There are two reasons you might consider taking out excess protection car insurance. The first is to protect yourself from any unaffordable bills if you do need to claim your car insurance. The second is to save yourself money on your car insurance premium. Want to know how it works? Find out more with our quick guide.

Firstly, what is an excess?

The excess is the amount you have to pay if you claim your insurance. In most cases, you don’t make a payment to your insurance company. Instead, the excess amount is deducted from the final settlement that the insurance company agrees to pay.

For example, your car insurance has an excess of £400. You have an accident, and the repair bill comes to £900. Your car insurance provider will pay out £500, which is the £900 bill less the £400 excess.

Many insurance policies include an excess, including home insurance and car insurance.

Why is my car insurance excess so high?

Insurance providers set an excess to try to put customers off claiming on the insurance policy for smaller amounts. They do it because sorting out small claims can cost them a lot of money in administrative time and effort.

The amount of excess set by your insurance company is compulsory with no option to reduce it. This excess varies depending on your insurance company and circumstances. It’s typically somewhere between £50-£300.

When you get a quote for car insurance, this will typically also include a voluntary excess in addition to the compulsory excess. This is an extra excess you can pay, and you can control the level. Generally, the higher the voluntary excess, the lower your premium will be. Voluntary excess can normally be anywhere between £0-£750.

Remember, you’ll need to add together the compulsory and voluntary excess figures to see how much you will have to pay yourself if you make a claim. For example, a compulsory excess of £150 and a voluntary excess of £250 means you’ll have to pay out the first £400 for any claim you make.

Beware of high voluntary excesses on cheap car insurance from comparison sites

Insurance companies try to get your attention on price comparison websites by offering the lowest premiums they can. This is often achieved by setting the voluntary excess high. Watch that you don’t get caught out by carefully checking both the compulsory and voluntary excess before you buy. Even if you specify a lower voluntary excess, you may still be offered premiums with much higher excess amounts.

What is the maximum car insurance excess?

The maximum voluntary excess you can set varies between providers but usually is somewhere between £250-£750.

Next, how does excess protection car insurance work?

If you hold an excess protection car insurance policy, this will cover the costs of your excess on your regular car insurance.

For example:

You have an excess of £500 on your car insurance policy. You have an accident, and the repair bill comes to £1,500. Your car insurance policy will pay out £1,000 with the first £500 being your responsibility. But your excess protection policy will reimburse you that £500. That means you have peace of mind that there won’t be any unexpected big bills to cover.

Do I need excess protection car insurance?

Insurance is all about protecting you from financial risk. To find out whether you need excess protection car insurance, ask yourself:

• Can I afford to pay the excess on my car insurance if I need to make a claim? If you can’t easily get hold of the money, you could be left in a tricky situation unable to pay the repair bill and without your car.
• Am I happy to take the risk of needing to pay out my excess? Excess protection will reassure you that there will be no unexpected big bill.

What about if an uninsured driver hits me?

Normally, if you have an accident and you’re not at fault, the other party’s car insurance takes care of the excess. But what if an uninsured driver hits you? In this case, you have to claim for the repair on your insurance and may have to pay the excess. Check your car insurance policy as some insurance companies automatically offer to protect your excess. If not, excess protection car insurance could be a valuable extra layer of financial protection.

How can excess protection car insurance save me money?

Savvy shoppers are increasingly turning to excess protection car insurance and discovering that two layers of car insurance can be cheaper than one. Yes, you read it right. Taking out two separate layers for your car insurance could save you money. That’s because increasing your excess is a handy trick that can help to bring down your car insurance premium. But rather than leaving yourself exposed to hefty excesses if you do need to make a claim, you can also take out excess protection car insurance.

You could save ££s as long as the amount you pay for your excess protection insurance is lower than the amount you save off your regular car insurance by increasing the voluntary excess.

Are there any downsides?

Bear in mind that you’ll need to make two separate insurance claims if something does happen. You’ll make one claim on your regular car insurance, where you’ll have to pay the excess. Then you’ll need to complete an additional claim on your excess protection policy to have the cost of the excess reimbursed.

Finally, find out more

If you’re interested in excess protection car insurance, get in touch with our friendly team at Easy2Insure. Whether you want to get smart with cheaper car insurance or want to protect yourself from unexpected bills, we can help. We’ll shop around on your behalf to source the best value excess protection. And that can give you peace of mind or even save you money on your car insurance annual premium. Call us on 0800 917 9522 or get a free quote.

