Standard auto insurance can cover you in many situations, but most drivers only notice gaps in their coverage when faced with an accident or roadside emergency. Adding valuable protection to your auto policy can help give you peace of mind by filling in coverage holes not met by basic liability and collision insurance.
Drivers working with Bowthorpe & Associates Insurance Producers can review optional auto insurance add-ons that help fill gaps in coverage based on their unique driving habits and vehicle usage. Add-ons can help drivers further protect themselves financially while on the road and provide additional convenience.
Drivers shopping for auto insurance should consider…
Why Auto Insurance Add-Ons Are Important
Car insurance policies that offer only the state-required minimum liability coverage leave drivers vulnerable to a wide range of incidents that occur while on the road.
Consider adding these optional insurance policy endorsements to protect yourself against:
- Surprise repair bills
- Depreciation
- Uninsured motorists
- Rental cars
- Emergency roadside events
- Custom added equipment
While some coverages like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement may seem like minor benefits, they can actually save drivers thousands if faced with an emergency situation or costly repair.
Roadside Assistance Coverage
Roadside assistance can provide coverage for many emergency situations that drivers face while on the road.
From towing to flat tire changes, common roadside services include:
- Vehicle towing
- Battery jump starts
- Flat tire changes
- Lockout service
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Minor on-the-spot repairs
Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver for drivers who commute long distances to work or school. Drivers with older model vehicles or frequent travelers may also benefit from having roadside coverage.
Adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy is often cheaper than the cost of purchasing membership to an emergency roadside service provider.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Rental reimbursement coverage can help pay for a temporary rental vehicle if your own vehicle is in the shop.
Some insurance providers offer reimbursement for:
- A daily limit towards your rental payment
- Up to a specified maximum amount of coverage
- Covering the entire cost of an approved rental vehicle
If you don’t add rental reimbursement to your policy, you could be stuck paying for a costly rental car while your own vehicle is unusable.
Rental reimbursement is ideal for drivers who can’t be without a vehicle because of long commutes, large families who need reliable transportation, or business owners who use their vehicles for work.
Gap Insurance Protection
Depreciation is real even for new cars.
If your financed or leased vehicle is totaled, your insurance company will only pay off the current cash value of your vehicle, not what you owe on your auto loan or lease.
Gap insurance helps cover the difference between:
- Your vehicle’s current actual cash value
- What is still owed on your auto loan or lease
Gap insurance protects you from making payments on a car you no longer own after its total loss.
Gap coverage is ideal for:
- Drivers who are buying new vehicles
- Drivers who made a low down payment
- Those with long-term auto loans
- Leasehold vehicles
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Not everyone has car insurance.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection can offer an additional layer of financial protection in the event that you:
- Get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance
- Are hit by a driver with insufficient liability coverage
- Are involved in a hit-and-run accident
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can provide compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (in some states)
With nearly one in eight drivers uninsured, this coverage can help protect your finances should you ever get into an accident with an uninsured motorist.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage
Aftermarket accessories and custom additions on your vehicle may not be fully covered by your standard auto policy.
If your car has added features such as:
- Wheel upgrades
- Stereo system
- Lift kit
- Performance enhancement parts
- Specialty lighting
- Digital media and navigation equipment
Consider investing in a custom parts insurance coverage add-on.
Without it, your insurance company may only replace or repair your vehicle’s factory standard components.
Glass Repair and Windshield Coverage
Windshield repair and replacement is one of the most common claims made by auto insurance customers.
Benefits of glass coverage include:
- Windshield repair
- Complete windshield replacement
- Side window replacement
- Chip and scratch repair
Many insurance companies also offer glass repair with no deductible. When windshields are damaged, some drivers choose to forgo repairing chips and cracks which can lead to more expensive damage over time.
If you frequently drive on highways or through construction zones, added windshield coverage can help pay for those unsightly cracks and chips.
Additional Add-Ons to Consider
Drivers with specific needs may also want to consider these additional coverage options:
- Accident forgiveness
- New car replacement coverage
- Mechanical breakdown coverage
- Ride-share insurance
- Enhanced MedPay coverage
- OEM parts protection endorsement
Should I Get Add-Ons for My Auto Insurance?
Not every insurance coverage addition is necessary for each driver. Your specific needs depend on:
- Age of your vehicle
- Value of your vehicle
- Whether you’re leased, financed or own your vehicle outright
- How often you drive
- Length of your commute
- All members of your household who drive
- Your personal financial ability to handle uncovered expenses
Review your auto insurance policy yearly to ensure your coverage is keeping up with your changing needs.
Final Word on Auto Insurance Add-Ons
While basic auto insurance policies can provide a strong foundation for vehicle owners, add-on coverages allow you to customize protections that can better serve you while on the road. Optional coverages like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and uninsured motorist protection help drivers take on real-world risks with confidence and prevent minor incidents from turning into financial burdens.
Have questions about which auto insurance policy add-ons are right for your driving habits and financial needs? Let Bowthorpe & Associates Insurance Producers help you evaluate your options and find an insurance plan that keeps you protected on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best auto insurance add-on?
Uninsured motorist coverage and roadside assistance are two of the most beneficial add-ons.
Is gap insurance really worth it?
Yes! Gap insurance can be a great help if you’re shopping for a new car or vehicle that you will be financing. Because of depreciation, you could end up in a position where you owe more on your auto loan than your vehicle is worth.
Does roadside assistance increase my premium?
Using your roadside assistance benefit should not increase your premium like an accident would. However, keep in mind that frequent usage may affect your rates differently by provider.
Will my custom vehicle parts be covered?
Typically not. Consider adding on custom parts equipment coverage to ensure added protection for non-standard vehicle parts.
Does rental reimbursement cover any car I want?
Your policy will have daily limits and a maximum amount you can spend on a rental. Be sure to review your policy’s limits prior to renting a vehicle.