When looking at car insurance, whether you’re a learner driver with a provisional licence or have a full driving licence, you’ll often come across something called “optional extras.” These are additional benefits that can be added to your policy, often for an extra cost, and they’re designed to give you more protection on the road.
For learner drivers in particular, understanding these extras is important. Learner driver insurance already provides cover while you practise in your own or someone else’s car, but optional extras can give you peace of mind if things go wrong. From no claims bonus protection to key cover, these add-ons can help tailor your policy to your individual needs. In this guide, we’ll break down what optional extras are, explain how they apply to both provisional and full licence insurance, and highlight some of the most common examples.
*All information included on this blog is general information and not specific to Collingwood Insurance
Optional extras, sometimes referred to as car insurance add-ons, are additional features you can purchase alongside your standard policy. They’re not always included as standard, which means you’ll likely pay a higher premium if you choose to add them.
For learners, this means you can add additional protection to your learner driver insurance while practising on the road. For experienced drivers, it means tailoring your policy so it’s more suited to your lifestyle and driving habits.
Here’s a breakdown of what optional extras typically offer:
Learner driver insurance can be customised with extras, just like a standard policy. Here are some of the most common car insurance add-ons you may come across, and what they mean for both provisional and full licence drivers.
This add-on protects you if your car suffers damage either accidentally or because of vandalism. Accidental or malicious damage cover is especially useful for new and learner drivers as minor bumps or scrapes can be more likely when you’re still building confidence on the road. Without this cover, you might have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket, even if the damage wasn’t your fault.
Losing your keys can be stressful and expensive, particularly if your car needs to be reprogrammed or new locks installed. Key cover is an optional extra that helps cover the cost of replacement keys, locksmith charges, and in some cases even car hire while you wait for new keys. It’s a small add-on that could save a lot of money if the worst happens.
Windscreen cover is designed to protect you against the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen if it gets chipped, cracked, or smashed. Without cover, even a small crack could mean an expensive repair bill. Having this cover means you can get your windscreen fixed quickly, often without affecting your no claims bonus, making it a practical add-on for both provisional and full licence drivers.
A no claims bonus (NCB) rewards safe drivers by giving them a discount on their premiums each year they don’t make a claim. Protected no claims bonus allows you to keep this discount even if you make a claim, although it usually comes at an extra cost.
With a Collingwood Learners Driver policy, no claims are accelerated. This means that if you achieve 10 months of uninterrupted cover, with no claims on the policy, you can earn your own accelerated no claims bonus. This can be 10 months of an annual policy or a short-term policy with no breaks in cover.
Personal accident cover provides compensation if you or a passenger are seriously injured or killed in a car accident. While standard policies often include a basic level of cover, this optional extra increases the payout amount, helping to support you or your family financially if the unexpected happens.
Breakdown cover provides roadside assistance if your car breaks down while you’re out driving. For all drivers, this can be very reassuring, as it means help is available if the car won’t start or fails mid-journey. Without it, arranging recovery could be costly and stressful.
Policies can vary but some may include roadside repairs, vehicle recovery, or transport to a garage. Some may even offer home start, which covers your car if it won’t start on your driveway. It’s a practical add-on for both provisional and full licence drivers, offering peace of mind whenever you’re on the road.
Legal expenses cover helps with the cost of pursuing or defending legal claims after an accident. For example, if another driver is at fault, this add-on can cover solicitor fees and court costs to help you recover uninsured losses such as lost earnings or excess payments.
For learner drivers, it may not be the first add-on you think about, but accidents can happen to anyone. Having legal support available means you won’t have to deal with unexpected bills if a dispute arises, making this a useful extra for some drivers.
If your car is damaged and needs to be repaired after an accident, courtesy car cover provides you with a temporary replacement vehicle. This means you can continue with your day-to-day activities, such as commuting or attending lessons, without major disruption.
Misfuelling cover protects you if you accidentally put the wrong type of fuel in your car, such as filling up a petrol car with diesel. This mistake is more common than many people think and can be very expensive to put right, often requiring the fuel system to be drained and cleaned.
Having this add-on means your insurer will cover the cost of recovery, repair, and in some cases even provide a courtesy car while yours is being fixed. It’s a simple but effective way to avoid the high costs associated with misfuelling.
Excess protection allows you to reclaim the compulsory or voluntary excess you pay when making a claim. Normally, if your policy has a £250 excess, you would need to cover that cost yourself before your insurer pays the rest. With excess protection, that amount is reimbursed to you.
This add-on can be especially helpful if you’re on a budget, as it prevents unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. For learners, it can give added reassurance, knowing that you won’t be left paying a large bill if you need to make a claim.
Personal belongings cover protects items left in your car, such as mobile phones, sat-navs, or bags, if they’re stolen or damaged. Without it, you may need to claim through your home insurance, which could affect your premiums there instead.
Car insurance add-ons are optional, not compulsory. A standard learner driver insurance policy will already cover you for the basics you need to legally drive and practice. However, the right extras can help with peace of mind. For instance, key cover can save you from unexpected expenses if you were to lose your car keys, whereas personal accident cover provides additional financial protection in the event of serious injury or death following a car accident. It can help with medical costs, compensate for long-term injuries, or provide a payout to your family if the accident resulted in fatality. While it’s not something drivers like to think about, this specific add-on offers reassurance that you and your loved ones are financially supported, even during difficult circumstances.
Whether or not you need these add-ons depends on your circumstances, budget, and how much risk you’re comfortable taking. Just as you might choose extras when buying a car, you can choose extras for your insurance to make it fit your needs.
Optional extras for car insurance give both learners and experienced drivers the chance to tailor their policies for added protection and convenience. From key cover to personal accident cover, each add-on offers something slightly different, and the right choice will depend on your circumstances.
For learners, these extras can provide extra peace of mind while you build confidence on the road. While none of them are strictly necessary, they can be well worth considering if you want greater cover and protection on the road.
Commonly asked questions about optional extras for car insurance
It depends on your personal situation. For some drivers, insurance extras like key cover or windscreen cover can save money in the long run, while others may not find them necessary.
Not always. The cost of extras usually depends on the insurer and the policy type, rather than whether you’re a learner or a full licence holder.
Most insurers allow you to add optional extras mid-policy, but there may be an admin fee. Always check with your provider.
Third party only is the most basic cover and usually excludes extras. You may need to add them on or upgrade your policy for more protection.
Yes, optional extras may increase your premium, but they may also reduce costs in the long term if they prevent expensive claims or losses.
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