Are you planning your next road trip? If yes, then you are among the many Filipinos who love to explore the country’s natural beauty. Whether it's the breathtaking landscapes of Ilocos, the beautiful beaches of Batangas, or Baguio’s winding roads, such trips are a good way to rejuvenate. However, one should remember that travelling also comes with risks, and it will be a smart move to be proactive and get adequate protection cover.
But the question is how to procure this ‘adequate coverage’? The answer comes in the form of car insurance add-ons. While a stand-alone car insurance policy offers basic protection, add-ons provide customised coverage that safeguards you against various risks, including accidents, animal collisions, floods/typhoons, flat tyres, and engine issues.
https://www.zeninsure.ph/car-insuranceSo, no matter where the road leads you, car insurance add-ons will allow you to travel with peace of mind. Wanna know more about essential add-ons for road trips? Continue reading.
Standard car insurance and its limitations
What is a standard car insurance policy and what coverage does it offer? Every car owner in the Philippines is required to opt for Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance. This standard insurance pack covers third-party bodily injury or death in case of an accident involving the insured vehicle. It fails to protect the driver, passengers, and even the car itself.
Filling the coverage gap of the CTPL policy. The comprehensive insurance policy offers protection against several risks and, therefore, is highly recommended. However, even comprehensive coverage often fails to automatically provide coverage against personal accidents, Acts of God, or roadside emergencies. Note that most of these risks are common during long road journeys and therefore adequate coverage is required.
Car insurance add-ons
What are car insurance add-ons? It is an optional coverage offered by insurance providers that enhances the protection provided by a standard policy. As for long road trips, they address the unique challenges by providing adequate coverage.
Why is add-on coverage essential for road trips? As mentioned earlier, car insurance add-ons offer enhanced coverage that might come in handy during a distressed hour on the road trip. For instance, during a mechanical breakdown while exploring the mountains or driving through coastal provinces during typhoon season. Furthermore, add-on coverages are appreciated for their comprehensive scope of coverage, which includes you, your car, and your loved ones.
Photo from FreepikCar insurance add-ons for road trips
Here are some essential add-on coverages to consider before embarking on a road trip.
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Natural calamities like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, landslides, etc are pretty common in the Philippines. Therefore, when going on a road trip where you are out in the open for long, exposed to all kinds of risks due to nature’s fury, it is essential to get this coverage. |
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Considered as one of the most popular and crucial add-ons for Filipinos going on road trips. Roadside Assistance coverage offers help in situations like a flat tyre, no fuel, a dead battery, or a mechanical breakdown. |
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Car accidents can happen anytime, to anyone, especially if you are out there on the go for a long time. Personal Accident coverage proves particularly useful in situations where it provides financial assistance to the injured driver and passengers. |
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If your vehicle is being repaired after an accident or incident during a road trip, this coverage provides reimbursement for taxi fare. |
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Animals, whether wild or pets, can suddenly appear in front of your car without alerting the driver. It might lead to animal death or injury. This particular coverage will help you deal with the legal or financial liabilities arising from such situations. |
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On long trips, chances of a car collision are high; this coverage will offer adequate financial protection in such a situation, irrespective of who is at fault. |
Also Read: Filing a car insurance claim: Key coverage you’ll need after an accident
Things to remember when getting add-ons
Here’s what you need to do in case you need to add or modify your car insurance policy -
- Contact your insurance agent or provider. Customise your policy with add-ons for upcoming road trips.
- Make sure to ask about discounts in case you bundle coverages.
- Check if your insurance provider offers online modification of the policy. This method is not only convenient but fast.
- Remember, renewal is the perfect time to make policy modifications. So, if your travel habits have changed over time, make sure to get appropriate add-ons included.
- Do not ignore the regional travel risks when considering getting add-ons. For example, consider getting Acts of God coverage if you are heading to a flood-prone area, or roadside assistance if you're travelling in less-travelled areas.
Photo from FreepikTips to choose the right car insurance add-ons
Assess your destination: See where you are heading to, what are the common risks associated with the destination. Like, accidents, animal collisions, floods, etc. Seeing the risks, opt for optimum coverage. Also, check for nearby mechanical help; if not, make sure to include roadside assistance and towing coverage.
