Consumables Cover in Car Insurance
Consumables in a car refer to the small parts that are subject to normal wear & tear and may require timely repair or replacement. These consumable items are not covered under a standard car policy, so you have to pay for them at the time of a claim. To avoid these expenses, you can opt for the consumables to add on cover to have them covered under insurance.
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What is the Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?
A consumable cover is an add-on to your car insurance that reimburses the cost of items such as oils, fluids, nuts, bolts, AC gas, lubricants, and other small parts when they are used during your car repair after an accident. These parts can only be used for a limited time and need to be replaced when they wear out completely.
Because a standard car insurance policy does not cover the cost of these items during a claim, opting for a consumables cover in car insurance ensures that your insurer pays for these items and you do not have to spend from your pocket to replace them.
What Does Consumables Cover Include?
The consumables cover in car insurance offers coverage for the following items:
Engine & gearbox oil
Brake oil
Nuts, bolts, screws
Grease & lubricants
Adhesives
Power steering oil
AC gas
Radiator coolant
Washers, clips
Oil filters, etc.
Fuel filter
*Note: The exact coverage may vary from insurer to insurer.
What is Not Covered Under the Consumables Cover?
The consumables cover in car insurance has the following exclusions:
- Usual Wear and Tear: Consumables cover does not include the coverage for the deterioration of the insured car's parts due to regular usage.
- Mechanical/Electrical Failures: Any internal issues with the functioning of the insured vehicle are not covered under consumables cover.
- Drunk Driving: Damages or losses if driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not included in consumables insurance.
- Driving Without a Valid Licence: Any damage to the car while driving without a valid driving licence is also not a part of consumables cover in car insurance.
- Delayed Claim Reporting: Any delay in informing the insurance company about the damage sustained by your car can lead to claim denial.
- Commercial Use: Car insurance consumables cover doesn't offer coverage if a private vehicle is being used for commercial purposes and vice versa.
Why are Consumables Not Included in Standard Car Insurance?
The cost of consumables is not covered under a standard motor insurance policy because:
- These items are replaced frequently
- Insurers consider these as part of regular maintenance and not damage
- Individual items may cost less, but their frequency of replacement is higher
During claims, the cost of consumables adds up, which makes it highly valuable to opt for the consumable cover with your car insurance policy.
How Does the Consumables Cover in Car Insurance Work?
According to insurance claim trends consumables form a noticeable portion of minor repair bills especially in metro cities. Here is a real-life example to help you understand how the consumables cover works in car insurance better:
While driving there is a minor accident, and the car radiator is damaged. Now, if you have a comprehensive policy, it will cover the cost of repairing the radiator, but not the coolant replacement during the repair.
This is because coolant is a consumable item and is not included in standard coverage. However, if you have the consumables cover with your policy, the coolant cost will be covered as well.
Benefits of Consumables Cover in Car Insurance
Here is how the consumables cover fits your car usage and insurance coverage requirements:
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenses during claims
- Covers small but frequent repair or replacement costs
- Enhances overall claim payout
- Complements zero depreciation add-on
Consumables Cover Vs Zero Depreciation
Both zero depreciation and consumables cover are add-ons in car insurance that serve different purposes but work best when combined:
| Parameters | Consumables Cover | Zero Depreciation Add-on |
|---|---|---|
| Covers Small Components | ✅ | ❌ |
| Covers Depreciation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Focus | Small replacement costs | Major part repair or replacement |
| Cost Savings | Minor but frequent | Significant savings |
Who Should Buy Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?
You should consider opting for the consumables cover to your car insurance coverage if you meet the following conditions:
Key Things to Remember While Buying Consumables Cover
When you opt for consumables cover while buying car insurance online, there are certain things that must be kept in mind:
- You can opt for the consumables add-on for cars that are less than 5 years old.
- Any delay in informing the insurer about the damages to the car can deny coverage under the consumables 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.
- If an insured car meets with an accident, the consumables must be repaired within a specified timeline, which is often 3 days from the date of the accident, to get a claim accepted. If the repair is not made in time, then the insurance company may reject the claim.
- The coverage level under the consumables cover can differ from one car model to another.
How to File a Claim for Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?
For raising a claim against the consumables 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: For a reimbursement claim under your consumables cover in car insurance, the car can be repaired from any garage. However, if getting it repaired at a non-network garage, 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.
Note: Make sure to share all the information regarding the loss or damages to the car with the insurance company before the car gets repaired.
FAQs About Consumables Cover in Car Insurance
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Is consumables cover worth it?
Ans: Yes. Considering the potential cost savings during claims, the consumables cover offers great value. -
What is the cost of consumables cover in car insurance?
Ans: It ranges between Rs. 300 and Rs. 1,500 per year. The actual amount depends on the make & model of the car, its age, and the insurer's terms & conditions. -
Is it mandatory to buy consumables cover?
Ans: No, the consumables cover is not mandatory but an optional add-on in car insurance. -
How can I purchase the consumables cover in car insurance?
Ans: You can buy the consumables cover with your car insurance either online or offline via the insurer or Policybazaar.com. -
Does car insurance cover engine oil, coolant, or nuts & bolts?
Ans: No. A standard car policy doesn't cover any damage to nuts, bolts, coolant, engine oil, etc. However, you can opt for the consumables cover with your comprehensive policy to include coverage for these items. -
Will the consumables cover reimburse me for routine wear and tear?
Ans: No, routine repairs are not covered under the consumables insurance. It will not apply to accidentaldamage and is also subject to depreciation. -
Can the consumables cover add-on be purchased for commercial vehicles?
Ans: Yes, the consumables cover in car insurance can be opted for commercial vehicles such as cabs, tourist cars, etc. as well. -
Can I buy consumables cover separately?
Ans: No, the consumables cover is available as an add-on that you can buy with a comprehensive or own-damage car insurance policy. -
Do I need the consumables cover for my Electric Vehicle (EV)?
Ans: Yes. Since EVs use brake fluids, specialised battery coolants, AC gas, and various greases, it is essential to protect them with the consumables cover in electric car insurance. -
How much can consumables cost in a car insurance claim?
Ans: Consumables can cost anywhere between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 10,000, depending on the car and the type of consumable. -
Can I claim consumables without an accident?
Ans: No, consumables are covered only when replaced as part of accident-related repairs, not for regular servicing.
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