THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Own-damage cover does not mean there are no exclusions or excesses.
- Compare each benefit, the insured amount and the vehicle valuation method.
- Quotes are comparable only when their assumptions and material terms are similar.
What does own-damage cover mean?
In addition to compulsory third-party liability, optional benefits can cover damage to the insured vehicle. ASF's examples include collision and overturning, fire, and theft or robbery. Having one benefit does not establish that all the others are included.
Organise a comparison grid with one row per benefit and one column per quote. Copy the exact name, limit and excess. If something is unclear, mark it «to be confirmed» instead of assuming the options are equivalent.
Sources: ASF — Seguro Automóvel: danos próprios, franquias e informação antes de contratar ↗ · ASF — Brochura digital Seguro Automóvel ↗
The excess changes your share of the bill
The excess is the portion borne by the policyholder under the contract. It may be a fixed amount or a percentage; a percentage needs an identified calculation base.
Fictional, simplified example: eligible damage of €1,200 with a fixed €200 excess, and no other applicable limit or reduction, leaves €1,000 for the insurer and €200 for the customer. This does not predict an actual claim outcome. A 2% excess raises another question: 2% of the insured amount, the damage, or another base specified in the clause?
Sources: ASF — Seguro Automóvel: danos próprios, franquias e informação antes de contratar ↗
The vehicle's value is part of the choice
Two quotes with the same price may use different sums insured or adjustment methods. Ask for the assigned vehicle value, how it is updated and the applicable depreciation table.
Do not compare only «own damage: yes». Include vehicle and main-driver details, optional benefits, exclusions, territories and the total cost for the period under review. Changes to the use originally declared should be clarified with the insurer.
Sources: ASF — Seguro Automóvel: danos próprios, franquias e informação antes de contratar ↗
Preparing a quotation request
Have the vehicle and usual-use details, your current insurance terms and the intended start date ready. Tell the intermediary which benefits matter to you and which questions you need answered. Ask for explanations of material differences between options.
At RMACHADO GROUP you can prepare your request on the Motor insurance page. A request does not activate cover or replace acceptance and the required contract documents. Already have a claim? Use the support area and your policy's procedure; do not publish documents or personal details in comments.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Exactly which own-damage benefits are included?
- Which exclusions and limits apply to each benefit?
- What is the excess and, if a percentage, what is its base?
- How is the vehicle's value determined and updated?
- Are the vehicle, main-driver and usage details correct?
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
- ASF — Seguro Automóvel: danos próprios, franquias e informação antes de contratar ↗
- ASF — Brochura digital Seguro Automóvel ↗
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.