Optional extras for car insurance

All car insurance policies are different, which is why you need to check your policy documents to see what is included as standard on your policy, and what optional extras are available for you to buy.

Here are some of the most common policy extras:

Legal protection

Pays for legal costs if they arise from an accident which happens while you are driving
Provides assistance to recover uninsured losses (such as solicitors fees etc) from the other driver's insurance company should you be involved in a non-fault accident
Arranges for a solicitor to pursue a claim for compensation if you are injured
Generally helps with the recovery of the excess on your policy, medical losses or loss of earnings

Breakdown cover

Assists in getting your car back on the road or to a garage if you breakdown. You can pay for different levels of cover such as:

Recovery/relay - if your vehicle can't be fixed at the roadside or locally, you (and a set number of people travelling with you) will be taken to any UK mainland destination
Home start - for when you break down at home or near to home
Onward travel - if you break down away from home and your car cannot be repaired quickly, you will generally be provided with either a replacement hire car, or overnight accommodation, or reasonable onward travel expenses
European cover - breakdown protection when driving in Europe, usually for up to 31 days per trip and 90 days per year in total (please check with your insurance company for the European countries you will be covered in)

Insurance while driving abroad and Green Cards

A green card provides basic Road Traffic Act cover for driving while on holiday abroad
Recognised in over 40 countries (check with your insurer what countries they cover)
Insurers charge for extending the same level of cover abroad as you have at home
Some countries will confiscate your car if you cannot provide the correct documentation

Courtesy car cover

Basic cover provides you with a car if you have an accident and your car needs repairing
Must use your insurer’s approved repairer
Enhanced policy provides a replacement car if your car is stolen or written off

Personal accident cover

Basic cover provides a small payout to you or your passengers for a limited set of injuries such as:
Death;
Permanent and total loss of sight in one or both eyes; or
Loss of, or permanent and total loss of use of, one or more limbs at or above the elbow or knee
Enhanced cover increases financial payouts

Windscreen cover

Covers repairs to chips or cracks in your windscreen or to replace your damaged windscreen
A small excess usually applies
Usually included in comprehensive policies

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