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Guide

Car insurance extras: what is worth checking

Compare breakdown, legal expenses, courtesy car, windscreen and personal belongings cover, including costs, limits and overlapping policies.

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Reviewing car insurance documents with a calculator and car keys

The short answer

Extras can be included, optional or unavailable depending on the product. Compare their actual limits and conditions, and check whether you already have suitable cover elsewhere.

Included is not unlimited

A listed benefit can have a financial limit, an excess or conditions that restrict claims. Read the wording for the exact tier.

  • Compare the included and optional versions.
  • Check how a claim affects discount or renewal.

Transport and assistance

A courtesy car can be tied to approved repairs, while guaranteed hire-car cover can extend to theft or total loss. Breakdown is a different service.

  • Check vehicle size, duration and availability.
  • Compare roadside-only with recovery and home assistance.

Legal and personal cover

Motor legal expenses can help pursue certain losses under specified conditions. Personal accident and belongings cover have their own limits.

  • Check prospects-of-success tests and claim exclusions.
  • Do not confuse legal expenses with every legal problem being insured.

Avoid unnecessary duplication

Breakdown or other benefits may exist through another policy or membership. Check that any overlapping cover actually meets your need.

  • Compare total price with and without extras.
  • Keep separate documents where providers differ.

Before you decide

  • List what is included for the chosen tier.
  • Read limits, exclusions and excesses.
  • Check existing cover before adding extras.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add an extra later?

Possibly, but the provider’s terms, cost and start date may differ.

Does the most expensive tier cover everything?

No. Even premium products have exclusions and limits.

Sources and further reading

Prepared by CompareDirect using the sources above. Policy eligibility, cover and claims depend on the provider’s current documents and your circumstances.

Before you buy

Our car insurance listings compare provider features and quote destinations, not personalised premiums. Check the exact product, eligibility, excesses and full terms on the provider’s website. Nothing here is a personalised insurance recommendation.

More guides

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