Additional Benefits

There are many additional benefits that your car insurance policy could include. Some of these may be included as standard with fully comprehensive insurance, and some you can add as optional extras for a small charge. Some insurers will also allow you to add supplementary insurance options, such as Motor Legal Protection, in addition to those benefits discussed here. You should to consult the 'Additional Benefits' section of your policy booklet to see which apply in your case.

Courtesy Car
A popular additional benefit is the use of a free courtesy car for the duration of any claim, if your car is out of use. Many insurers give you the chance to opt in or out of the courtesy car service, with both their third party fire and theft and fully comprehensive insurance policies. If you are unsure about the level of cover you have, it will be shown on your policy schedule.

Typically, 'standard' courtesy car cover will only give you a car if your car is being repaired by an approved garage; if it has been stolen or set alight, or is a write-off, you will not be given a car. In addition, many insurers will have a time limit; for example, you may only be entitled to the courtesy car for fourteen days.

However, when you take out your car insurance your insurer may offer you different levels of courtesy car cover; if you choose extra cover you will usually be entitled to a better model of car for a longer period of time, but will have to pay an increased premium.

You should expect to receive your courtesy car within one or two working days of your car becoming immobile or unsafe to drive.

Driver Support
If you are involved in an accident, you may not feel confident about returning to driving. Some insurers provide an optional after-accident counselling and practice session with a driving instructor. This is usually a one-off, one-hour session that helps rebuild your driving confidence as well as provide emotional support if you are a victim of car-jacking or road rage, for example.

Child Seat Cover
If you have child seats fitted in your car and you are involved in an accident, or if your car is damaged by theft or fire, you will need to ensure that the safety features of your child seat are still in perfect working order. If you make a claim, your insurer may agree to pay for a replacement seat even if there is no obvious damage. Usually they will pay up to a certain limit, for example £100 per seat.

Hotel Expenses
If you are left without a vehicle after an accident, you may be stranded with the prospect of paying huge travel expenses just to continue your journey, or return home. Some insurers will offer to pay for the cost of an overnight stay in a hotel. Naturally, there will be a limited amount of cover for this, but it is often up to £250.