What car insurance add-ons provide the highest quality coverage at the best value?
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You have a lot of choices when it comes to your auto insurance policy. Some drivers simply want to meet state-mandated liability coverage minimums, while others opt for more robust protections against every conceivable peril (cause of loss).
Luckily, along with standard coverage options like comprehensive, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, most insurance companies offer add-ons — called endorsements or riders — that allow you to customize your policy to suit your needs. These can be found on the declarations page of your insurance policy.
While these add-ons vary by state and by company, you’ll find some of the more common endorsements below.
If you make changes to your vehicle, you’ll need to make changes to your insurance coverage as well. This ensures your custom parts and equipment (stereos, performance updates, mobility modifications, etc.) are covered.
If you own a classic car, a typical car insurance policy is not likely to provide the coverage you need. Classic car coverage allows you to cover your vehicle at its stated value, which is often much more than its actual cash value.
This coverage takes care of the cost of a rental car or other forms of transportation should your insured vehicle need repairs. You can check your policy for any coverage limits that may apply.
If your vehicle breaks down, this coverage can help with towing and other expenses you may incur.
Your pets are not always covered under typical car insurance. While some companies may cover pets through collision coverage, other insurers may offer options specifically for your pets that can cover their medical expenses in the event of an accident.
This extends coverage to other vehicle types not included on your standard policy. This may include golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, and other vehicles.
The following endorsements are designed to protect you against your car’s depreciating value. Not all companies offer such policies, so it’s a good idea to shop around when looking for coverage.
Cars are among the most expensive purchases many people make. Because of this, most people choose to finance their vehicles. However, a car’s value depreciates quickly. If an accident renders your car a total loss, typical collision and comprehensive coverage would only cover the current value of the vehicle, which can be quite a bit less than the amount that you owe. Gap coverage steps in to help with the difference.
New cars lose value as soon as you drive off the lot. Should your new car be declared a total loss, this coverage pays to replace the vehicle with a brand new one of the same make and model. This helps you to avoid taking a financial hit due to your car’s depreciation.
Your personal auto insurance policy does not provide coverage when your car is being used for business purposes such as deliveries or ridesharing. Some insurers may allow this coverage to be added through endorsement. In some cases, it may require you to switch to a new policy altogether.
While many rideshare companies offer insurance to their drivers, it often leaves gaps in coverage. For many insurance companies, rideshare insurance is technically a different product than your personal policy. It is a hybrid of personal and commercial insurance that covers you for companies like Lyft or Uber as well as others. This coverage often does not limit you to one rideshare or delivery company, but allows you to drive for multiple companies.
If you use your car for business purposes, your personal auto policy can fall short in the event of an accident. In some cases, it can even be voided altogether. Whether you use your vehicle for delivering pizza or otherwise, you will want to add commercial use coverage to ensure that accidents are covered while your car is being used for business purposes.
Finding the right car insurance options for your needs can be confusing. Every insurance provider offers its own specific endorsement options, which can vary greatly in cost and depth of coverage. As such, it pays to shop around. If you’re looking for competitive quotes, The Zebra can help.
