Every driver is required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance, which covers liability in the event of an at-fault accident. Beyond that, there are a variety of options drivers can select to create a comprehensive policy that meets all of their needs. These options can be hard to choose, but InsuranceHotline.com offers some helpful tips for selecting the right ones.
The optional coverage on an auto insurance policy ranges from basic collision and comprehensive coverage which provide protection for the insured vehicle in an at-fault accident, to additional helpful options that can cover a rental car, provide extra coverage for a brand new car, or help drivers avoid rate increases on their first accident. Choosing the right options is easier when you know how they work.
Choosing Options Based on Need
When it comes to selecting the right optional coverage for an insurance policy, the most basic question that needs to be answered is, is it necessary?
Drivers often choose as much optional coverage as they can, without regard for the fact that they may not really need it, which can lead to overpaying. On the other side of that coin is skipping out on valuable coverage that can save a lot of money in the long run. Take a look at some of the common coverage options and consider how necessary they may be.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Although often referred to together, as if they were one, collision and comprehensive are actually two distinct optional coverages:
- Collision coverage will typically pay to fix or replace your car if it is damaged or destroyed in an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage on the other hand will do the same—pay to fix or replace your car—if it’s damaged or destroy from something other than a collision; vandalism and theft for example.
Rental Car Coverage and Loss of Use
A driver who frequently rents vehicles when travelling should speak to their insurance professional about adding rental car coverage to their insurance policy. While rental car companies do offer their own coverage, it can be very expensive – especially if you frequently rent cars. Car insurance coverage doesn’t automatically extend to a rental car, so it’s important to be certain it is added to the policy.
Loss of use can often be confused with rental car coverage, but it’s very different. Loss of use pays for a rental car to be used during repairs under a covered claim. While many insurance policies include this, it’s not always the case – so be sure to verify it.
Waiver of Depreciation
This optional coverage is only available on new cars purchased within the past two to five years (depending upon the insurance company), so those driving older vehicles don’t need to worry about it. For those who have purchased a new car, this optional coverage can mean the difference between being able to buy another brand new car in the case of a total write-off and having to buy something of a lesser value to replace it.
Every car depreciates; from the day it is driven off the lot it loses value. With waiver of depreciation, a car less than two years old will receive an insurance benefit equal to the purchase price of that same car brand new, rather than the depreciated value.
Sometimes this coverage—waiver of depreciation—isn’t optional at all; if you’ve financed or leased the car it may be a requirement.
Accident Forgiveness
While this has been a very popular new insurance option in recent years, it’s not automatically included with all insurance policies. "Many people think that accident forgiveness is a part of their policy, but depending on the insurance company that you are with, it may have to be added for an additional premium.", explains Anne Marie Thomas of InsuranceHotline.com.
Accident forgiveness allows drivers to avoid the insurance rate increase that comes with their first at fault accident in many situations. Anyone who has no accidents on their record can benefit from this coverage option. Even with an at-fault accident on a driving record, there are still savings to be had. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to find out how much can be saved.
