Explore Additional Auto Insurance Coverage Options

There are several types of additional auto insurance coverage, including emergency road service, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance. These can provide extra protection in the event of an accident or other covered incident, such as vehicle damage, injuries, lost wages, and funeral costs. Add-ons like gap insurance, new vehicle replacement coverage, and custom parts and equipment coverage can also enhance your basic insurance policy by offering protection against depreciation or covering custom equipment beyond a standard policy's dollar amount limit.

Rental reimbursement

The cost of renting a car can add up quickly, especially if your vehicle is in the shop for an extended period. Rental reimbursement insurance helps protect you from these unexpected expenses. This type of coverage typically has a daily limit on rental costs and an overall rental cost limit per claim. For example, your insurance provider may offer a package with a daily limit of $30 and a per-claim limit of $900. This means they will reimburse you for up to $30 per day and no more than $900 for the entire claim.

Some insurance companies have partnerships with specific rental car companies, which can make the reimbursement process more seamless. In these cases, the rental company may bill your insurance company directly. If you choose to rent from a different company, you may need to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Roadside assistance

• Car lockout services
• Jump-starting a dead car battery
• Long-distance towing
• Scrap vehicle transport
• Flat tire change
• Unlocking car doors
• Battery service and jump-start
• Fuel delivery
• Winching (freeing your vehicle if it's stuck)

Some companies also offer optional extra coverage for things like emergency accommodations and taxi fares.

The cost of roadside assistance services depends on the condition of your vehicle, the distance they have to travel, and the services you need. Some providers offer packages at several price points, with plans ranging from $60 per year to $150 annually or more.

Gap insurance

The cost of gap insurance depends on various factors, including the state, driving record, and vehicle. Auto insurers typically charge a few dollars a month or around $20 a year for gap insurance. Lenders, on the other hand, charge a flat fee of around $500 to $700 for gap insurance. However, if the coverage is added to the loan, the driver will also pay interest on it, increasing the total cost.

Custom parts and equipment coverage

CPE insurance covers a wide range of custom parts, including:

• Custom wheels and rims, such as alloy or magnesium wheels
• Special tires, including racing slicks and oversized tires
• Spoilers, suspensions, and other performance-related equipment
• Stereo and sound recording equipment
• Entertainment systems, such as permanently installed televisions and DVD players
• Custom paint jobs, murals, graphics and decals
• Aftermarket seats, such as leather seats not installed by the car manufacturer
• Anti-theft devices not installed by the car manufacturer
• Third-party dealer-installed equipment, such as running boards, brush bars, roll bars, fog lights, bed liners, trailer hitches, and special roofs

It's important to note that CPE coverage does not include any illegal modifications, such as underbody lighting, nitrous oxide, or dark window tinting. In addition, some insurance providers may place limits on the amount of coverage provided for custom parts, with some policies offering up to $20,000 in coverage, while others may offer less.

While CPE coverage is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for drivers who have invested in custom parts or equipment for their vehicles. Without this coverage, your insurance policy may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing these custom parts in the event of an accident or damage.

Before purchasing CPE coverage, it is important to review your existing policy to understand any coverage exclusions and exceptions, and to consult with your insurance provider to ensure that your custom parts are properly covered.

Accident forgiveness

It's important to note that accident forgiveness only applies to your first accident and is usually a one-time benefit per policy. After an accident, you may need to wait until your policy is up for renewal for the accident to be forgiven and your rate to be unaffected.

In terms of cost, some insurers include accident forgiveness at no extra charge, while others offer it as a paid-for endorsement, which means you pay a higher rate for the benefit. It's worth noting that accident forgiveness may not be available in all states, and eligibility can vary by insurer and state.

Frequently asked questions