| Auto Insurance
a person in a rain jacket stands under a yellow umbrella

Every state legally requires you to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage or proof of financial responsibility in case you’re in an accident. But after that, it’s up to individuals to figure out if they have sufficient coverage to meet their needs and if they want car insurance add ons. Here are some auto insurance coverages and other services worth considering.

1. Medical Payments Coverage

Often referred to as “Med Pay,” this special type of coverage can help pay for medical, hospital, or funeral expenses after an auto accident. Anyone who is insured under your policy would be eligible to receive funds, regardless of who is at fault in the collision.

If you (or a friend or a family member), have ever been in a bad car accident, you’re aware that medical bills can add up in a hurry. Having a little extra financial security in such cases can be a big relief, which is why medical payments coverage might be a good option to consider.

Need another reason to consider medical payments coverage? It typically travels with you. In other words, whether you’re walking down the street, cruising around town in your friend’s car, or taking the city bus, you’ll be covered if you suffer injuries caused by an auto accident.

Please note: While in many states only liability coverage is required, some states also require you to carry Med Pay. Make sure to check your state’s insurance laws before driving.

2. Rental Reimbursement Coverage

You’re involved in an accident, and while you’ve escaped with only a few bumps and bruises, your car needs major repairs. What are you supposed to do while the repair shop fixes the smashed side of your car? How do you get to work or school?

Some people may have access to another vehicle. For example, your spouse might be able to drop you off at the office before they head to their job in their car. But for some people, this isn’t an option. If you live alone or only have one car in your household, being without your vehicle can cause serious stress and complicate basic tasks.

With rental reimbursement coverage, you don’t have to worry! In the event your car can’t be driven due to a covered accident or loss, rental reimbursement coverage helps cover the cost of a rental car. You’ll be able to cruise around with less financial stress until your car is restored to its pre-accident glory.

3. Accidental Death Coverage or Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage

Many of us don’t like to talk about uncomfortable topics. Conversations about a worst-case scenario are never fun and can seem pessimistic at the time. However, they can help you be more prepared to take on unexpected challenges that arise.

Therefore, considering accidental death coverage (the name and coverage details can vary slightly depending on where you live) might be worth your time. Should you end up in a fatal accident, your family will receive a death benefit. With this payout, your loved ones will be able to grieve without having to worry as much about funeral expenses or other post-death obligations. A few thousand dollars might not seem like much, but it can mean the world to your family.

4. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

You’re driving down the road, and out of nowhere, a car runs a stop sign and collides with your vehicle. You collect yourself, get out of the vehicle, and prepare to exchange information with the other driver. When the topic of insurance comes up, you learn the driver who hit you is uninsured. It’s a nightmare scenario, but it’s not unheard of. In some states, the percentage of uninsured drivers is greater than 20%!

So, how do you protect yourself in these situations? With uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, you’re covered! If you’re in an auto accident with an uninsured driver, or if the driver can’t be identified (hit and run), this type of insurance coverage offers financial protection.

Please note: While in many states only liability coverage is required, certain states also require you to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Make sure to check your state’s insurance laws before driving.

5. Collision Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage

Purchasing collision coverage and comprehensive coverage could be a great decision if you want to protect your own vehicle from a loss. Unless you’re leasing or financing your vehicle and your lender requires them, these coverages are completely optional. Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after it collides with another vehicle, guardrail, telephone pole, or flips over in a covered accident. Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged outside of a typical car accident (like flood damage, fire damage, vandalism, or contact with an animal) or stolen.

6. Towing and Labor Coverage

You’ll typically have the option to purchase towing and labor coverage if you also purchase collision and comprehensive. It helps cover the cost of emergency towing services if your car suffers a mechanical breakdown or can’t be driven after an accident. It also helps cover labor costs for required repairs at the shop where you tow your vehicle. 

7. Roadside Assistance

Driving is wildly unpredictable. You can take your car for a tune-up and end up with a flat tire on the way home. You might rush out the door after breakfast to make your morning meeting before discovering a dead battery. No matter the reason, feeling stranded can be scary and frustrating.

This is where roadside assistance can come to the rescue! If you choose to pay for a roadside assistance plan, you’ll have access to services that can save you from sitting and waiting on the side of the road for a kind soul to help you out. Instead, you’ll have a trained professional headed your way as soon as possible.

Roadside assistance plans look different depending on the service provider, but take the plan offered by Direct Auto as an example of services you might expect:

  • If you’re stuck with a car that can’t be driven, you can get emergency towing 24/7.
  • If you run out of gas and are stuck on the side of the highway, you can have gasoline or other essential fluids delivered to you.
  • Lock your keys in your car? These plans typically come with lost key and lockout service.
  • Accidentally leave your car’s lights on? You can call to have someone jump-start your battery.
  • Have an unknown issue? You can call your roadside assistance for mechanical help to get you going.
  • If you prefer to travel the old-fashioned way, you can request maps or travel routes with concierge benefits.

With roadside assistance, you can rest easy because you know help will come when something goes wrong, and you know that you’ll be back on your way as quickly as possible. Also, if you end up calling for help a few times, your plan has likely paid for itself because one-off service fees can be expensive.

8. Emergency Protection Plans

After a car accident, you’re probably used to paying for certain expenses, like car repairs or doctor visits. However, sometimes, unexpected bills can strain your finances. For example, what if you’re stuck in the hospital recovering for a few days and must pay someone to watch your children?

Direct Auto offers an Emergency Protection Plan that can help with these unplanned expenses. Although plans vary from state to state, they typically include:

  • A hospital stay benefit
  • Accident medical expense reimbursement
  • Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • Ambulance assistance
  • Mechanical first aid
  • Auto rental reimbursement & lost personal effects coverage

In addition to help after an accident, the Emergency Protection Plan offered by Direct Auto includes valuable trip planning services and travel discounts, as well.

9. Mexico Auto Insurance

Driving to Mexico soon? If so, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place to drive legally. You can purchase a Mexico Insurance policy by giving Direct Auto a call at 1-877-GO-DIRECT or by speaking with an agent at your local store.

Get covered with Direct Auto!

Overwhelmed by options? Don’t be! Give us a call at 1-877-GO-DIRECT, visit DirectAuto.com, or stop by one of our convenient locations. We’ll be happy to help you find the right level of coverage. You might even be able to bundle insurance coverages and products to score a discount!

 

All insurance coverages, features, benefits and discounts are subject to the individual carrier’s terms, conditions, deductibles, and exclusions and may not be available in all states.

Roadside Assistance and Emergency Protection Plans offered by Direct Auto Insurance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Driver, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states. 

Mexico insurance is produced by Direct Auto Insurance for MXGA Inc, a general agency representing various insurers authorized to do business in Mexico. All claims and policy services, including payments, endorsements, and renewals are handled by MXGA. Coverage subject to policy terms and conditions. Not available in all states.