A car insurance policy doesn’t always cover every damage. That is where add-ons step in. These optional extras are designed to cover situations that most standard policies don’t. It can include circumstances like engine damage from flooding, tyre replacement, or key loss. Figuring out which ones are right for your vehicle and lifestyle is very crucial.
Introduction
Car insurance is one of those things that all vehicle owners need, but most stop at the basic coverage. You might have probably found that basic insurance doesn’t always cover everything if you have ever had to deal with a claim or breakdown. That is where add-ons come in. Add-on covers are optional advantages you can add to your car insurance policy. They are meant to fill in the gaps and give you better support in situations that the base policy leaves out. They cost a little more, but can save you more money in many cases.
Car Insurance Add-ons to Consider
Optional add-ons may not get as much attention. However, they can save you from paying out of pocket for situations that regular insurance just doesn’t handle. Some useful add-ons you should know about are:
You would know how frustrating it is when the insurer deducts depreciation from the payout after you make an insurance claim. Your car parts lose value over time, and standard policies factor that in. So, you only get a portion of the replacement cost. Wirt zero depreciation cover, the insurer pays the full cost of parts, such as bumpers, doors, and panels.
Zero depreciation cover is a great option if your car is under five years old. It is useful for high-end vehicles, where even minor repairs can be pricey. However, some insurers cap how many times you can use this add-on each year, while others might offer unlimited claims. It is worth checking the terms.
Standard insurance doesn’t cover engine damage from water ingress, oil leaks, or non-accident-related issues. Engine protection covers all of that, including costly repairs to the engine and gearbox, if they happen not as a result of neglect. It is beneficial if you live in areas that are prone to flooding.
Imagine your car gets stolen or damaged beyond repair. In most cases, your insurer pays the current market value, and it is known as the Insured Declared Value (IDV). This is often lower than what you originally paid.
That is where the return to invoice cover in car insurance helps. It covers the gap between the depreciated value and the full invoice amount, including road tax and registration fees. So, if your car was bought for ₹12 lakh and now has an IDV of ₹9 lakh, this add-on ensures that you still receive ₹12 lakh.
-
No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection Cover
The No Claim Bonus is a discount you get for not making any claims during the policy year. The more claim-free years you have, the bigger your discount becomes. The bonus will be gone if you make a claim, even if it is a small one. However, this add-on keeps your NCB intact even if you make a claim.
-
Roadside Assistance Cover
Breakdowns rarely happen at convenient times. Problems like a dead battery, a flat tyre, or running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere can turn an amazing drive into a stressful situation. Your insurer will send help if you have roadside assistance cover. This cover ensures you are not left stranded, whether you need towing, fuel delivery, or a jump-start for your battery.
Consumables include engine oil, brake fluid, nuts, bolts, and washers. They are crucial components that are replaced during a repair after an accident. Standard policies don’t usually cover them, so you end up paying for these out of pocket. Those costs will be taken care of when you have a consumables cover.
You would still need to get around if your car is in the garage for repairs. Not having your car for a few days can throw off your routine. Daily allowance add-on helps cover your transportation costs while your car is being fixed.
Many people don’t realise that the personal accident cover in their policy is usually only for the driver. That means that you may be responsible for covering the medical bills if your passengers are injured in an accident. Passenger cover extends the same protection to the people riding with you. It offers fixed compensation in case your passengers suffer accidental death or permanent disability. This add-on is particularly helpful if you regularly drive with family or co-passengers.
Tyres take a lot of damage from potholes, bad roads, or sharp debris. Standard insurance usually doesn’t cover this unless the damage is part of a larger accident. Tyre Protect reimburses you for the repair or replacement of tyres and rims.
Losing a car key is not only frustrating, but replacing it can cost thousands of rupees. This add-on covers the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged keys. It also includes replacing the entire lock system in some cases.
-
Loss of Personal Belongings Cover
Standard car insurance won’t help if someone breaks into your car and steals personal items like a laptop, phone, or bag. This cover reimburses you for stolen or damaged belongings kept inside the vehicle. It is particularly helpful for individuals who travel with valuable items for work or study.
Conclusion
Basic car insurance often overlooks real-world risks, such as engine damage, tyre issues, or lost belongings. Add-ons help cover those gaps and offer broader protection. The add-ons may cost a little extra, but can save you a lot during unexpected events. Picking the right cover based on your car, location, and usage makes your policy far more robust.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
