What is one car insurance add-on you recommend everyone should have? Why do you think this add-on is essential?

Question

Navigating car insurance add-ons can be complex, but essential coverages are the key to safeguarding against the unexpected. This article demystifies the most valuable extras, with expert insights to guide drivers to make informed decisions. From rental reimbursement to uninsured motorist protection, learn what additional policies offer the best security and peace of mind.

Jason Miller · Answer

As a seasoned insurance professional in Florida, I've seen the critical role Rental Reimbursement coverage plays in car insurance. This add-on ensures you're not left stranded without a vehicle if yours is in the shop due to an accident. In Florida, where car dependence is high, having a rental while your car is being repaired can be invaluable for maintaining daily activities without disruption.
I've had clients mention how their ability to carry on with work and family commitments was unaffected, thanks to having this coverage. Consider a typical repair time of several days to weeks--it adds up quickly. Especially in Florida's unpredictable environment, having a rental ready can save substantial time and money.
A case in point is when a client's vehicle was damaged by a falling tree limb during a storm. Thanks to their Rental Reimbursement coverage, they accessed a rental vehicle almost immediately, ensuring minimal disruption to their family routines. Investing in this add-on is not just about convenience; it's about peace of mind during unforeseen events.

Michael Benoit · Answer

I strongly recommend rental car reimbursement coverage for your auto policy. Imagine you're a contractor with a work truck in the shop after an accident. This add-on covers the cost of a rental so your business operations don't grind to a halt. For contractors, every day without a vehicle is money lost, whether it's meeting clients or transporting materials. It's a small investment upfront that ensures your work doesn't come to a standstill.

Kyle Newman · Answer

The Must-Have Car Insurance Add-On: Underinsured Motorist Coverage
As one of New York's top plaintiff personal injury trial attorneys for over 15 years, I've seen firsthand the devastating impact that insufficient insurance coverage can have on victims of motor vehicle accidents—especially in underserved communities like the Bronx, uptown Manhattan/Harlem, and Brooklyn. That's why I believe underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is the single most essential car insurance add-on for everyone.
Consider this: Many drivers carry only the state's minimum liability coverage, which in New York is a mere $25,000. That amount barely scratches the surface when someone sustains catastrophic injuries in an accident.
One case that haunts me is a client I'll call "Mercy," a hardworking mother of five from the Bronx. She was t-boned by an SUV traveling at high speed. The collision shattered her hip, femur, and knee, requiring more than a dozen surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and rehabilitation. Her medical bills exhausted her $50,000 no-fault coverage in just six months.
Tragically, the at-fault driver also carried only minimum insurance. Although Mercy and her family could have afforded underinsurance coverage, they had only the basic $25,000 policy, leaving her with virtually nothing to cover her lifelong medical needs and lost wages.
Stories like Mercy's are far too common, especially in metropolitan areas where accidents are frequent and severe. The small added monthly cost of UIM is a lifesaver—literally and financially. Yet, most people don't even know it exists, and insurers often fail to promote it, particularly in lower-income communities.
My advice to every driver: Ask your insurance provider about underinsured motorist coverage. It's a modest investment with a massive return, offering peace of mind and protection when you need it most.
For more insights, visit my website at www.uptowninjury.com or follow me on Instagram and TikTok @courtwithkyle. I look forward to hearing back from you!- Kyle Newman

Michelle Robbins · Answer

Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage. Many states require uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, but allow drivers to opt out of the coverage in writing. Drivers should carry both uninsured/underinsured bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage. Depending on where you live, as many as 1 in 4 drivers could be on the road without insurance, so there's a good chance you could be involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. You'll be stuck with the consequences if you don't have uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Michael Ziegler · Answer

When it comes to car insurance, one add-on I highly recommend is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. It's a critical protection based on my vast experience as a rideshare accident attorney. Especially in scenarios where the at-fault driver doesn't have adequate insurance, this coverage acts as a safety net ensuring you aren't burdened with unexpected costs.
I've seen cases where rideshare drivers were left financially exposed because the other driver was underinsured. With the average U.S. household carrying $6,849 in revolving credit card debt, absorbing additional accident costs can be devastating. This add-on essentially provides financial stability in challenging situations.
Additionally, consider the stats: the FMCSA notes around 4,000 fatal truck accidents yearly, with underinsured drivers not uncommon. Having this coverage means that you're not left vulnerable to others' lack of preparedness or responsibility. This add-on is not merely an extra expense-it's a critical layer of protection for your future.

Aseem Jha · Answer

The Must-Have Car Insurance Add-On of "Roadside Assistance" for Peace of Mind
One car insurance add-on I highly recommend is roadside assistance. It's a lifesaver for those unexpected moments when your car breaks down, you get a flat tire, or the battery dies.
I remember a time when I was driving back from a client meeting late at night, and my car suddenly refused to start in an unfamiliar area. Thankfully, I had opted for a roadside assistance add-on. Within 30 minutes, help arrived, and I was back on the road without any hassle.
The peace of mind it offers is invaluable, especially in emergencies. Beyond convenience, it's an affordable add-on that can save you from expensive towing or repair charges. For anyone who drives regularly, this small investment can make a huge difference in both safety and practicality.

6 Car Insurance Add-Ons Everyone Should Have

6 Car Insurance Add-Ons Everyone Should Have

Rental Reimbursement Coverage Saves Time and Money

Rental Car Reimbursement Keeps Business Running

Underinsured Motorist Coverage Provides Essential Protection

Carry Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Offers Financial Stability

Roadside Assistance Ensures Peace of Mind