These days car insurance providers offer more than just insurance for your car in the event of an accident, break in or breakdown. There are other perks wrapped up in the policy, some of which may be useful while others may not be used as often as they should. It’s really up to you to decide whether the price is worth it but the general consensus among experts is that you should take out insurance based on the cover that is provided and not be enticed by the ‘frills’ that are on offer.

Here’s some of the typical add-ons that you can expect from your car insurance provider. Some may include it in their overall package while others may charge you extra for it:

1. Car hire following an accident and/or theft

This is actually a very useful perk. What are you, after all, going to do in the event that your car is written off? If you don’t have a contingency plan then you may want to find out how much it would cost to get this perk. Discovery’s classic and executive plan car insurance, for instance, offers you the option to hire a car or use Uber for up to 30 days.

2. Personal effects cover

How often do you leave precious items in your car? If you do – are they covered by your insurance? This may be a useful add-on, particularly as we have so many reports of smash and grabs in South Africa.

3. Medical costs

Some providers will now contribute some money toward your medical bills after an accident. 1st For Women, for instance offers medical costs of up to R500.

4. Roadside assistance

In the past this has been offered as a separate policy but increasingly motor cover providers are building this into their offerings. This will typically provide you with towing in the event that your car breaks down, directions if you’re lost, and a trip monitor which will contact you every 30 minutes to ensure you’ve reached your destination safely. If you don’t, the service will inform a loved one that you can’t be reached.

5. Windscreen cover

Insurers nowadays will repair or replace your windscreen at no cost to you. Santam, for example, doesn’t charge you an excess for this claim provided you use one of their product options and approved glass agents.

6. Recovering keys, locks and remote controls

This is another ‘nice to have’ benefit, but if you are forgetful or often lose your keys and remotes, this may be a lifesaver.

7. Trauma support

Certain policies also offer trauma counselling in the event that you’ve been in an accident or were a hijack victim.

8. Concierge services

This is probably another one of the ‘nice to haves’ when it comes to car cover. 1st For Women have a ‘Guardian Angels Concierge Assist’ which offers lifestyle management services – handy if you need someone to arrange your holiday accommodation, restaurant bookings and dentist visits. But truly, this is something you could handle yourself!

9. Sound system cover

If you’ve invested some money into your car sound system then you may want to see what benefits your car insurer offers. Replacing your radio could cost a lot of money if your car is stolen or broken into.

Until next time,
The MoneyShop.co.za Team