I always end up second-guessing what’s “essential” and what’s just nice to have.
That’s honestly the hardest part for me too. I’m the type who likes to plan for every “what if,” but insurance makes that feel impossible sometimes. Here’s how I try to break it down: First, I look at what’s legally required—no way around that. Then, I think about my actual driving habits. Like, I drive a lot at night and on backroads, so roadside assistance is a must for me (learned that the hard way after locking my keys in the car at a rest stop...).
I do think they make it a bit confusing on purpose, but also, there really are so many weird situations. I mean, who knew “acts of God” was a real thing in policies? My rule of thumb: if it would seriously mess up my life or finances if it happened, I want coverage for it. Stuff like rental reimbursement? Meh, not as big a deal for me.
It’s kind of like packing for a trip—you can’t bring everything, but you don’t want to forget the essentials either.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think rental reimbursement is more useful than people give it credit for. My car was in the shop for a week after a deer ran out in front of me—having a rental saved my bacon. Sometimes the “extras” end up being the real lifesavers.
Sometimes the “extras” end up being the real lifesavers.
That’s honestly so true. I’ve seen a lot of folks skip rental reimbursement because it feels like just another add-on, but when you actually need it, it’s a game changer. I had a client who thought she’d never use it—then her car got rear-ended and was in the shop for almost two weeks. She was super relieved she didn’t have to scramble for rides or pay out of pocket for a rental.
I get why people feel overwhelmed by all the options, though. There’s liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist... then all these extras like roadside and rental. It can feel like you’re just throwing money at “what ifs.” But sometimes those “what ifs” happen, and suddenly that little extra each month makes a huge difference.
If you’re ever unsure what’s worth it, I usually suggest thinking about your day-to-day life. If being without your car would really mess things up for you (work commute, kids’ activities, etc.), rental coverage is probably worth considering. It’s not always about the cheapest policy—it’s about what keeps your life running if something goes sideways.
Had a similar experience last year—my car broke down on a road trip, and I was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Roadside assistance and rental coverage basically saved my vacation. Curious if anyone’s ever regretted paying for an “extra” they didn’t end up needing? Or does it just feel like peace of mind?
Honestly, I’ve seen both sides. Some folks pay for every add-on and never use them, then wonder if it was worth it. But I’ve also had clients who skipped “extras” like rental coverage, only to get stuck without a car for weeks after an accident. It’s tough—sometimes you’re paying for peace of mind, sometimes it feels like tossing money out the window. I guess it comes down to how much risk you’re comfortable with. Personally, I’d rather have it and not need it than the other way around... but I get why people question it.
