Should I get paint and upholstery insurance with my new Mercedes-Benz?

I am collecting my new Mercedes-Benz this weekend, and when signing the papers, the salesman brought up the option of buying GardX paint and upholstery insurance. The price was discounted but still substantial. Is this a product you would recommend? My annual mileage is about 18,000 and I will keep the car at least three years. Other insurances were also offered: tyres, paint chips, alloys, but these were not of interest.

Asked on 4 May 2013 by MB, via email

Answered by Honest John

Some sort of paint and upholstery protection is a good idea as long as it is guaranteed, as long as you don't have to repeatedly use an expensive product to keep it working and as long as it does not cost more than £250. Basically these products cost £50 + £25 to pay someone to apply them and the rest is dealer/salesman commission.

Tags: paint and bodywork insurance buying a new car

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