5 Must-Have Optional Auto Insurance Coverages
August 4, 2016
While an auto policy can have basic, known benefits, there are certain optional coverages you should consider. To be clear, the obvious coverages are liability, comprehensive, and collision. Of the many optional coverages available, you should highly consider having medical payments, uninsured & underinsured, full glass coverage, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
1. Medical Payments
Medical payments coverage contains many benefits, and is usually a low amount of premium. In the event of an accident, this coverage extends to anyone in your vehicle, regardless of fault. In addition, this coverage will cover you as a pedestrian when struck by a motor vehicle (designed for use mainly on public roads).
2. Uninsured and Underinsured
While we wrote a lengthy blog post a few months ago on uninsured and underinsured, we found it important to note it here too. Since this is an optional coverage, you don’t have to have it, however it is extremely valuable. In it’s simplest terms, this coverage will provide bodily injury coverage to you if the person who hit you is uninsured or underinsured. This coverage also applies for you as a pedestrian and also if it is a hit-and-run.
Just because you have
more than state minimum
limits, doesn’t mean everyone
else does too!
3. Full Glass Coverage
In Arizona, we live in a desert and deserts have rocks and rocks cause damage to windshields. With full glass coverage, your damaged windshield (or any other window on your vehicle) can be filled in or replaced by a glass company of your choice at no cost to you. This coverage does not cover your windows for wear and tear, and you also need to have comprehensive coverage in order to have full glass coverage. This coverage also comes with an increase in premium, but generally is worth it compared to the amount you would have to pay out of pocket to replace your windshield.
4. Rental Reimbursement
This coverage helps provide you with a rental car in the event of a covered claim, while your vehicle is in the shop being fixed (for up to 30 days). While this coverage may not be necessary for someone with multiple vehicles at their disposal, it is a must-have if you only have one car. Considering the premium is relatively low compared to the coverage you receive, it is definitely worth it.
5. Towing & Roadside Assistance
If you don’t have a service like AAA, then you should definitely consider adding this coverage to your insurance as well. It is also low in premium cost, and will generally provide similar benefits as AAA. For example, you can have your car towed, a tire changed, or a battery jumped at no cost to you. This coverage will vary depending on the insurance company, so make sure you understand how this coverage will work for you.
As you can see, these coverages can greatly help you, your vehicle, or others in your vehicle. If you’re unsure about certain coverages, or have more questions, please call us at 480-513-3131.