Consumables Cover in Car Insurance

Consumables in car insurance are car parts that require frequent repairs. These parts are bolts, nuts, engine oil, gearbox oil, AC coolant, ball bearings, grease, washer, oil filter, etc. Since these items are not covered under a comprehensive car policy, you can opt for the consumables add-on in car insurance at an additional premium to cover these parts.

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What are Consumables in Car Insurance?

In layman terms, consumables in car insurance refer to all those items in a car that are subject to normal wear and tear over time. So you need to get them replaced or repaired from time to time because of continuous damage, loss, or usage.

Consumables in a car include items, such as fuel-filter, nuts-bolts, screws, grease & oils, air conditioner gas, etc. These car parts can only be used for limited time and require repairs/replacement from time to time.

Benefits of Consumables Cover in Car Insurance

As stated earlier, consumables are not covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy. Thus, car owners who wish to obtain coverage for consumable things will have to purchase consumables add-on in car insurance by paying an additional premium amount.

For instance, Kanu's car meets with a minor accident and its radiator gets damaged. In this situation, her comprehensive insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing the radiator of her car but not the radiator coolant.

This is because radiator coolant is a consumable item and thus, is not a part of the policy coverage. But if Kanu gets a consumables add-on cover along with her motor insurance policy, the cost of consumables will also be taken care of by her insurance provider.

Coverage Under Consumable Add-on in Car Insurance

The cost of consumables can add up to a huge amount and therefore, a consumables cover in a car insurance policy is extremely economical and useful. The cost of consumables cover in car insurance is much less than the amount you would be paying from your pocket for repairs.

The consumable add-on in car insurance offers coverage for the following:

• Engine & gearbox oil
• Nuts-bolts
• Grease & lubricants
• Power steering oil
• AC gas
• Radiator coolant
• Washers
• Oil filters, etc.

*Note: The exact coverage may vary from insurer to insurer.

What's Excluded From the Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?

The consumables cover in car insurance typically excludes:

1. Usual Wear and Tear

   Consumables cover does not include the coverage for the deterioration of the insured car's parts due to regular usage.

2. Mechanical/Electrical Failures

   Any internal issues with the functioning of the insured vehicle are not covered under consumables cover.

3. Drunk Driving

   Damages or losses if driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. Driving Without a Valid License

   Any damage to the car while driving without a valid driving licence.

5. Delayed Claim Reporting

   Any delay in informing the insurance company about the damage sustained by your car can lead to claim denial.

6. Commercial Use

   A private vehicle is being used for commercial purposes and vice versa.

Buying Consumables Cover in Car Insurance: Things to Know

When you opt for consumables cover while buying car insurance online, there are certain things that must be kept in mind:

• This add-on cover can be availed for cars that are less than 5 years old.
• The consumables used due to the mechanical or electronic breakdown of the car can't be claimed.
• Any delay in informing the insurer about the damages to the car can deny coverage under this add-on cover.
• The consumables add-on cover is not available under a third party car insurance policy.
• Driving the insured car with invalid documents can also reject one's claim.
• Damages due to drunk driving will also lead to denial of the claim.
• Do not use the insured personal vehicle for commercial purposes otherwise raising a claim under this cover may be futile.
• If an insured car meets with an accident, the consumables must be repaired within 03 days to get a claim accepted. If the repair is not made in time, then the insurance company may reject the claim.
• The coverage level of consumable cover can differ from one car model to another.

Why Buy a Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?

Here is why you should opt for a consumable cover in car insurance:

1. Reduced Financial Burden: Consumable cover in car insurance pays for the repair or replacement cost of all consumable items, thus minimising your out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Extended Coverage: This add-on ensures a more comprehensive protection for your four-wheeler by covering additional costs.
3. Peace of Mind: With the consumables cover, you can drive with peace of mind, knowing that all your repair expenses are taken care of.

How to File a Claim for Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?

For raising a claim against the consumables add-on cover, the policyholder needs to inform their insurer about the accident or damage as soon as possible. Two types of claims can be raised under consumables cover - Cashless Claims and Reimbursement Claims.

• Cashless Claims: The car needs to be taken to a network garage. After the car is repaired, the repair bill amount will be paid directly by the insurance company.
• Reimbursement Claims: The car can be repaired from any garage. However, if getting it repaired at a non-network garage then it is important to inform the insurer. Once the vehicle is repaired, the policyholder can send the repair bill to the insurance company to get the bill amount reimbursed.

Make sure to share all the information regarding the loss or damages to the car with the insurance company before the car gets repaired.