Asked for a quote and got three options with different prices? The difference comes down to one question: who pays for the damage, and to whose car.
Base, Mais and Top are the names used by Tranquilidade. Most other insurers have equivalent levels with different names, so this explanation applies to almost all of them.
Base: protects other people
This is the insurance required by law. If you cause an accident, it pays for the damage to the other car and to other people. Your own car is not covered. It usually includes roadside assistance (towing) and glass breakage.
Mais: protects your car from bad luck
Everything in Base, plus cover for your car against things you cannot control: theft, fire and natural events, like a storm, a flood or a tree falling on the car.
Top: protects your car even from you
Everything in Mais, plus damage to your own car in an accident, even when it is your fault, and vandalism. This is own damage cover, often called fully comprehensive insurance.
The three options side by side
| What happens | Base | Mais | Top |
|---|---|---|---|
| You hit someone else’s car | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A window breaks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breakdown on the road (towing) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Your car is stolen | No | Yes | Yes |
| A tree falls on your car | No | Yes | Yes |
| Someone scratches your car in the street | No | No | Yes |
| You crash by your own fault and damage your car | No | No | Yes |
What is the franchise (deductible)?
For cover on your own car, there is usually an amount you always pay: the franchise. If the franchise is €500 and the repair costs €2,000, you pay €500 and the insurer pays €1,500. The lower the franchise, the more expensive the insurance usually is.
The question that decides
If you crash the car by your own fault, could you pay for the repair yourself?
- Yes, I could: Mais is usually enough.
- No, or the car is new, expensive or financed: Top is the safer choice. With a financed car, it is often required.
We help you choose
If you have questions, email us at segurosgamboa@segurosgamboa.pt with these details so we can prepare a quote:
- Full name and tax number (NIF)
- Phone number
- Number plate, make and model of the car
- Date of birth and driving licence date of the main driver
- Postcode of your address
We’ll help you find the right option.
General information only. Always read your policy conditions. Level names, included covers and franchises vary from insurer to insurer.