When it comes to driving with peace of mind, having the right car insurance is crucial, and add-ons can make a big difference. By offering extra financial security, they help you stay prepared for unexpected situations on the road.
From handling sudden repair costs to offering emergency support, add-ons ease the financial strain and enhance your overall driving experience. You can select from a range of add-ons offered by different car insurance companies. Doing this not only ensures broader protection but also makes every journey safer and stress-free.
Here are the most important car insurance add-ons you should consider opting for along with your comprehensive car insurance plan:
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Zero Depreciation Cover
Zero depreciation, also known as nil depreciation or bumper to bumper insurance, ensures that your insurer pays for the full claim amount without deducting any depreciation of your car or its parts.
Ideal For: New car owners or luxury car owners
Example: If you get into an accident and need to replace the damaged headlight or bumper, your insurance company will cover the entire cost of replacement of these parts at the time of claim without deducting its depreciation value.
However, without the zero depreciation cover, the insurer will pay the claim amount minus the depreciation of the damaged car parts. This add-on cover is usually available for cars aged 5 years and less. However, some insurers have also started offering the zero depreciation add-on for cars up to 10 years.
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NCB Protection
Under a comprehensive car insurance plan, the insurer rewards you with NCB (No-claim bonus), which is basically a discount on your car insurance renewal premium, if you do not make any claim during the policy year. comes with an in-built feature of No-claim-bonus. With the NCB protect add-on coverage in car insurance, you can enjoy your NCB benefits even if you make a claim.
Ideal For: Those with safe driving habits who want to maintain NCB discounts even if they make a minor claim.
Example: If you meet a minor accident and file a claim, the NCB protect cover will ensure you don't lose your accumulated NCB, thus helping you save on your renewal premium.
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Compulsory Personal Accident Cover
The compulsory personal accident (CPA) add-on cover is very essential and plays a vital role in safeguarding you along with the passengers in your car. In case your car meets an accident that causes injury or death to the co-passengers along with you, the PA cover will provide financial assistance.
Ideal For: Every car owner if they don't have a separate PA coverage from any other policy
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Roadside Assistance Cover
The 24x7 roadside assistance cover comes in useful in case you get stuck on the road due to an accident or a car breakdown. Under this add-on, the insurer offers 24x7 emergency services, such as towing, fuel delivery, minor repairs, flat tyres, etc.
Ideal For: Those who travel long distances, especially in remote areas and during the night.
Example: If your car breaks down on a highway, your insurer will send a mechanic to help you get back on the road or even provide assistance over the phone.
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Consumables Cover
A regular car insurance plan does not cover accidental damages caused to your car's consumable items, which include screws, nuts, bolts, fluids, etc. With the consumables cover, the insurer will also offer coverage for the replacement cost of consumable items, thus providing exhaustive protection.
Ideal For: Those who frequently travel and require complete protection
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Engine Protection Cover
An engine protection cover offers coverage for damages to your car's engine as a result of water ingress or oil leakage. Note that this add-on doesn't cover engine damages resulting from an accident or the usual wear and tear.
Ideal For: Owners of high-end cars which have highly expensive engines and those residing in areas prone to floods or waterlogging.
Example: If, during the monsoon, water seeps into your car and damages its engine, your insurer will cover the damage repair costs of your car's engine.
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Key Replacement Cover
Under the key replacement cover, the insurer covers the cost of replacing the stolen/lost/damaged car keys and locks.
Ideal For: Owners of high-end or luxury cars since replacing their keys/locks is expensive
Example: If you happen to misplace your car keys or they get stolen due to theft/burglary, the insurer will pay for the replacement of your car keys as well as the lock.
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Return to Invoice Cover
With the Return-to-Invoice (RTI) add-on, the insurer will pay you the entire invoice value (ex-showroom price+ road tax + registration charges) in case of vehicle theft or total loss, i.e., damages beyond repair. This is amongst the most essential car insurance add-on covers.
Ideal For: New car owners and those residing in areas with high cases of theft.
Example: In case of a vehicle theft situation or your car gets damaged in an accident and is irreparable, you will receive the original invoice amount of your car from your insurance company.