If you’ve got a car, buying car insurance is a must-do. But it’s not something most of us look forward to. Not only would we rather be spending our money on holidays or shoes, but buying insurance can also be confusing. With so many features to choose from, for example, protected no claims bonus and legal expenses, it’s hard to decide what cover you really need.  Sometimes it’s not until you have to make a claim that you realise you don’t have the level of protection you expect.

Don’t worry; help is at hand. To help cut through the confusion, we’ve put together this Easy2Understand guide. Next, read on to discover 14 essential features to look out for when you buy your car insurance policy, including:

• Firstly what every car insurance policy must include.
• Secondly, optional features that many drivers choose for added financial peace of mind.
• Finally, nice-to-have extras that many drivers can do without.

Four must-have car insurance features

1) Third-party cover

This is the bare minimum level of cover for all vehicles to legally drive on the road. For example, if you have an accident, it pays out the costs involved for the other party (or parties), but you won’t get anything. If you buy nothing else, make sure you have third-party cover.

2) Third-party, fire, and theft

This pays out as above, however it will also reimburse you if your car is stolen or it is damaged in a fire.

3) Comprehensive car insurance

Again, this pays out as above. However, it will also pay your car repair bills or the market value of your car if it is written off in an accident that you are responsible for. This is the most popular type of car insurance cover, and it’s not always a more expensive option. for example, it could cost you less than the more basic third-party cover because taking out comprehensive cover is considered less risky.

4) Free courtesy car

Almost every driver will rely on their vehicle to get to work, get the kids to school, or to carry on with everyday life. If your car is damaged, a courtesy car keeps you on the move. Unless you have access to an alternative vehicle or can use public transport instead, watch out for limits that could make life tricky. For example, some policies will only provide a courtesy car for a limited time, and that may not be enough. And some policies won’t offer you a courtesy car if your car is written off or stolen. That can potentially leave you without a car while your claim is being settled.

Seven important optional features that buy you greater peace of mind

1) Legal expenses

If you have an accident that isn’t your fault, you can claim for your expenses like hire car costs and personal injury. If you have legal expenses included in your car insurance, your legal fees to make these claims are covered.

2) Breakdown cover

Including car breakdown cover in your car insurance can be cheaper than buying it separately. It reassures you that if you do break down, you can get help quickly and at no extra cost. Bear in mind though that any replacement parts that are required are not included. You’ll have to pay for these yourself.

3) New car cover

If your car is less than 12 months old and you are the first registered owner, most car insurance policies will replace your vehicle with a brand new one if it is stolen or written off. If your car is older, or you’re not the first registered keeper, you might want to specify new car cover to ensure you’ll get a new car as a replacement.

4) Expenses, such as hotel costs

If you have an accident and your car can’t be driven, some car insurance policies will cover the necessary hotel costs up to a certain amount. If you frequently travel long distances, this can be a useful feature.

5) No claims discount protection

Staying claim free can make a massive difference to the cost of your car insurance. If you do make a claim, the cost of your insurance can sky-rocket the next time you come to renew. Look for car insurance with no claim discount protection to ensure you can still benefit from the savings even if you have to make a claim. Bear in mind that this feature is only useful if you have already built up several years of no claim discount. And you should also be aware that your premium can still increase when you come to renew. That’s because the fact you have made a claim will still be taken into consideration when the premium is calculated.

6) Personal possessions cover

This covers any items (e.g. a phone or bag) which are stolen from or damaged while in your vehicle. Watch out for restrictions. For example, some insurers may specify that you can only claim if the item was in a locked glove box.

7) Windscreen cover

This will pay for your windscreen to be repaired or replaced if needed. It’s often separate to your main car insurance, so you won’t lose a no-claims bonus if you do claim for a windscreen

Three nice extras to add-on to your car insurance

1) Cover driving abroad

If your car insurance specifies you’re covered abroad, you can enjoy the same level of cover as you have in the UK when you drive your car overseas. Remember to check the small print for countries that may be excluded though. And remember, insurance doesn’t automatically entitle you to drive in every country. Make sure you check local laws regarding what driving licence is required.

