Auto-Owners Personal Automobile Plus Package Explained
The Auto-Owners Personal Automobile Plus Package is one of the most comprehensive bundled coverage enhancements available from any major insurer. The package adds 10 distinct coverage upgrades to your standard auto policy for one combined premium, providing protection that competing insurers either do not offer or charge separately for each item. For Auto-Owners customers, the Plus Package often delivers better value than purchasing equivalent coverages individually while filling protection gaps that drivers may not realize exist in standard policies.
This guide explains exactly what is included in the Auto-Owners Personal Automobile Plus Package, how each coverage benefits you, what it typically costs, and whether the package makes sense for your situation.
What Is the Personal Automobile Plus Package?
The Personal Automobile Plus Package is an optional coverage enhancement that Auto-Owners customers can add to their standard auto insurance policy. The package bundles 10 specific coverage upgrades into a single premium addition, making it simpler to purchase comprehensive protection than adding each coverage individually.
The package is available in most states where Auto-Owners operates, with specific coverage details varying slightly by state regulations.
The 10 Coverages Included
1. Cell Phone Coverage
If your cell phone is damaged in a covered accident or stolen from your vehicle, the Plus Package provides coverage for replacement. This benefit applies even when standard comprehensive coverage would exclude personal electronics.
2. Personal Property Coverage
Standard auto insurance typically does not cover personal items stolen from or damaged in your vehicle. The Plus Package adds coverage for personal property like laptops, electronics, clothing, and other items.
3. Locksmith Services
If you lock your keys in your car or lose your keys, locksmith service is included up to a specified limit per occurrence. No deductible applies for this coverage.
4. Identity Theft Expense Coverage
If you become a victim of identity theft, the Plus Package provides reimbursement for expenses related to identity restoration including legal fees, lost wages, and notary costs.
5. Death Indemnity Coverage
If you die as a result of a covered auto accident, the Plus Package provides a death benefit to your beneficiaries. This functions similarly to a small life insurance policy specifically for auto accidents.
6. Towing and Roadside Assistance
Enhanced towing coverage exceeds standard roadside assistance limits. Coverage includes towing, jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services.
7. Diminishing Deductible
The Plus Package includes a feature that reduces your collision deductible by a set amount each claim-free year, similar to standalone Disappearing Deductible features at other insurers.
8. Audio, Visual, and Data Equipment
Additional coverage for aftermarket audio equipment, video systems, and data equipment installed in your vehicle that exceeds standard policy limits.
9. Tape, Disc, Record, Software Coverage
Coverage for tapes, discs, records, and software stored in your vehicle that would otherwise be excluded from standard coverage.
10. Pet Injury Coverage
If your pet is injured in a covered auto accident, the Plus Package provides coverage for veterinary expenses. This is particularly valuable for pet owners who travel frequently with pets.
How Much Does the Plus Package Cost?
The Personal Automobile Plus Package cost varies by state, vehicle, and policy details. Typical costs range from $50 to $120 per year additional premium for the entire 10-coverage package.
Compared to purchasing each coverage individually at other insurers, the bundled price typically delivers significant savings.
Real-World Value of Each Coverage
| Coverage | Typical Standalone Cost | Plus Package Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Phone Coverage | $20 to $40/year | Included |
| Personal Property Coverage | $15 to $35/year | Included |
| Locksmith Services | $15 to $25/year | Included |
| Identity Theft Expense | $25 to $50/year | Included |
| Death Indemnity | $10 to $20/year | Included |
| Enhanced Roadside | $30 to $60/year | Included |
| Diminishing Deductible | $20 to $40/year | Included |
| Audio/Visual Equipment | $15 to $35/year | Included |
| Tape/Disc/Software | $10 to $20/year | Included |
| Pet Injury Coverage | $15 to $30/year | Included |
| Total Standalone Value | $175 to $355/year | $50 to $120/year |
The Plus Package typically delivers $100 to $250 in annual value versus purchasing equivalent coverages separately at competing insurers.
Who Benefits Most From the Plus Package?
