Add-On Covers in Car Insurance: Are They Worth the Extra Cost?

Car insurance add-on covers illustration showing extra protection options like zero depreciation, roadside assistance, and engine cover with a car and shield icon, highlighting the value of additional coverage

Table of Contents

• What Are Add-On Covers in Car Insurance?

• Popular Add-On Covers Explained

• Benefits of Add-On Covers

• When Add-On Covers Are Worth the Cost

• When You May Not Need Add-Ons

• FAQs

What Are Add-On Covers in Car Insurance?

Add-ons are optional riders that you can purchase along with your comprehensive car insurance policy. They enhance your coverage by including specific protections that standard insurance does not cover. While they increase your premium slightly, they can save you from major out-of-pocket expenses in emergencies.

Popular Add-On Covers Explained

✅ Zero Depreciation Cover

• Ensures that you get the full claim amount for replaced car parts without considering depreciation.

• Best for new cars or luxury vehicles.

✅ Roadside Assistance

• Provides 24/7 help for towing, flat tires, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, or lockout assistance.

• Useful for long-distance or highway drivers.

✅ Engine Protection Cover

• Covers repair costs for engine damage caused by flooding, oil leakage, or water ingress.

• Crucial for people living in flood-prone areas.

✅ No-Claim Bonus (NCB) Protector

• Allows you to retain your NCB discount even after making a claim.

• Saves money on renewal premiums in the long run.

✅ Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover

• In case of theft or total loss, you get the original invoice value of your car instead of the depreciated IDV (Insured Declared Value).

• Best suited for new cars (up to 3 years old).

✅ Consumables Cover

• Covers small parts like nuts, bolts, engine oil, AC gas, and lubricants during repair.

• Helpful in accidents where consumables form a significant part of the bill.

Benefits of Add-On Covers

• Wider financial protection

• Peace of mind during emergencies

• Reduced out-of-pocket repair costs

• Tailored coverage based on your driving habits and region

When Add-On Covers Are Worth the Cost

Add-ons are highly beneficial if:

• You own a new or high-end car

• You live in flood-prone or accident-prone areas

• You frequently travel on highways or long-distance routes

• You want hassle-free claims with maximum reimbursement

When You May Not Need Add-Ons

Add-ons may not be necessary if:

• Your car is older than 7–8 years and has low resale value

• You drive rarely or keep the vehicle mostly parked

• You want only minimum legal coverage (third-party insurance)