It’s pretty hard to get around without a vehicle and many of us spend a lot of time driving whether it be for work commuting shuttling the kids around getting out of the city or even just for fun. Wherever you’re on the go car insurance protects you in the event of an accident or if your car is damaged. You can also customize your car insurance to suit your personal needs.
Below is a list of standard endorsements offered by most car insurance companies. These may not be offered by all insurers nor will all drivers be eligible for all coverages.
- Accident Rating Waiver (SEF 39) – you or a driver on your policy keeps their driving rating after one at-fault loss as long as they were not convicted of any offense related to the accident.
- Drive Other Automobiles (SEF 2) – your insurance will cover you when you’re driving vehicles not listed on your policy.
- Emergency Service Expense (SEF 35) – provides coverage for towing and emergency service expenses if your vehicle is undrivable.
- Family Protection (SEF 44) – if you or your spouse or a dependent family member is injured by another driver who has insufficient insurance you or your estate will be compensated for the harm or loss.
- Legal Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles (SEF 27) – this provides coverage for damage to a rental vehicle while your own vehicle is not in use. This means when you park your car at the airport and rent a car while you’re on vacation you don’t have to buy the rental company’s daily insurance.
- Limited Waiver of Depreciation (SEF 43R) – if your new vehicle is damaged within a certain number of months after purchase depreciation won’t be applied to the value of your claim.
- Loss of Use (SEF 20) – you get access to a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired or replaced after a claim.
- Minor Conviction Rating Waiver Endorsement – keep your conviction-free discount after your first minor traffic violation like a speeding ticket.
- Replacement Cost (SEF 18) – in the event of a total loss the full replacement cost of your vehicle will be covered.
There are also a number of company-specific endorsements you can put on your car insurance.
Aviva for example offers an extended number of extra coverages as well as bundles and deals that decrease the amount you have to pay:
- Accident Forgiveness – forgives your first accident even if you were at fault.
- Disappearing Deductible (CAE 3) – every year you don’t make a claim your deductible is reduced.
- Satellite Program /Roadside Assistance (CAE 1) – provides roadside assistance when you need gas a battery boost a tow lockout service a tire change or extraction. You also have access to travel planning live compass (directions) and vehicle and travel experts. Road trip interruption and discounts for hotels and rental vehicles are also included.
Aviva also offers two bundles for customers which reduce premiums:
- Extra Value Option Bundle (EVO) – includes Limited Waiver of Depreciation (SEF 43R) and Temporary Vehicle Replacement (SEF 20) with an increased limit of $2000 for loss of use.
- Worry Free Bundle – includes Temporary Vehicle Replacement (SEF 20) the Accident Rating Waiver (SEF 39) and the Disappearing Deductible (CAE 3).
We know that insurance can be pretty confusing especially if you don’t know the lingo. Some companies also have different names for the same coverage so it can be hard to figure out which company suits you best and offers exactly what you need.
This is where an independent insurance broker can help. They know the language of the companies and the industry and can help you customize your auto policy for you, your family and your driving activities.