2) Personal accident cover

This add-on can boost the amount you’ll receive if you suffer a serious accident in the car. Watch out for restrictions on what injuries are included as some policies are limited.

3) Replacement key cover

If you lose your keys or they are stolen, it can mean a serious headache and significant costs. You can include replacement key cover for total peace of mind that the costs, including alternative transport, are paid for.

Finally, it’s Easy2 find cheap car insurance

Buying car insurance shouldn’t cause a headache. Instead, it should buy you peace of mind that you’re covered if something does go wrong. If it’s time for you to renew your car insurance, get in touch with our friendly team. First, we’ll shop around on your behalf to find you the best value policy out there. Next, we’ll make sure no nasty surprises are lurking in the small print. Finally, we’ll make sure you’re not paying for any cover you don’t need. Call us on 0800 917 9522 or get a free quote now.

Whether you’ve got a retro V-Dub or an all-singing-all-dancing Hymer, nothing beats hitting the road in a camper van. You might be short on space, but that’s no reason not to take some home comforts along with you to make your trip even better. Here’s our pick of the 11 must-have camper van gadgets that let you enjoy every moment even more.

1) Swedish candle log

Forget about those scratchy portable BBQs that are bad for the planet. Every cool camper van needs a Swedish candle log instead. These are logs with notches down the side and a hollowed out middle. The Swedish Army developed them as a method to cook in the snow. Light a fire inside and it will burn for hours providing heat and somewhere to heat your beans. Find out how to make one here.

2) Air filled lounger

Chill and relax with no need to huff and puff with an air-filled lounger. They’re ideal for lounging at the beach or campsite. You can even fall asleep on one. Packing neatly into a 1kg bag, all you need is a little space to run and inflate it. Hold the bag open, run around to fill the chambers with air, then twist and close and you’re ready to loaf. See how easy it is here.

3) Solar portable power hub

You might be escaping the rat-race and going off-grid for a couple of days, but that doesn’t mean you want to leave your smartphone behind. This camper van gadget is a must, especially if you’ve got teenagers in tow and there’s no hook-up at your site. When it’s connected to a solar panel, the Goal Zero Lighthouse is a multi-tasking miracle. It provides light up to 400 lumens for late-night games of Scrabble and has a 1.5A USB output to deliver enough power to recharge phones and tablets.

4) Compression bags

If you don’t have enough storage in your camper van to take all the clothes you’d like, compression bags are an elegant solution. Letting you carry more stuff in less space, it also helps keep dirty or wet clothes separated. And that can reduce the chances of you heading out in the same socks you wore yesterday.

5) Gas stovetop toaster

What’s more English than toast and marmalade for breakfast? Enjoy your bread grilled to perfection when you’re away with a stovetop toaster. It neatly folds to squeeze into the smallest spaces for easy packing and opens to hold up to four slices at a time.

6) Portable electric shower

If your campervan doesn’t have a shower and you don’t want to restrict yourself to sites with facilities, a compact electric shower is what you need. Choose one that can be charged by USB (and pair with a power hub) for a refreshing jet of warm water whether you’re at the beach or festival. You can even use it for the dog or to clean your bikes too.

7) Lightweight, portable hammock

Be the coolest king of the swingers with a lightweight hammock. Neatly packing down to maximise space in the van, all you’ll need is to find two trees (or one long branch) to string it up to.

8) Wacaco Nanopresso

Travels in your camper van do not mean going without your favourite shot of morning caffeine. Small but perfectly formed, the Wacaco Nanospresso delivers an impressive 18 bars (261 psi) of pressure for delicious coffee on the go. All you need to do is add boiling water and pump by hand.

9) Park4Night App

Get recommendations on where to camp, including free sites, with the Park4Night app. There’s a free or paid-for version, and you can search to find what’s near you.

10) Manual food chopper

If you’re the sort of camper that is not satisfied with just a tin of beans and packet of crisps, add a manual food chopper to your kitchen. That way you can chop, blend and puree to your heart’s content without the need for power.

11) Camper van insurance

Not strictly a gadget, camper van insurance is none-the-less an essential for guaranteeing your road trip is the best it can be. With it, you can hit the road safe in the knowledge everything that could go wrong is covered. From roadside assistance in Europe to peace of mind expensive kit is covered against theft, the best camper van insurance lets you relax and enjoy every minute.