Pet Owners
Drivers who frequently travel with pets benefit from Pet Injury Coverage that would otherwise require separate pet insurance or be unavailable through auto coverage.
Frequent Travelers
Drivers who travel frequently benefit from enhanced roadside assistance, locksmith services, and personal property coverage.
Drivers With Expensive Electronics
Drivers carrying expensive cell phones, laptops, or other electronics in their vehicles benefit from Cell Phone and Personal Property coverage.
Drivers With Aftermarket Audio Equipment
Drivers who have upgraded their vehicle’s audio system benefit from Audio, Visual, and Data Equipment coverage.
Long-Term Customers
Diminishing Deductible accumulates value over time, making the Plus Package more valuable the longer you maintain continuous coverage.
Comparing the Plus Package to Other Insurer Bundles
| Insurer | Bundled Coverage Equivalent | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | Personal Automobile Plus Package (10 coverages) | $50 to $120/year |
| Erie | Standard coverage includes most features | Often included free |
| State Farm | Various individual endorsements | $150 to $300/year for similar |
| Travelers | Premier Auto package | $100 to $200/year |
| Liberty Mutual | Optional individual coverages | $150 to $350/year for similar |
The Auto-Owners package offers strong value, particularly for customers who need or want most of the included coverages.
When the Plus Package Is Worth It
- Drivers who would use multiple included coverages
- Pet owners who travel with pets
- Drivers carrying expensive personal items in their vehicles
- Long-term Auto-Owners customers benefiting from Diminishing Deductible accumulation
- Drivers wanting comprehensive protection without managing multiple endorsements
- Drivers prone to lost keys or lockouts who benefit from locksmith services
When the Plus Package May Not Be Worth It
- Drivers with minimal personal property in their vehicles
- Drivers without pets and unlikely to acquire them
- Drivers without expensive electronics
- Drivers who would not use most of the included coverages
- Drivers with separate roadside assistance through AAA or similar
How to Add the Plus Package
Talk to Your Independent Agent
Auto-Owners operates exclusively through independent agents. Your agent can add the Plus Package to your policy at renewal or mid-term.
Review Specific State Coverage
Plus Package details vary by state. Your agent can confirm exactly what is included in your state.
Consider Mid-Term Addition
The Plus Package can typically be added at any time, not just at renewal.
For broader perspective on choosing the right coverages, our guide on how car insurance premiums are calculated walks through industry pricing factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Personal Automobile Plus Package required at Auto-Owners?
No. The Plus Package is an optional coverage enhancement you can choose to add or decline.
Can I add only some coverages from the package?
The package is sold as a bundle. Some individual coverages may be available separately, but the bundled package typically offers better value.
Does the Plus Package have a separate deductible?
Most coverages within the package have low or no deductibles. Specific deductibles vary by coverage type.
How much does pet injury coverage pay?
Pet Injury Coverage limits vary by state but typically pay up to a specified amount for covered veterinary expenses after a covered auto accident.
What is the death indemnity amount?
Death indemnity amounts vary by state and policy. Typical amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000.
Does identity theft coverage include lawyer fees?
Identity Theft Expense Coverage typically includes legal fees, lost wages, and other identity restoration expenses up to specified limits.
How long does diminishing deductible take to reach maximum?
The Diminishing Deductible feature typically reduces your deductible incrementally over multiple claim-free years until reaching a maximum reduction.
The Bottom Line
The Auto-Owners Personal Automobile Plus Package is one of the strongest bundled coverage enhancements available from any major insurer. For $50 to $120 per year, the package adds 10 distinct coverages that would typically cost $175 to $355 if purchased separately at other insurers.
For drivers who would benefit from multiple included coverages, particularly Pet Injury Coverage, enhanced roadside assistance, personal property protection, and Diminishing Deductible, the Plus Package delivers excellent value. The simplicity of bundled coverage at competitive pricing makes it an easy decision for many Auto-Owners customers.
The team at Matrix Insurance can help you compare Auto-Owners coverage options against other top carriers. Use our Car Insurance Calculator for a starting estimate, or reach out to our team directly for a personalized review.
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