Car insurance is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and yourself while on the road. Selecting the appropriate car insurance policy is overwhelming, given the multitude of options and features available. While fundamental coverage types such as liability, collision, and comprehensive are vital, additional features often offer supplementary protection and benefits.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance is a convenient extra feature to look for in a car insurance policy. This service provides help when you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, whether due to a flat tyre, a dead battery, or an empty gas tank. Roadside assistance can typically be accessed 24/7, including towing, jump-starts, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. In the event of a breakdown, having this coverage can save you the hassle and expense of calling for a tow truck or other emergency services.
Rental car reimbursement
If your car is in the shop for repairs following an accident or covered incident, rental car reimbursement can be a lifesaver. This feature covers the cost of renting a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is being fixed. The reimbursement amount and coverage duration can vary between insurers, so comparing the details is essential. Some policies may offer a set daily rate or a maximum total reimbursement amount, so understand the limits before selecting a plan.
Gap insurance
Many drivers’ cars begin to depreciate when they drive them off the lot. This creates a situation where the amount owed on the car loan is higher than the car’s current market value, known as being “upside down” or having negative equity. Gap insurance is designed to cover this difference, protecting you from having to pay the remaining balance on your loan if your car is totalled or stolen. This feature is essential for those who have financed or leased their vehicle, as it can help prevent a financial burden in the event of a total loss.
Accident forgiveness
Accidents happen, and they significantly impact your car insurance rates. With accident forgiveness, your insurance provider agrees not to raise your premiums after your first at-fault accident, provided you’ve maintained a clean driving record for a certain period. This is a valuable feature, especially for drivers with a single incident but otherwise have a safe driving history. It’s worth noting that the specifics of accident forgiveness vary by insurer, so be sure to understand the eligibility requirements and any limitations.
New car replacement
If your brand-new car is totalled in an accident, the payout from your Mr Kumka – Compare Car Insurance in Thailand company may be enough to cover the replacement cost. New car replacement coverage addresses this issue by providing the funds to purchase a new car of the same make and model rather than just the current market value of your vehicle. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who have recently purchased a new car, as it can help you avoid the significant depreciation that occurs in the first few years of ownership.
Usage-based insurance
With the rise of telematics and connected cars, some insurers offer usage-based insurance (UBI) programs. These programs use data from your vehicle or a mobile app to track your driving behaviour, such as mileage, acceleration, braking, and the time of day you drive. Based on this data, your insurance rates are adjusted to better reflect your driving habits better. For safe and low-mileage drivers, UBI saves car insurance premiums.
Personal item coverage
If your vehicle is broken into or stolen, the loss of personal items inside is just as frustrating as the loss of the car itself. In case of a covered incident, personal item coverage protects your belongings, such as electronics, sports equipment, or valuables. This feature helps you recoup the cost of replacing stolen or damaged items, providing an extra layer of protection beyond the basic car insurance coverage.