Match coverage with vehicle: If your car is old, consider adding towing and roadside assistance coverage, as it may be more susceptible to breakdown. If you own a new car with a smooth accelerator, we recommend personal accident and collision coverage.
Balance protection & budget: Although add-ons increase your premium, consider the money you’ll save in case of an accident. However, it is essential to consider your budget restrictions and not to go overboard with protection.
Also Read: Top 10 must-have car insurance add-ons for Filipino drivers
Road trip insurance essentials
- Carry a copy of your policy.
- Check policy inclusions & exclusions, and verify that the add-ons are active.
- Save the provider's hotline number before heading out.
Bottom line
Road trips are a fun way to spend time with family and friends; however, they are unpredictable as well, especially with risks like sudden weather change or car breakdown. Being on the road, far away from home and for several hours at a stretch, exposes you and your family to several risks. Your standard car insurance policy does not even cover some of these risks, exposing you to sudden financial & legal liability and stress.
Wanna protect yourself from such a situation? Invest in car insurance add-ons, as they are essential for a car owner. They bring many things to the table, including peace of mind, financial protection, and access to emergency services. Thus making every journey, trip, and long drive safe and smooth.
Before planning your next road trip, review your car insurance policy and ensure it includes all the right coverage options. Believe us, you’ll end up driving and enjoying far better knowing that everything has been taken care of.
Also Read: Top motorcycle insurance add-ons every Filipino rider should consider
FAQs
Q1. Do car insurance add-ons increase the premium significantly?
Ans. Not necessary. Some car insurance add-ons start as low as PHP 300 annually.
Q2. What are some of the most essential add-ons available for Filipino car owners?
Ans. Some of the essential car insurance add-ons include roadside assistance, personal accident, and Acts of God.
Q3. Does roadside assistance coverage include towing services?
Ans. Yes, usually towing services are a part of roadside assistance coverage. However, the distance it covers varies, so make sure to check it with your insurer.
Q4. Can I add coverage to my insurance policy mid-term?
Ans. Yes, most insurance providers allow policyholders to modify coverage mid-term.
Q5. Is it mandatory for Filipino car owners to have car insurance add-ons?
Ans. No. The law in the Philippines only requires car owners to have CTPL insurance. Rest, all other coverages are optional.
Q6. Can I remove add-ons later or at the time of policy renewal?
Ans. Yes, you can remove car insurance add-ons; however, you might require your insurer’s approval.
Q7. What is the best time to include a car insurance add-on to the policy?
Ans. It is recommended to include add-ons to the policy at the time of renewal. During this time, the paper was being revised, making it much more convenient to make modifications to the policy.
Q8. Can we switch insurance providers during renewal?
Ans. Yes, a policyholder can switch their insurance provider at any time, whether mid-term or at renewal.
Q9. What documents are required at the time of policy renewal with modifications?
Ans. Usually, the following documents are required: existing policy details, vehicle OR/CR, valid ID, document of modifications, and photos of the vehicle.
Q10. Do I have to pay in full at the time of policy renewal with add-ons?
Ans. Not necessary, several insurance providers allow installment payment of the premium.
Q11. Can the car insurance policy add-ons be transferred?
Ans. No. Car insurance add-ons can not be transferred, as the coverage is tied to the insured vehicle and not the owner.
Q12. Can the policy add-ons be modified at any time?
Ans. Yes, a policyholder can modify the add-ons at any time; however, you might need to pay an extra fee in case of additional coverage.
Q13. Is a car inspection required at the time of policy renewal or coverage modification?
Ans. No, not always. An inspection is only required at the time of a significant coverage change. Or when the insured vehicle is pretty old.
Q14. I drive very little. Can I downgrade my policy coverage?
Ans. Yes, you can reduce your coverage at the time of policy renewal or even mid-term.
Q15. Do policy modifications affect claim approval/process?
Ans. Policy modification only affects claims when you have removed a coverage that applies during the claim.
Also Read: How to switch providers when your car insurance is about to expire
