Beyond the Monthly Payment: 5 Car Add-ons That Actually Save You Money (And What to Skip)

So, you’ve found the car. You’ve crunched the numbers, checked the boot space, and maybe even pictured yourself driving it to the Peak District this weekend. But then comes the moment at the desk where the dealer starts talking about "extras."

At Marsh Finance, we see this every day. Buying a car in the UK isn’t just about the sticker price anymore; it’s about the bundle that comes with it. The truth is simple: When deciding if car add-ons are worth it, prioritise financial protection like GAP insurance and Service Plans while skipping overpriced dealer extras like Nitrogen-filled tyres or Paint Protection.

Some of these add-ons are brilliant for protecting your wallet and your safety, while others are just fancy ways to inflate your bill.

If you’re sitting in a showroom in Manchester, London, or anywhere in between, here is the honest truth about what you actually need.

Quick Guide: Car Add-Ons Worth Your Money

The "Must-Haves" For Your Wallet & Safety

GAP Insurance: The "Total Loss" Safety Net

This is the big one. If your car is stolen or written off, your standard insurance only pays what the car is worth on that day. Since new cars can lose significant value in the first few years, you could be left with a £5,000 "gap" between your insurance payout and what you still owe on your finance.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you have a small deposit or a long finance term. Pro tip: You don’t have to buy it from the dealer. Shopping around online for a standalone GAP policy can often save you hundreds of pounds for the exact same coverage.

Service Plans: Beating Inflation at The Garage

With the cost of living still biting, garage labour rates in the UK have been creeping up. A service plan lets you lock in today’s prices for your next three or four years of maintenance.

Is it worth it? Usually, yes. It turns a scary yearly bill into a manageable monthly payment. Plus, a full dealer service history (FSH) makes your car much easier to sell later on. Just check if it includes "wear and tear" items like brake pads, most don't.

SMART Repair Cover: The PCP & Lease Return Saviour 

We’ve all been there, returning to the car at Sainsbury’s, only to find a fresh trolley ding or a scuffed alloy. SMART (Small Medium Area Repair Technique) insurance covers these minor dents and scratches.

Is it worth it? If you’re obsessed with keeping your car in mint condition, or if you’re on a PCP or lease deal and worried about "excess wear and tear" charges when you hand the keys back, this can be a lifesaver that prevents a large final bill.

Extended Warranties: Peace of Mind for Used Cars

If you're buying a used car that’s just out of its 3-year manufacturer warranty, an extension can be a godsend. One gearbox failure or electrical gremlin can easily cost more than the price of the policy.

Is it worth it? For older or "prestige" German brands, where parts are pricey, definitely. For a nearly new Toyota or Kia (which already comes with a 7-year warranty), you can probably skip it.

Dash Cams: The Silent Witness

Many dealers now offer to hard-wire a dash cam before you pick up the car.

Is it worth it? In the UK, some insurers now offer discounts for having one. More importantly, it can prove you weren't at fault in an accident, saving your No Claims Bonus and your excess.

Bonus: The Physical Essentials

While not always sold as finance products, these practical items are critical for safety and peace of mind.

• Emergency Safety Kit: Don't leave the forecourt without one. A good kit should include a first-aid kit, a warning triangle, a high-vis jacket, and a tyre inflator/repair kit.
• Heavy-Duty Floor Mats: Essential for protecting your car's interior carpet and improving resale value.

The "Skip List": What to Think Twice About

These are the extras where dealer profit margins are high, and the real-world value is low.

• Paint & Fabric Protection (e.g., GardX, Supagard): Dealers love these because the margins are huge. Unless you really hate waxing your car, a bottle of high-quality sealant and an afternoon of your time does the same job for a fraction of the price. The same goes for fabric protection, a spray can from online is far cheaper.
• Nitrogen Tyre Fills & Rustproofing: These are often classic "fluff." Nitrogen offers minimal benefit for normal driving, and modern cars come with excellent factory rust protection. Save your money.
• Tyre & Alloy Insurance: Unless you have 20-inch low-profile alloys and live in a land of giant potholes, the "excess" you pay on a claim often makes this a break-even deal at best.

How To Decide?

Before you sign, ask the dealer for a written breakdown of every extra. If you feel pressured, remember: you don't have to decide today. Most of these products can be bought independently after you’ve driven the car home and had a cup of tea.

Buying a car should be exciting, not a test of your mental arithmetic. Pick the extras that protect your bank balance and your safety, ignore the fluff, and enjoy the drive.

Looking for straightforward car finance? Explore our finance options at Marsh Finance; we’ve been helping UK drivers get on the road for over 50 years.