfect cover to suit your needs and car insurance cost.

Third party

This type is the minimum standard of cover required under the law. It covers injuries to others, including any passengers or damage to other people’s vehicles that you cause.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

Similar to Third Party insurance, this covers damage to your car in the event of a fire, theft and, with some policies, any damage caused if there is attempted theft of your car.

Comprehensive cover

Comprehensive cover includes all the benefits of Third Party, Fire and Theft, with the bonus of paying for claims if other people are injured, or their cars are damaged in an accident you are involved in. This type of insurance will cover medical expenses too. Additionally, it generally covers accidental damage to your vehicle and allows you to claim if the contents of your car get stolen.

What is “black box” cover?

Black box insurance works by installing telematics equipment into your car. This equipment monitors your driving behaviours. It will record data such as the safety and speed of your driving, how well you take corners, the times when you are on the road and the length of your journeys. Based on this information, the cost of your insurance is calculated. Safer drivers will save money.

All about the excess

The excess is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket if you need to make a claim. Excess can be compulsory, in which case it is determined by the insurance company and will be a set amount that you will have to pay before the insurer pays for the rest of the claim. However, it can also be voluntary, and you can decide how much you want to pay in the event of a claim. Generally, the higher the voluntary excess, the lower your premiums will be.

To find the right car insurance policy for you, contact us at Compare Insurance.

Photo: Free image by Pixabay