Comprehensive Insurance vs Bumper-to-Bumper Car Insurance
Motor insurance companies sell different types of car insurance policies in India.Read more
What is Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Having a car insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners in India. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, everyone must have at least a third-party insurance policy. However, this policy only covers third-party liabilities and is not sufficient to cover for damages incurred by the insured vehicle. This is where a comprehensive policy is helpful.
A comprehensive policy is the most popular and preferred type of car insurance in India. It offers extensive protection and covers both third party liability and damages or losses caused by accidents, natural disasters, fire, theft, and more.
You can also enhance the overall coverage of a comprehensive car insurance policy by buying necessary add-on covers to your base plan. The most common add-on covers are zero depreciation add-on, roadside assistance add-on , NCB protection cover, Engine protect cover, etc.
While filing an accidental claim with your comprehensive policy, your insurer is liable to deduct the depreciation cost based on the age of the vehicle.
What is Bumper-to-Bumper Car Insurance?
A Bumper-to-Bumper insurance plan is widely available for all car owners in India as an add-on with a comprehensive policy. It is most commonly known as 'nil depreciation cover' or 'zero depreciation cover'.
The bumper to bumper add-on helps to eliminate the depreciation cost incurred on damaged car parts. With this add-on, all parts damaged in any accident, such as plastic, nylon, rubber, and glass, are fully covered at 100% of the costs. However the costs of tyres, tubes, and the battery are covered at 50% when you file an accidental claim.
What is the Difference Between Comprehensive and Bumper-to-Bumper Car Insurance?
Here are some of the common differences between a comprehensive and a zero delpreciation policy:
| Parameters |
Comprehensive |
Bumper - to - Bumper |
| Premium Amount |
Premium is higher than the third party car insurance |
Premium is higher than the comprehensive car insurance |
| Type of Car |
All |
All |
| No. of Claims |
There is no limit |
There could be a specific number of claims based on your insurer |
| Theft Protection |
Yes |
Yes |
| Coverage |
Depreciation of parts is considered |
Depreciation of parts is considered |
| Age of Car |
Up to 15 years |
Up to 5 to 10 years as per the insurer |
| Airbags (in case of accidents) |
Partial |
Full |
| Compensation for Plastic parts/metal Components |
Covered but the depreciation rates are applicable |
Covered and the depreciation rates are not applicable |
Conclusion
Both comprehensive car insurance plan bumper to bumper insurance provides several benefits. It is just bumper to bumper plan that enhances the overall coverage to protect the vehicle and offers a better claim amount. It is advisable for you to determine your immediate needs and future requirements before buying and customizing a car insurance plan.