From festival fields to the wilderness, your campervan is the best way to get out and about exploring this summer. Enjoy a road trip in comfort with camper van gadgets that make your four wheels a real home from home.

From parking assist to automatic braking, today’s cars make driving a whole lot easier and safer. But if something goes wrong, and your vehicle is out of warranty, it means your vehicle can cost a lot to put right. That’s where car warranty insurance comes in. It gives you peace of mind that you won’t face any unexpected bills. We answer your questions about car warranty insurance so you can decide if it’s worth taking out.

First, what does car warranty insurance cover?

Different warranties will cover different aspects. They commonly include:

• Mechanical failure.
• Electrical failure.

You can also take out cover that will pay out for repairs for ordinary wear and tear.

Reading the small print

Don’t assume that your car warranty insurance will automatically cover you for everything that can go wrong. Instead, always carefully read the small print, or ask your insurance broker to go through it. That way, you can be sure that you have the level of cover you need.

Levels of car warranty insurance

Like most insurance, you can choose from different levels of car warranty insurance. The most basic policies will only cover specified mechanical failures, but these are generally cheapest. You can opt for more comprehensive cover, which will pay out for a broader range of problems. Note that these policies will typically cost more than a basic package.

Do I need car warranty insurance?

If you’re wondering if it’s worth buying car warranty insurance, consider how much it costs to fix some of the most common car problems. For example, timing chain issues can cost nearly £600 to put right on average. And if you need a new clutch, it’s around £750.

Then ask yourself:

• Could you easily afford a large, unexpected bill?
• Do you rely on your car to get to work, take the kids to school, or to see family? If you do, and you can’t afford to get your vehicle repaired right away, how would you manage?
• Have you just purchased the car second-hand? If you have (and you missed a warning sign that something might be wrong) you could face big bills if you don’t have warranty insurance.

On the flip side, there is a chance that you might not ever need to claim on your car warranty insurance. You might decide that the money you save by not taking out insurance can be put towards any future bills if needed.

Also, if your car is relatively new, it may already be under warranty. The length of the warranty depends on the manufacturer and typically varies from three to seven years. Remember, if you buy a car second-hand privately, the warranty is transferred to you. And if you’ve purchased a second-hand car from a garage, it may also automatically come with a warranty.

How much does it cost?

Several factors will affect the cost of car warranty insurance. These include:

• Firstly, the age of the car. Older cars are more likely to go wrong and so will cost more to insure.
• Next, the type of car. For example, hybrid and electric vehicles can be more costly to fix if something breaks. So these cars can cost more to cover.
• Thirdly, the number of miles you travel each year. Obviously, the higher the mileage, the more likely it is that something can break.
• Finally, the size of the engine. Fixing a turbo-charged engine is more expensive than a basic 1.2. So the bigger the engine, the more expensive the premium.

Can I buy a car insurance warranty for any car?

Many car warranty insurance products restrict the age of the car to be covered to under 12 years or under 120,000 miles. However, it may be possible to find warranty insurance for older cars or cars that have covered higher mileage.

Can I choose where the repairs are carried out?

Yes. When you purchase your car warranty insurance, you can specify if you want any repairs to be carried out by the main dealer or an independent garage. If it’s important to you that repairs are carried out by the main dealer, make sure you make this clear when you get quotes or tell your broker.

Where can I buy car warranty insurance?

If you do decide to take out car warranty insurance, you have several options.

If you buy a car second hand from a garage, they may offer to sell you a warranty. But you don’t have to take it. Instead, you can shop around a range of insurance companies that provide car warranty insurance.

Like all insurance, it’s essential to shop around if you want to save money. Contact as many different insurance companies as you can or use an independent insurance broker like Easy2Insure to do this for you. You can then compare the level of cover and the costs to find the best deal for you.

Finally, the Easy way to buy car warranty insurance

It’s quick and easy to get a free quote for car warranty insurance with Easy2Insure. As an independent broker, we’ll shop around to find you the best price on insurance you can rely on. We’ll negotiate hard and use our buying power to secure rates you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll do the job of scouring the policy schedule on your behalf. That means you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the cover you need with no nasty surprises lurking in the small print. If you do need to make a claim, we’ll also take care of everything quickly and efficiently. So, you can get your car fixed and back on the road as speedily as possible.

Call our friendly team on 0800 917 9522 or get a quote now.