Buying and researching a car insurance policy is an experience similar to shopping for health and travel insurance plans. The details matter, no one plan fits all, and it’s important to strike a balance between needs versus affordability.
While it’s tempting to immediately opt for the lowest monthly premium, this could, over time end up costing more if you’re not adequately covered and end up forking out extra (repairs, young/new driver excess, damaged windscreens) for specific areas you failed to consider.
Aviva’s Car Insurance policies offer more than the standard inclusions — emergency roadside assistance, towing benefits, and new car replacement — it also throws in a few handy extras (eCall, low NCD stepdown, etc..) that are game-changers and make all the difference, making it quite possibly the right plan for you.
Owning a car in Singapore entails a hefty investment, regardless of model or make. Just as you take out the appropriate coverage for your home and health, a premium policy plan often pays off where it matters. Take Aviva’s Motor Prestige plan, where big-ticket items offer extra solid value. For instance, should your car be involved in an accident and the repairs cost approximately 70% of its market value, Aviva will provide a new car if your vehicle is brand new, and the accident occurred within 24 months (the lower plan has a 12-month limit) of ownership. This higher-tier plan also covers unlimited windscreen (glass) replacement coverage (subject to conditions) with $0 excess; extras that you don’t want to have to think twice about.
See more: Have you got enough to cover on your car insurance plan?
In life, there are a few scenarios that pay to exercise loyalty: your hairdresser, your favorite mee pok seller, and especially your mechanic. If your car is one that’s trickier to repair — e.g. has a sophisticated software system, parts that can only be imported — pay special attention to the repair clause, limitations, and excess amount. Typically, lower-priced plans limit repairs to a strict panel of shops that may not get the job done to your satisfaction.
Higher-priced policies usually allow repairs to be executed by a mechanic of your choice, or for a reasonable excess amount. So, if you can’t bear to part ways with your go-to guy, look for a plan that allows for that, or prepare to be faced with hefty out-of-pocket charges.
This sounds like a nice to have, not a need to have, that is till your car is in the workshop and you’re stranded without a car. Added to that, with ongoing Covid-19 cases, now may not be the best time to expose yourself (and your family members) to public transport, unless you have to. While you could rent a car, prices for short-term rentals easily adds up. A better idea might be to spend a little bit extra per month for a policy like Aviva’s Motor Prestige plan, which includes an $80 daily transport allowance (for up to 10 days). This way, your financial outlay will be partially/wholly covered should you have to use taxis to get about, or to rent a car for a few days.
Driving safe should always be a priority but it’s nice to be rewarded for good driving habits. For drivers with a clean record, reap the benefits of a plan that doles out generous No Claims Discounts (NCD) the longer you drive without incident. While you can’t plan for every eventuality, if you do meet with a fender bender, Aviva’s Motor Prestige plan only deducts 10% upon claims — the lowest in the market — as compared to most other insurers who’ll charge a 30% penalty your way.
See more: Is NCD protector worth the money?
While cross border travel between Singapore and Malaysia is slated to start only on 10 August, and limited to long-term pass holders and travelers on essential business and official visits, it’s still prudent to purchase a policy with coverage beyond Singapore’s borders. All of Aviva’s Car Insurance plans include additional coverage in West Malaysia and Peninsular Thailand (up to 80km from West Malaysia border), making it possible to plan for future road trips when the current cross border travel situation improves.
It’s the stuff of nightmares. You’ve set off across the Causeway for an essential business trip, and an hour after you’ve exited Singapore, you get into a minor fender bender and now you’re stranded. While it’s not impossible to get an emergency tow, considering the current COVID-affected climate, it could take longer than usual. Aviva’s Motor Prestige plan includes a nifty e-Call feature that provides rapid service assistance for road accidents. The provided Bosch smart sensor device automatically alerts an emergency team to assist at any hour of the day. If the same situation occurs in Singapore, they’ll include a complimentary ride home for the driver and passengers after an accident. This is a premium feature that’s definitely worth the additional top-up.
It’s a Catch-22 if you’re a young (below 24 years old) or a new driver. Insurance premiums tend to be high and not having adequate coverage deters one from driving, losing out on opportunities to gain more experience and confidence on the road. While most policies levy a higher excess fee for young/new drivers, a plan like Aviva’s Motor Prestige plan reduces this to zero excess, making it an attractive option for when a young/new driver (be it yourself, or a family member) has to be taken into consideration.
Everyone loves a value purchase and buying insurance (of any sort) is that much more palatable when some freebies or discounts are thrown in. Aviva has tied up with partners like premium tire brand Pirelli to sweeten the deal. Aviva customers can choose to receive a $50 shopping voucher when they purchase a set of 4 Pirelli 18-inch & above tires, or a free concierge service for hassle-free tires installation where an AutoApp SG service ambassador will pick up, install and deliver back the car at your convenience. Also, they’ve put together special car servicing packages (from $88-$108, includes car servicing, oil change, free car wash) at select workshops like AutoInsure and Vin’s Auto, this way your car will always remain in tip-top shape.
This article was first published on GoBear Singapore blog.
