Are Add Ons useful in Car Insurance?

Every driver must carry liability coverage per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. For this reason, you are required to purchase car insurance coverage after buying a vehicle. 

The insurance policy financially covers the loss, destruction, or damage of the insured vehicle due to covered perils such as accidents, natural disasters, and theft.

Add-ons in Car insurance: Meaning

Add-on covers are additional features that provide coverage for features that may not be included in the primary auto insurance plan. Add-ons are optional; you can choose the ones you need to enhance your vehicle’s security. 

Each add-on provides a unique set of benefits and may cost extra. Therefore, you must carefully study each add-on your insurer offers and then select the right ones. You can check how these add-ons may change your premium amount by using an online car insurance premium calculator. 

Types of add- ons: Depending on your insurer, you can choose which car insurance add-ons to include in your policy. These are some of the most common add-ons:

• Engine protection cover: The engine is one of the essential components of your vehicle. Getting it fixed after any damage can be costly. The engine may become damaged for reasons other than an accident. 

A protective engine cover may be helpful in such circumstances. The engine protection cover protects against lubricating oil leaks, engine damage caused by water infiltration resulting in hydrostatic lock, and gearbox damage. *

• Zero depreciation cover: Automobiles are assets that depreciate and lose value over time. If you have zero or no depreciation coverage, the insurer will pay for the repair and replacement of plastic, fibre, and rubber components. 

When you buy a new car or if your car is less than five years old, it may be wise to obtain this coverage. To check your car’s depreciated value, you may use any car depreciation calculator available in India. *

• Return to invoice cover: Your vehicle being stolen or irreparably damaged would be akin to your worst nightmare coming true. Return to invoice coverage can be a sigh of relief  since the insurer will reimburse you for the total amount listed on the vehicle’s purchase invoice. 

This coverage cannot be utilised for repairs or minor damage and can be best suited for those who reside in a high-theft region, or have recently purchased an expensive vehicle. *

• Roadside assistance cover: Having a car breakdown in the middle of the road and being left stranded, particularly at odd hours, can be unquestionably problematic. The roadside assistance coverage aids you in these instances. 

It provides services such as changing a flat tyre, towing the vehicle, refuelling, booking a taxi to get you to your destination, etc. The policyholder can usually utilise this coverage if stuck within 500 kilometres of the city centre. Having this coverage allows you quick access to assistance in the event of an emergency. *

• Passenger cover: If your car is involved in an accident, you and your fellow passengers can be hurt. A passenger cover assures that if other passengers sustain injuries, they may receive financial assistance until they recover. *

• Personal belongings cover: An accident could damage any valuable electronics, such as your laptop, smartphone, and tablet, in your car. The damages to such valuables may not be reimbursed by a typical motor insurance policy. Consider adding a personal belonging cover for such protection. *

• Daily expense reimbursement cover: The daily expense reimbursement cover reimburses the commute cost while your vehicle might be undergoing covered repairs. *

* Standard T&C Apply

Although add-ons increase your premium, having the right ones enhances your car insurance policy and enables you to save more in the long run. Before finalising an insurance policy, investigate the different insurance products and add-on covers to make an informed decision.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.