New Car.. GAP Insurance, Ceramic Coat, SMART protect plus, Service Plan??

Chimera

New Car (Kia Rio 2, 1.4).. GAP Insurance, Ceramic Coat, SMART protect plus, Service Plan??

So, just put a deposit down on New Car and got offered all of the above.

Seems like a good idea, but said I would decide over weekend. Service plan seems good, as I'll not have to worry come service time.

GAP insurance, had never heard of before, but seems like a good idea. Have had a quick look though, and it appears to be a lot cheaper online - do any car insurance providers offer this as an option?

Ceramic Coat - yes please, £299 from dealer, good buy?

SMART protect plus - sounds like a good idea, prices were 1 yr £199, 2 yr £299, 3yr £399... worth it or not?

Would value any advice, as I've never been in a position to do this before, as I've only had old old cars.

Thanks

vikingaero

If you are normal and wash your car every week/fortnight and wax it once in a blue moon, you don't need any snake oil protectant. With all due respect it's a Kia Rio, not a Lambo or Ferrari.

Chimera

vikingaero wrote: »

If you are normal and wash your car every week/fortnight and wax it once in a blue moon, you don't need any snake oil protectant. With all due respect it's a Kia Rio, not a Lambo or Ferrari.

I'm not normal, my car rarely gets washed, maybe should just wash it?? lol Perhaps I will wash it more with a new car

I live in country so is often covered in mud..

Chimera

Just had a look online and found one gap insurer for 3 years - £74!!! Is that per year or total?

victor2

Check your insurance policy - with some, if you have owned the car from brand new and it is written off within the first year, they will replace it with a new one. So no need for GAP insurance for that year.

I've never had it, but I've never had a brand new car either. They lose so much value as soon as you drive them away, the extra insurance cover might just be worth it. Look carefully at what the quotes you get cover. If it says cover is for 3 years and gives a price, then that's the length of the cover. Read the small print though!
Dealers make their money in commission out of any extras they sell you - and you're the one paying that. Call me a cynic, but I usually just say no, my budget is for just the car.

Kilty_2

Be wary of the service plan too - one dealer offered me one for a Picanto at a horrendous amount.

Gloomendoom

You will only need gap insurance if you are buying the car on finance. As has been said, most insurers will replace a new car like for like in the first year. Admiral/Elephant are one exception, I believe.

You can buy the paint and upholstery protection from specialists that probably charge half what the dealer charges and are likely to be the very same people who would do the job if you arrange it through the dealer.

The dealer is just acting as an agent and takes a very large commission. You will certainly find better deals by going direct to the supplier.

The service plan may be a good idea though, maybe not.

Chimera

Thanks guys..
Have decided to go for fully comp insurance, protected no claims and no excess to cover me from bumps etc (instead of SMART protect plus), Quotes I have so far are actually cheaper than my current car!!! Will do a ring round and check about the new for old thing.

The service plan I will check prices etc.

SO just the Ceramic Coat thingie...
So, if I got the protection from elsewhere would it effect my warranty do you think??

vikingaero

No. How would they know what you've used? Just buy some decent wax and sealant and clean it once a month. For the inside, buy a spray can of Scotchguard and spray the carpets.

Buying any paint protection from a dealer is poor value for money. The price of say £299 will cost the dealership £20-30 for the product, they pay the valeter minimum wage to apply it, the dealership gets a cut, the dealer principal gets commission, the salesman gets commission, etc etc.

Go onto eBay and search for: Jewelultra Diamondbrite, Autoglym Lifeshine, and Supagard to see how much the materials cost.

Chimera

vikingaero wrote: »

No. How would they know what you've used? Just buy some decent wax and sealant and clean it once a month. For the inside, buy a spray can of Scotchguard and spray the carpets.

Buying any paint protection from a dealer is poor value for money. The price of say £299 will cost the dealership £20-30 for the product, they pay the valeter minimum wage to apply it, the dealership gets a cut, the dealer principal gets commission, the salesman gets commission, etc etc.

Go onto eBay and search for: Jewelultra Diamondbrite, Autoglym Lifeshine, and Supagard to see how much the materials cost.

Thanks so much, will definitely be doing this!!

Kilty_2

Chimera wrote: »

Thanks guys..
Have decided to go for fully comp insurance, protected no claims and no excess to cover me from bumps etc (instead of SMART protect plus), Quotes I have so far are actually cheaper than my current car!!! Will do a ring round and check about the new for old thing.

You wouldn't claim on insurance for car park dings etc because the increase in premium would hurt you.

I've heard of that SMART Protect product but the main reason I'd swerve it is because it's provided by Auto Protect who are scumbags that provide warranty products that are not worth the paper they are written on and are excellent at wriggling out of claims.