By Anas Ahmad on 11/09/2024
Introduction
Car insurance is a crucial investment to protect your vehicle from unexpected events, such as accidents, theft, or damage. However, many drivers aren’t aware that basic car insurance policies often leave gaps in coverage, leading to out-of-pocket expenses. To bridge these gaps, insurers offer various car insurance add-ons that can significantly enhance your policy. These optional extras can provide a much broader range of protection, helping you customize your insurance based on your specific needs. This article will explore some of the most important add-ons to consider for your car insurance policy.
Car insurance add-ons, also known as "riders" or "extras," are additional coverage options you can include in your car insurance policy. These extras go beyond the basic coverage, offering protection for a range of incidents not covered under standard policies. For instance, while a basic policy may cover damages due to accidents, it might not cover engine failure due to water damage or provide personal accident coverage for you and your passengers. This is where add-ons come in, offering more comprehensive protection tailored to specific risks.
Add-ons play a crucial role in enhancing your car insurance by filling coverage gaps that standard policies leave behind. They allow you to customize your insurance plan based on the risks you’re more likely to face. For instance, if you frequently drive in areas prone to flooding, an engine protection add-on can save you from hefty repair costs. Similarly, add-ons like roadside assistance can provide peace of mind by ensuring help is available when you face unexpected breakdowns.
One of the most vital add-ons to consider is Personal Accident Cover. This add-on provides financial compensation in case you or your passengers suffer from injuries or death due to an accident. While some level of personal accident coverage may come as part of your standard car insurance, adding more comprehensive coverage ensures that medical expenses, treatment costs, or even compensation in the event of death or disability are adequately covered.
Explore personal accident coverage options on Veeels.
The Zero Depreciation Add-On, often called bumper-to-bumper insurance, is a must-have for new or expensive vehicles. Under normal policies, insurers factor in the depreciation of your vehicle’s parts before settling claims. This add-on ensures that you get the full claim amount without accounting for depreciation. This is particularly useful if you own a luxury car or have recently purchased a new vehicle.
Unexpected breakdowns are a common occurrence on the road, and that’s where the Roadside Assistance Add-On becomes indispensable. This add-on offers 24/7 emergency services, such as towing, fuel delivery, jump-starting your car, and even assistance in case of a flat tire. Especially useful during long road trips, this add-on ensures that help is always a phone call away. With this, you won’t be left stranded in case of minor or major vehicle issues.
For car owners living in regions prone to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains or flooding, an Engine Protection Cover is highly recommended. This add-on protects one of the most critical (and expensive) parts of your vehicle: the engine. Standard policies often don’t cover damages caused by water ingress or engine failure due to floods. This add-on ensures you’re covered if water damage leads to malfunctioning or complete breakdown of the engine, a common issue in the UAE during flood seasons.
Many insurance companies offer a No-Claim Bonus (NCB) to drivers who haven’t filed any claims during a policy term, leading to significant discounts on premiums. However, if you need to make a claim, this bonus can be lost. The NCB Protection Add-On allows you to retain your no-claim bonus even after filing a claim. This way, you can protect your premium discount for the following year, making it a smart option for cautious drivers who want to preserve their rewards.
Learn more about NCB protection at Veeels.
For those who own brand new or high-end vehicles, the Return to Invoice Cover is an important add-on. In the unfortunate event of your car being stolen or completely damaged (total loss), this add-on allows you to claim the full invoice value of your car, rather than just its depreciated market value. This can make a huge difference, especially within the first few years of car ownership when depreciation is at its highest.
Routine maintenance can involve the replacement of several consumable items like engine oil, nuts, bolts, brake fluids, and more, which are generally not covered under a basic car insurance policy. A Consumables Cover Add-On ensures that the cost of these items is covered when your car goes in for repairs. This add-on is particularly useful for high-performance or luxury vehicles where the consumables can be expensive to replace regularly.
Tires are one of the most vulnerable parts of your car, often subjected to damage due to potholes, road debris, or accidents. The Tyre Protection Add-On covers the cost of replacing or repairing tires in case of damage. Given the poor conditions of some roads or the risks associated with long-distance driving, this add-on can save you from unexpected expenses.
Losing or damaging your car keys can be both frustrating and expensive, especially with modern cars that use advanced key fobs. The Key Replacement Add-On covers the cost of replacing or reprogramming your car keys in case they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. This coverage not only saves you money but also ensures you get a replacement key promptly, minimizing inconvenience.
This add-on is particularly beneficial for those driving in areas prone to waterlogging. The Engine Protector Add-On covers the cost of engine repairs due to water damage, a common issue during heavy rains or flooding. It also protects against damage caused by lubricants or coolant leaks, which can result in costly repairs if left untreated.
When your car is under repair for an extended period, the Daily Allowance Add-On helps cover transportation costs by providing a daily allowance for travel expenses. Whether you need to use a rental car or pay for public transportation, this add-on provides compensation to ensure you’re not stranded while waiting for your car to be fixed.
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters like floods, storms, or earthquakes, it’s wise to consider a Natural Disaster Cover Add-On. This add-on covers damages caused by natural calamities, ensuring that your vehicle is protected from unpredictable environmental hazards. Given the extreme weather conditions in the UAE, this coverage can be a lifesaver.
Windshields are often damaged by road debris, accidents, or even extreme weather conditions. Repairing or replacing a windshield can be expensive, especially for luxury or specialized vehicles. The Windshield Cover Add-On ensures that the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield is covered under your insurance policy.
When selecting car insurance add-ons, it’s important to assess your specific needs. Factors such as the age of your vehicle, your driving habits, the region you live in, and potential risks (like natural disasters or theft) should all influence your decision. Tailoring your insurance coverage with the right add-ons ensures that you are fully protected from unforeseen events, saving you from significant financial burdens down the line.
Explore all coverage options and find the right add-ons for your needs at Veeels.
Conclusion
Car insurance add-ons offer drivers a flexible way to enhance their insurance policies, ensuring broader protection against a range of risks. From zero depreciation to personal accident cover, these add-ons can save you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind. By carefully selecting the right add-ons based on your personal needs, you can create a comprehensive insurance policy that covers you and your vehicle in all situations.