Our cars are special.
As such, they deserve special attention: many times, the standard cookie-cutter auto insurance coverages do not fit our risk needs. That's where optional coverages come into play.
The following is a list of common optional coverages across carriers:
Roadside Assistance
Covers payment for towing of a covered disabled auto to the nearest qualified repair facility and labor on a covered disabled auto at the place of disablement
Loan/Lease Payoff (GAP)
Covers the difference between the actual cash value and the amount due to the lending institution in the event of a total loss.
Replacement Cost
Covers the cost to replace the vehicle, waiving the deduction for depreciation, in the event of a total loss.
The following is a list of the optional coverages that 2 of our auto insurance carriers offer.
Mercury Insurance
Covers the loss to an insured auto due to mechanical breakdown of auto parts for a fraction of the price of dealership warranties.
Ride-Hailing Insurance
Drive for Lyft/Uber? You'll probably need added insurance protection for situations in which personal and business insurance do not protect you.
Non-owners Policy
If you do not own a car, you should consider buying a non-owners policy. This will provide basic liability coverage when you do occasionally drive, and you'll avoid having a gap in coverage, leading to hefty standard insurance premiums when you own a car again.
Donegal Insurance Group
PACE (Personal Auto Coverage Enhancement)
This packaged add-on will provide the following benefits:
Deductible Waiver for Total Loss
$100 in additional Towing & Labor Coverage
$200 in Locksmith Services Coverage
$300 in Personal Property Coverage
$500 additional medical expense coverage if seat belts and child restraint devices were used at the time of the accident
$2,500 Automobile Death Benefit to cover insured's funeral expenses
Audio-Visual & Electronic Equipment
Covers additional $200 for audio, visual & data equipment i.e. USB drives, discs, etc.
Annual Terms
Tired of renewing your policy every 6 months? Donegal offers annual as well as 6 month terms.
Mercury Insurance, founded in 1962, has insured millions of Americans with Auto & Homeowners insurance. Mercury was named one of the most trustworthy financial companies by Forbes Magazine in 2016.
Donegal’s family of property and casualty insurance companies provides full lines of personal, farm and commercial insurance products across multiple regions of the United States. Donegal is proud of its heritage, which spans more than 125 years in the insurance business.
Fenix Risk Management is an independent insurance agency proudly serving families & businesses in the Southeast. Fenix Risk Management represents Mercury Insurance & Donegal Insurance Group.
Simmy is an adviser at Fenix Risk Management.
Note: the opinions expressed in this blog are that of the author, not of any other individual or organization referenced.