What is an Accessories Cover in Car Insurance?
For most people, their car is a prized possession that they have worked hard for. Buying a car is not the end of it; most people want to customize their vehicle to suit their taste and comfort. This is done by purchasing different car accessories, which don't come very cheap. LCD TV, headlight or taillight modifications, interior fittings, dashcam, fog lights, and premium air conditioners are a few examples of expensive car accessories that may be vulnerable to theft by miscreants. This is where add-ons in car insurance come into the picture.
Even if a person has a comprehensive car insurance plan, in case of any damage or theft, these accessories will not be covered. Unless the insurance also includes this add-on, no reimbursement or benefit can be offered to the insured.
Let's take an example:
Vrinda got a new car and spent a lot of money equipping it with a high-end stereo system, fog lights and expensive leather seat covers. One day, a thief broke into the car and stole the stereo system along with the leather seats. As she only got third-party car insurance, she did not get any benefit for replacing her stolen accessories and had to get her car repaired.
Had Vrinda opted for comprehensive car insurance with accessories cover, she would have received reimbursement for her lost accessories along with other damages.
Types of Car Accessories Covered in Insurance
While a car accessories cover in insurance offers protection against the loss of one's expensive accessories, not all the accessories are covered under this add on. It is important to confirm the exact benefits with the insurer before purchasing a plan. There are two types of car accessories:
-
Electrical Accessories in Car Insurance
Here are the basic electrical accessories that are covered under the accessories cover in car insurance:
- Infotainment system
- Fog lights
- Brake lights
- Monitor
- Air conditioner, etc.
-
Non-Electrical Accessories in Car Insurance
Non-electrical accessories in cars for which the accessories add-on offers coverage include:
- Seat covers
- Interior fittings
- Alloy wheels, etc.
Nowadays, several car insurance policies also offer separate insurance for CNG accessories that covers the entire kit.
Benefits of Accessories Cover
A standard car insurance plan may cover a range of damage to a car, but unforeseen situations may arise that are out of the scope of its coverage. In such cases, add-on covers for car insurance such as car accessories cover are among the most important optionals. At a premium of barely 5-10% of the insurance plan, the insured can remain stress-free about their car accessories getting stolen. Here are some fittings that are covered by most insurance plans under accessories cover:
- Car camera
- Fire extinguisher
- Battery charger
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Anti-theft devices
- Tyre pressure monitor
- Phone mount
People who live in areas prone to theft or other illegal activities must have the car accessories add- on in their four wheeler insurance so that their precious accessories can be repurchased if need be.
