Car Servicing: What Does Your Insurance Plan Cover?

Depending on your budget and driving habits, you need to select a car insurance policy that meets your specific needs, after all, not every driver has the same needs and concerns! With that in mind though, one basic thing most drivers in Singapore commonly care about is vehicle servicing. Here’s everything you need to know about repairs and your insurance policy.
 

Basic servicing isn’t usually covered

When you buy a vehicle, there are certain responsibilities that come with it. Maintaining the safety and drivability of the car is one of them. As a good driver, you already know the importance of regular car servicing, but does your insurance policy foot any of the bills?

The answer in most situations is no. Paying for simple repairs and maintenance falls on the driver. Things such as oil changes, brakes, and tyres are not typically covered. It’s essential to set aside money to pay for these items so that you don’t get caught off guard by an unexpected expense. However, if you choose an insurance plan with lower premiums, you’ll be able to put away a bit of money each year to pay for any servicing expenses.
 

Roadside assistance

Imagine driving your car down the road in the middle of the night only to have a tyre go flat. Unfortunately, this scenario is very common, and if you don’t know how to change a tyre, you may find yourself in a bad situation. That’s why you may want to choose a car insurance policy that also offers roadside assistance.

Roadside assistance is the help you need if your car breaks down on the side of the road. You may have a flat tyre, motor problems, or you may just run out of gas. If you have a roadside assistance cover, you can call your insurance company for help around the clock. They’ll send out an authorised mechanic to help you out. They may even arrange a tow so that you can get your vehicle to the workshop for repairs. It’s important to note, however, that roadside assistance often falls under optional coverage. Read your plan to see if it’s included. If you don’t have this option, you may want to consider adding it for a fee.
 

Repairs after an accident

Car accidents are never expected, and they can cause a lot of damage. Even a seemingly small amount of damage may cost a lot to repair, and might cost even more if it happened overseas such as Malaysia. Depending on the type of policy you have, car servicing following an accident may be covered by your insurance company. Here are the most common types of policies and what repairs they may or may not include.
 

Third Party Only (TPO) insurance:

If you want to save money on premiums, you may purchase a low-cost TPO policy. But it’s important to know that this policy only services cars belonging to the other parties. For example, if you accidentally run into another driver and both vehicles sustain damage, your TPO plan will pay to repair the car you hit. If you want to repair your vehicle, those costs will come out of your own pocket.

Third-Party Fire & Theft (TPFT) insurance:

Another money-saving insurance plan is TPTF. In addition to covering third-parties, these policies also protect your vehicle against fire or theft. While the majority of servicing costs are your responsibility, the insurance company will pay for repairs after a fire. They may even give you money to replace the vehicle if it’s not economically wise to fix it.

Comprehensive insurance:

If you want the most peace of mind, a comprehensive plan is the better option. This type of insurance covers damage to both third-parties and your own vehicle. The majority of Singaporeans choose comprehensive coverage because they don’t want to worry about repair costs. Although it’s more expensive than the other plans, most drivers consider it to be a wise investment.
 

The fine print

Too many drivers don’t fully understand what their insurance does and does not cover. For example, can you take your car anywhere for servicing, or do you need to use an authorised specialist? Always read the fine print before agreeing to a new policy. Ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense. Knowing what type of servicing your insurance includes may save you a few headaches down the road.
 

Cheap Car Insurance Singapore

Insurance comes in many shapes and forms, and your policy should reflect your individual driving needs. At DirectAsia, we understand the concerns of each customer, and that’s why we offer customisable plans—only pay for the coverage you actually need. Call us today to learn how we can save you money on your insurance premiums.