Great Eastern Drive and Save Plus Review 2024

In Singapore's competitive auto insurance market, Great Eastern's Drive and Save Plus car insurance has emerged as a key player in 2024.

This review delves into the key features and benefits as well as the eligibility criteria of the Drive and Save Plus policy. These insights will help you decide if it's the right option for your car insurance needs in Singapore.

Table of contents

• Key Takeaways
  
• Key Benefits of Drive and Save Plus
  
• Eligibility Criteria
  
• Review of Exclusions
  
• Comparison Table: Drive and Save Plus vs Standard Car Insurance
  
• Conclusion
  
• FAQs About Great Eastern Drive and Save Plus
  

Key Takeaways

• Flexible workshop choices with a potential excess waiver of up to S$500 on the first claim
• 24/7 accident assistance with towing services in Singapore, West Malaysia and Thailand
• High personal accident coverage of up to S$120,000 and additional medical expense reimbursement
• Additional premium savings for safe, demerit-free drivers
• Eligibility criteria focus on Singapore residents with privately owned, roadworthy cars used for non-commercial purposes
• Age restrictions apply based on the type of coverage plan selected

Key Benefits of Drive and Save Plus

1. Choice of Workshop and Waiver of Excess

Drive and Save Plus offers flexibility in choosing your repair workshop:

• Select from a panel of authorised car workshops located islandwide
• Enjoy a waiver of up to S$500 of the repair excess on your first claim
• Option to use your preferred workshop with the Comprehensive (Any Workshop) plan

This benefit ensures that you have control over where your car is repaired while potentially saving on out-of-pocket expenses.

2. 24/7 Accident Assistance

Peace of mind is paramount when it comes to car insurance. Drive and Save Plus provides:

• Round-the-clock towing assistance in case of accidents
• Coverage area includes Singapore, West Malaysia and Thailand

This extensive accident assistance ensures that you're never left stranded, even when travelling in neighbouring countries.

3. High Coverage and Medical Expense Reimbursement

Drive and Save Plus offers robust financial protection:

• Personal accident protection of up to S$120,000 – one of the highest in the market
• Additional S$1,000 medical reimbursement for both driver and passengers

This comprehensive coverage helps alleviate the financial burden of potential medical expenses resulting from car accidents.

4. Additional Premium Savings for Safe Drivers

The program rewards safe driving practices:

• Additional 5% discount on top of No Claim Discount (NCD)
• Eligibility: Drivers who have been demerit-free in the past 3 years+

This benefit not only encourages safe driving but also provides tangible financial rewards for those with clean driving records.

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About No-Claims Discount (NCD)

Eligibility Criteria

Great Eastern offers Drive and Save Plus car insurance to individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. Residency: Must be a resident of Singapore holding NRIC or FIN
2. Vehicle Ownership: Private car registered under your name as an individual
3. Vehicle Usage: Car used only for non-commercial purposes
4. Vehicle Condition: Car must be in roadworthy condition within LTA guidelines
5. Vehicle Age:
   • Comprehensive plan: 10 years old or less from year of manufacture
   • Third Party, Fire and Theft plan: 15 years old or less from year of manufacture
   • Third Party Only plan: 20 years old or less from year of manufacture
6. Claim History: No more than 2 at-fault claims in the last 3 years (excluding windscreen claims)
7. Driving Record:
   • No revoked or suspended driving licence in the last 3 years
   • No convictions for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)
8. Insurance History: Never been refused car insurance purchase/renewal, nor had car insurance cancelled/voided by an insurer

Also read: Third-Party Car Insurance and Beyond: Which One is Best for You?

Review of Exclusions

While Great Eastern Drive and Save Plus offers robust coverage, there are some exclusions to be aware of:

• Intentional damage
• Damage caused by war or nuclear incidents
• Wear and tear
• Mechanical failures not resulting from a covered incident
• Personal items stolen from the vehicle
• Damage occurring outside of the policy's geographical limits

These exclusions are usually standard across the auto insurance industry and are not unique to the Drive and Save Plus.

Comparison Table: Drive and Save Plus vs Standard Car Insurance

To better illustrate the unique features of Drive and Save Plus, here's a quick comparison with typical standard car insurance offerings in Singapore:

This comparison highlights how Drive and Save Plus offers enhanced benefits and coverage options compared to standard car insurance policies in the Singapore market.

Conclusion

Great Eastern's Drive and Save Plus offers a comprehensive car insurance package tailored for Singapore drivers. With its flexible workshop choices, extensive accident assistance, high personal accident coverage and rewards for safe driving, it presents an attractive option for car owners.

The policy's eligibility criteria ensure that it caters to responsible drivers with well-maintained vehicles, potentially leading to a community of safer road users. However, these criteria may also limit accessibility for some drivers, particularly those with older vehicles or less-than-perfect driving records.

When considering Drive and Save Plus, weigh the benefits against your specific needs and circumstances. The high coverage limits and additional perks could provide significant value, especially for those who prioritise comprehensive protection and anticipate potential cross-border travel.

Remember to review the full terms and conditions and consult with a Great Eastern representative to ensure you have a complete understanding of the coverage and any limitations.

FAQs About Great Eastern Drive and Save Plus

Q: Can I choose any workshop for repairs under Drive and Save Plus? 

A: Yes, if you opt for the Comprehensive (Any Workshop) plan. Otherwise, you can choose from Great Eastern's panel of authorised workshops.

Q: How do I qualify for the additional 5% safe driver discount? 

A: You need to have been demerit-free for the past 3 years.

Q: Is 24/7 accident assistance available outside of Singapore? 

A: Yes, it's available in Singapore, West Malaysia and Thailand.

Q: What if my car is older than the age limits mentioned? 

A: You may not be eligible for certain plans, but you could still qualify for the Third Party Only plan if your car is 20 years old or less.

Q: How does the medical expense reimbursement work? 

A: You can claim up to S$1,000 for medical expenses incurred by the driver and passengers due to a car accident.