Car Insurance Add-Ons You Should Consider for Extra Protection

When it comes to car insurance, many drivers are content with the basic coverage required by law. But if you’ve ever had a close call on the road or experienced a mishap that wasn’t covered by your standard policy, you might be wondering if there are any additional protections available. Over the years, I’ve found that opting for the right car insurance add-ons has made a huge difference in how much peace of mind I have while driving. These add-ons, which provide extra coverage beyond the basics, can save you from unexpected financial burdens in case of an accident or other incident.

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the most useful car insurance add-ons you should consider for extra protection. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced driver looking to upgrade your policy, I’ll share the add-ons I’ve personally found to be valuable, as well as ones that could benefit you based on your driving habits, location, and vehicle type.

By the end of this post, you’ll know which add-ons to consider to customize your coverage for your unique needs. Let’s dive in!

What Are Car Insurance Add-Ons?

Before we dive into the specific add-ons, let’s briefly cover what exactly a car insurance add-on is. In simple terms, a car insurance add-on is additional coverage that you can add to your basic auto insurance policy to provide more comprehensive protection. These add-ons are optional, and while they cost extra, they can offer significant benefits if you find yourself in certain situations.

When I first started looking into car insurance add-ons, I was overwhelmed by the variety of options. However, once I understood the types of add-ons and how they worked, I realized they were a smart way to ensure I had the right level of protection.

Some common add-ons include:

Roadside assistance
Personal accident coverage
Zero depreciation cover
Engine and gearbox protection
Legal assistance coverage
No claim bonus protection

Let’s go over each of these add-ons in more detail to help you determine which ones might be worth considering for your policy.

1. Roadside Assistance

One of the first add-ons I ever added to my policy was roadside assistance, and I’ve been incredibly happy with that decision. Roadside assistance covers a variety of situations where you may need help while on the road, such as if you experience a flat tire, run out of gas, or have an engine breakdown. It’s a type of insurance that can come in handy when you least expect it, and it has saved me on more than one occasion.

What Roadside Assistance Covers:

Towing: If your car breaks down and can’t be fixed on the spot, roadside assistance will tow it to a nearby repair shop or to your preferred location.
Battery jump-starts: If your car battery dies, roadside assistance will come to give you a jump-start.
Flat tire changes: If you get a flat tire, they’ll come and replace it with your spare.
Fuel delivery: If you run out of gas, they’ll bring fuel to you so you can get back on the road.
Lockout assistance: If you lock yourself out of your car, they’ll help you gain access.

For me, having roadside assistance in place was a lifesaver when my car battery unexpectedly died on a road trip. The peace of mind knowing I wasn’t stranded, with someone ready to help, was priceless.

2. Personal Accident Cover

Personal accident cover is an add-on that provides coverage for you and your passengers in case of an accident, no matter who’s at fault. This coverage can be especially important if you have a long commute or spend a lot of time on the road. While most car insurance policies include some level of bodily injury coverage, personal accident coverage can provide additional financial support in the event of serious injury or death.

What Personal Accident Cover Includes:

Medical expenses: If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, personal accident cover helps pay for medical bills and hospital costs that may not be covered by your health insurance.
Accidental death: If a passenger or the driver is killed in a car accident, the personal accident cover provides compensation to the family or beneficiaries.
Disability benefits: If you are permanently disabled as a result of an accident, this add-on can help cover lost income and provide support for necessary medical treatments.

I personally added this coverage after hearing about a friend who was seriously injured in a car accident and found that his health insurance didn’t fully cover the treatment costs. It’s reassuring to know that if the worst happens, I have an extra layer of financial protection.

3. Zero Depreciation Cover

When I first got my car insurance, I was puzzled about how depreciation would affect the payout in case of an accident. Essentially, depreciation is the decrease in the value of your car over time. If your car is totaled or severely damaged, standard policies pay you out based on the current market value of your vehicle, which takes depreciation into account. However, this could leave you with much less money than what you paid for your car.

What Zero Depreciation Cover Does:

No deduction for depreciation: Zero depreciation cover ensures that you get the full replacement cost of your car without any deductions for depreciation. This is particularly beneficial for newer cars or cars with a higher market value.
Protects high-value parts: It also covers high-value components like the engine, electronics, and other parts that often depreciate faster.

I added this cover to my policy when I bought a new car, and I’ve been glad I did. It gave me the confidence that, if anything were to happen to my car, I’d be compensated fairly and wouldn’t lose out on the car’s original value.

4. Engine and Gearbox Protection

As someone who loves road trips and often drives long distances, I’ve realized that my engine and gearbox are two of the most critical components of my car. While engine and gearbox protection isn’t always part of a standard car insurance policy, it’s one add-on I highly recommend if you want to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line.

What Engine and Gearbox Protection Covers:

Damage to engine parts: If your engine is damaged by an external event, such as an accident or waterlogging, this add-on will cover the repair or replacement costs.
Gearbox issues: If the gearbox malfunctions due to a fault or accident, this add-on will help cover the costs of repair.
Prevents out-of-pocket expenses: Engine repairs and gearbox replacements can be incredibly expensive. Having this add-on helps you avoid hefty bills.

I added this protection after reading about how some car manufacturers can charge thousands of dollars for a new engine or gearbox. It’s a relatively small investment for what could be a very expensive repair down the road.

5. Legal Assistance Cover

This is one of those add-ons that you don’t realize you need until you’re in a situation where you might need legal help. Legal assistance cover provides access to legal advice and support if you’re involved in an accident or dispute and need assistance with legal matters.

What Legal Assistance Covers:

Legal defense: If you’re involved in a legal dispute after an accident, this add-on can help with legal costs.
Bail bonds: In some cases, legal assistance cover can help pay for bail if you’re arrested following a traffic incident.
Representation: If you need legal representation, whether in traffic court or for a personal injury claim, this add-on provides access to lawyers and legal professionals.

While I’ve never personally had to use this cover, I know a few friends who’ve been involved in accidents where the other driver disputed fault. They’ve told me how invaluable it was to have a legal team on their side to guide them through the process.

6. No Claim Bonus Protection

One of the best ways to reduce your car insurance premiums is by maintaining a claim-free driving record. In fact, many insurers offer a no claim bonus for drivers who haven’t filed any claims over a certain period, usually one year. However, what happens if you have to file a claim? Will you lose your no-claims discount?

This is where no claim bonus protection comes in.

What No Claim Bonus Protection Does:

Preserves your discount: If you need to file a claim, this add-on ensures that your no-claims bonus is protected and not affected.
Prevents premium hikes: Without this protection, even a small claim could cause your premiums to increase in the following year. With the add-on, you can avoid that financial hit.

I added no claim bonus protection to my policy after experiencing a minor accident where I was at fault. Without the protection, I would have lost my discount and faced higher premiums. It’s a smart add-on for anyone who values saving on their car insurance.

Conclusion

Car insurance add-ons are a great way to enhance your policy and ensure you have the right protection in place. While the standard coverage may suffice for basic needs, the additional options outlined here—roadside assistance, personal accident cover, zero depreciation cover, engine and gearbox protection, legal assistance cover, and no claim bonus protection—offer extra peace of mind and financial security.

From my personal experience, adding the right add-ons has given me confidence while driving, knowing that I’m covered in unexpected situations. Ultimately, the best add-ons for you depend on your specific needs, driving habits, and the value you place on added protection. Take the time to evaluate your options, and consider discussing these add-ons with your insurer to find the best fit for you.