There are almost as many options for auto insurance as there are for autos themselves. Yet, not everyone needs everything – some people want blind spot monitoring, others might want the moonroof, still others may just want the basics. The same goes for insurance.
For most drivers, basic coverage is not enough. And, if you’ve taken out a loan to buy your car, your lender probably requires additional coverage. However, the benefits of additional auto insurance options aren’t quite as self-evident as a heated leather seat. Here are four add-on options that are the most valuable, no matter how valuable your car is.
Deductible dividends If you’re a safe driver, this option rewards you for maintaining your good driving habits. For example, The Hanover’s deductible dividends option reduces your auto deductible by $100 each year you stay safe. As a result, if you do get in an accident that results in a claim, you’ll be paying less out of pocket.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council (and co-sponsored by The Hanover), 1 in 8 U.S. motorists are un- or underinsured. In some states, that figure is double. And if one of these drivers hits you, you could end up paying out of pocket for damage to your car – or worse. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is affordable protection against these potentially devastating expenses.
Accident forgiveness They say safety is no accident. Nonetheless, even the safest of drivers can end up in a crash, and end up with higher insurance payments as well. Accident forgiveness protection can help you keep your rate down if you haven’t had an at-fault accident in a certain window of time. For example, The Hanover’s second chance accident forgiveness goes into effect for customers with three years of clean driving, regardless of whether you were a Hanover customer the whole time.
Gap insurance If you’ve taken out a loan to purchase your car, loan/lease gap coverage is a must-have. In the event your car is totaled in an accident, most insurance policies will cover you for the equivalent of the car’s worth at the time of the claim. But, as the saying goes, cars lose value the instant you drive them off the lot. Since you are still paying back a loan based on your car’s original value, the resulting difference can be significant – and you’d be paying it. Unless you own your car outright, make sure you have gap insurance.
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