Before purchasing a car insurance policy, you must be aware of the extent of coverage you want for your car. In this context, two terms 'own damage' and 'zero depreciation' are used most commonly. Let us know everything about own damage & zero depreciation car insurance and how they are different from each other.
An own-damage car insurance policy covers a car owner against own damages sustained by the insured car due to unforeseen events like a road accident, natural calamities, strikes, riots, theft, etc. It can be purchased along with a third-party liability car policy to cover the own damages sustained by the insured car.
Purchasing third party car insurance is compulsory as per the motor laws of India. Own damage car insurance enables you to separately purchase this cover to get compensation for the car’s own damages, provided you already have a third party liability policy.
As per the IRDAI regulations, every car insurance company has started selling a bundled car policy that offers 3-year third party plus one-year own damage cover. This bundled motor insurance policy has been made mandatory for every car purchased after 1st September 2018.
An own damage cover can also be availed under a comprehensive car insurance policy. A comprehensive motor insurance policy offers a wider coverage by covering both third party liabilities and own damages to the insured car.
A zero depreciation car insurance or a zero dep cover is basically an additional cover that a policyholder can purchase along with his/her comprehensive motor insurance plan. Also known as nil depreciation cover, it provides coverage for depreciation borne by the insured car and its parts over the years.
Usually, a standard motor insurance policy excludes general wear and tear of the car i.e. depreciation sustained by the insured car over the years. However, by purchasing a zero dep add-on cover, you can overcome this exclusion and get the depreciation covered by the insurance company at the time of claim settlement. In such a scenario, the insurance company will include the amount of depreciation of the car and its parts in the claim amount.
The amount of depreciation on different car parts is calculated based on the rates proposed by the IRDAI, which are as follows:
A zero dep add-on can be purchased by paying some extra premium amount over the existing car insurance price. Besides, this add-on cover can only be availed with own-damage vehicle insurance or a comprehensive motor insurance cover and not under third party insurance.
A zero dep add-on cover and an own-damage car insurance policy are two different terms used in a motor insurance policy. However, both of them provide completely different benefits.
A zero depreciation is an additional cover that policyholders can purchase along with their own damage or a comprehensive car policy only. This add-on can be purchased by paying some extra premium amount to cover the depreciation sustained by the insured car as per its age.
On the other hand, you can get own damage cover separately for your car only if you have an existing third party liability insurance cover. An own damage cover is also offered under a comprehensive car insurance policy as it provides coverage for both third party liabilities and the car’s own damages. It depends on you whether you want to add a zero depreciation cover with your vehicle insurance policy or not.
You May Also Read: Everything About Third-Party Liability Insurance
Let us understand the difference between own damage insurance and own damage insurance with zero depreciation cover more clearly with the help of the following table:
Point of Difference | Own Damage with Zero Dep Cover | Own Damages Without Zero Depreciation Cover |
Car Insurance Premium | Slightly higher than normal | Lower than that of a car policy with zero dep add-on cover |
Inclusions | Includes the depreciation borne by the insured car and its parts | Does not include the depreciation borne by the insured car |
Claim Amount | Higher claim amount as the depreciation amount is added | Lower claim amount as the depreciation is not included |
Own-damage car insurance may or may not include a zero depreciation add-on under its coverage as it completely depends on the policyholder. If your car is 5 years or older than 5 years, you can consider purchasing a zero depreciation along with your car insurance policy. You may be paying a higher premium initially but your car will be covered against any depreciation sustained by it as per its age.
You can also separately compare the cost of nil depreciation add-on covers by comparing multiple car insurance plans on Policybazaar.com.
Reducing car insurance premiums is simple and straightforward. By
Read moreThe extreme heat and constant heat wave warnings have made
Read moreScenarios like hit-and-run accidents or purchasing a second-hand
Read moreGetting your car insurance claim settled is no longer a hassle
Read moreHave you recently purchased a car insurance policy for your new
Read moreIt doesn’t matter if you are an excellent driver or take your car out only once in a few months; your vehicle must
Read moreLosing your car insurance documents can be daunting. In such a state of affairs, the first thing that comes to your
Read moreSometimes, you may face situations when you need car insurance or vehicle owner details but cannot readily access
Read more#Rs 2094/- per annum is the price for third-party motor insurance for private cars (non-commercial) of not more than 1000cc
*Savings are based on the comparison between the highest and the lowest premium for own damage cover (excluding add-on covers) provided by different insurance companies for the same vehicle with the same IDV and same NCB. Actual time for transaction may vary subject to additional data requirements and operational processes.
+Savings are based on the maximum discount on own damage premium as offered by our insurer partners.
##Claim Assurance Program: Pick-up and drop facility available in 1400+ select network garages. On-ground workshop team available in select workshops. Repair warranty on parts at the sole discretion of insurance companies. Dedicated Claims Manager. 24x7 Claim Assistance.
Insurance
Calculators
*Savings are based on the comparison between the highest and the lowest premium for own damage cover (excluding add-on covers) provided by different insurance companies for the same vehicle with the same IDV and same NCB. Actual time for transaction may vary subject to additional data requirements and operational processes.
Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited CIN: U74999HR2014PTC053454 Registered Office - Plot No.119, Sector - 44, Gurugram - 122001, Haryana Tel no. : 0124-4218302 Email ID: enquiry@policybazaar.com
Policybazaar is registered as a Composite Broker | Registration No. 742, Registration Code No. IRDA/ DB 797/ 19, Valid till 09/06/2027, License category- Composite Broker
Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may be shared with insurers.Product information is authentic and solely based on the information received from the insurers.
BEWARE OF SPURIOUS PHONE CALLS AND FICTITIOUS / FRAUDULENT OFFERS IRDAI or its officials do not involve in activities like selling insurance policies, announcing bonus or investment of premiums. Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint.
© Copyright 2008-2025 policybazaar.com. All Rights Reserved.