Joe Finnerty

Are the optional extras offered when buying a car or insurance worth a look?

POP into a newsagent for your copy of Auto Express, and it’s likely you’ll be asked if you want any of the chocolate or sweets on special offer when you head to the tills.

Hire a car on holiday, and at the rental desk you’ll be offered deals on a sat-nav, child seat or an excess damage waiver. And if you’re paying for some flights for your summer holiday, you’ll be faced with questions such as, are you interested in extra baggage? Would you like to pick your seat or select an in-flight meal, sir?

This makes actually buying something for the advertised price nigh on impossible. How can consumers know which add-on they should agree to, and which should kindly be refused? It’s a minefield.

This transfers to car buying, with kit such as a protective paint coating or fabric guard available for extra. Then there’s GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance, which covers the difference between what your insurer will pay in the event of your car being written off or stolen and either the original amount you paid for it, or the amount you owe in finance.

It might seem unnecessary, but figures show a fifth of write-offs were of brand-new cars, and of these 23 per cent occurred within the first year, losing an average of £3,000. That’s a big chunk of money, and as you’ll need all the cash you can get for your new motor, it makes sense to pay up front to protect yourself – especially when cover starts from as little as £100.

So the next time you’re offered extras at purchase, take a minute to think – or even better, do your research beforehand, so you know what you should and shouldn’t splash out on.

“A fifth of write-offs were new cars, so it makes sense to protect yourself with GAP insurance“