While most states require some forms of auto insurance coverage, others are optional. Your insurance can be altered to meet your specific needs by adding these optional coverages. Insurance endorsements are the official name for these changes. You can make sure you have the proper coverage in place to protect you and your vehicle by being aware of the different sorts of insurance endorsements that are available, popular ones to watch out for, and how to purchase them.
An insurance endorsement is what?
With the addition of options or modifications to meet your coverage needs, an insurance endorsement modifies your present policy. Every insurance provider has a unique assortment of endorsements.
The range of extra changes and coverage options to tailor an auto insurance policy are covered by insurance endorsements. Insurance endorsements may also be referred to as add-ons or policy riders by insurance companies and industry experts.
Insurance endorsement types
A good way to modify some aspects of an insurance policy without having to cancel it or write a new one is by using insurance endorsements. The following are a few of the most popular types of insurance endorsements:
| Endorsement type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Additional coverage | Optional coverage that can be added to your policy to expand the level of coverage you have. Examples include: Rental reimbursement Key replacement Roadside assistance |
| Exclusion endorsement | Endorsements that restrict your car insurance policy, such as the named driver exclusion, which removes coverage for drivers specifically named to be excluded. |
| Changes to policy details | Notes in writing with any changes to the policy such as driver name, address and more. |
Typical automobile insurance endorsements
Even though you might not be familiar with the term, endorsements happen more frequently than you might imagine. Numerous insurance contracts come with one or more endorsements. Some of the most typical include the following:
Endorsements for auto parts insurance
A typical car may undergo upgrades or changes from its owner. If the alterations are pricey, an endorsement can be required. If not, they might not be protected in the event of a suit. The following are a few of the most typical insurance endorsements for car parts:
- OEM: The endorsement permits payment for repairs made with genuine factory parts, which are frequently more expensive than aftermarket components.
- Specialized equipment Custom equipment, such as tinted windows, unique wheels and rims, or a high-end audio system, may be covered by an endorsement to secure replacement in the event of a covered loss.
- Glass: A glass repair endorsement might offer coverage if a window or windshield is smashed due to road debris. The deductible for windshield repair coverage is frequently extremely cheap (if any). Even home service, which sends a mobile glass technician to fix or replace a windshield at your site, may be included in the endorsement.
Insurance additions for brand-new, financed, or leased cars
There are circumstances, such as when you finance or lease your vehicle, when you could be obliged to carry additional coverage, as was noted in the introduction. Since the lender’s name would be on the title, comprehensive coverage might be necessary to ensure that the car is financially accounted for even when it isn’t completely paid off. You can think about adding some recommendations like:
- Replacement of a new car: This endorsement may pay for the purchase of a similar make and model if your new vehicle is deemed a total loss after a covered accident. Only new automobiles up to a predetermined limit, typically less than one to two years or 15,000 miles, are eligible for replacement.
- Commercial use: This coverage could be helpful in ensuring that you are covered in accidents if you ever use your car for business activities, such as delivering pizzas. A separate business auto insurance coverage might be more advantageous if you own your car or only use it for work-related activities.
- Gap insurance: If the car is deemed a total loss, this option kicks in to pay the difference between what you owe on it and what the insurance provider gives you.
Auto insurance endorsements with a specialty
Some endorsements are dependent on the kind of car or unique coverage situations.
- Antique car: A policy endorsement may be advantageous for classic or antique vehicles that have particularly high values or need specialized auto maintenance. A professional appraisal may be required to determine the endorsement’s worth.
- Import: If a vehicle was not purchased from a local dealer and was instead sent by the owner from another nation, it may need a special endorsement.
- Ridesharing: Drivers who use their vehicle “on the clock” as a driver or delivery person for companies like Uber, Lyft, or Postmates may benefit from specialized auto insurance.
What are the premiums for insurance endorsements?
A basic auto insurance policy’s cost may increase with auto insurance endorsements. A policy’s exclusion endorsements or revisions are free of charge. However, adding coverage-related endorsements frequently incur a fee. Many endorsements have small monthly fees of a few dollars, including roadside assistance or collision damage waiver. While the cost of each add-on varies according to the amount of coverage it adds, endorsements are typically inexpensive relative to the cost of your policy because the new coverage is frequently fairly precise.
How to obtain a policy endorsement
An insurance endorsement can usually be purchased easily online, over the phone with your auto insurance provider or agent, or in person at the office of your local agent. You could take the following actions to acquire an endorsement:
- Do some research on the kind of endorsement you are considering: On the websites of insurance providers, many endorsements are available. Make careful to read the terms and conditions to find out if the endorsement has any eligibility requirements or restrictions.
- Find out the cost of the endorsement: You might need to contact the insurer or agent to learn how much it will cost to add an optional insurance coverage, such as gap or ridesharing insurance.
- Requesting the recommendation You might be able to add the endorsement online or through a mobile app, depending on the insurance provider. If not, get in touch with a representative or agent to add the endorsement.
- Verify: Once you’ve added the endorsement, make sure the information is accurate and that it displays on your policy. Contact your carrier right once to make any necessary corrections if you discover any errors or omissions.
A lot of people have questions
Are there deductibles for endorsements?
Some endorsements, such coverage for roadside assistance, have deductibles or a cost you must pay to use the service. Depending on the particular endorsement and the coverage it includes or excludes from the insurance, an endorsement may or may not have a deductible.
How long is a recommendation good for?
When you add an endorsement to your insurance policy, it remains in effect for the duration of the policy or until it is dropped. Your policy’s specifics should indicate if the endorsement has a time limit. If specific conditions are met, an endorsement can frequently be renewed along with your coverage. For instance, a new car replacement endorsement might only be valid as long as your automobile is under a specific age or has a certain mileage restriction; once that limit is met, the endorsement will no longer be valid.
When is the right time to make an addition to my insurance policy?
Typically, you are always able to add an endorsement to your insurance policy. When the policy first starts, when it is renewed, or at any point throughout the policy duration, the policy may be endorsed. For instance, if your policy renews in April but you purchase a new vehicle in February, you can add the endorsement for a new vehicle and a replacement vehicle at the time of purchase. The insurance policy will automatically renew with the endorsement included if it is still valid.
Are recommendations required?
The majority of endorsements are optional, and they are only added to your policy if you want them or need them. However, if the insurer requests one, these are typically required in the case of an excluded driver endorsement. You have the choice of having your policy terminated or not renewed by the insurance provider, or you can list the motorist as an excluded driver.
