Zero Dep vs. Engine Protection Cover: Choosing Your Bike Insurance Add-on

What is Zero Depreciation Cover?

Zero depreciation cover is an add-on that removes the usual deduction for wear and tear of bike parts in a road accident. It ensures you get the full repair cost without any depreciation charges. For parts like plastic, rubber, fiber, and metal, depreciation is often 30–50% in standard policies. With this add-on, that amount is fully covered.

Zero depreciation, or bumper-to-bumper cover is ideal for new or high-end bikes. Typically, a bike insurance policy allows this add-on only for bikes up to 3–5 years old. However, now there are insurers in the market allowing you to purchase this rider for more than 5-year-old bikes.

What is Engine Protection Cover?

The engine protection cover in bike insurance gives protection to your bike's engine and gearbox from non-accident damages. This includes water ingression, oil leakage, hydrostatic locks, or gearbox damage, which are not covered in a standard comprehensive bike insurance policy.

There are issues with bike engines, which can happen due to floods, leaks, or rough terrain, and repairing them is a costly affair. This add-on ensures such damage is covered, reducing the risk of shelling out ₹20,000+ for repairs from your pocket.

Which Add-On Should You Choose?

In bike insurance, zero depreciation cover in bike insurance addresses cosmetic and external parts of the bike. On the other hand, the engine protection cover takes care of the internal mechanical components of a bike's engine.

Both of them serve different purposes and complement each other. Choosing one or both depends on your bike's age, riding conditions, and budget.

Is Zero Dep Better for Younger Bikes?

Zero dep cover is best for two-wheelers between 0–5 years old. As bikes age, depreciation is implied rapidly; henceforth, the depreciation percentage increases. Since a new bike or higher-end model has higher spare part costs, avoiding depreciation provides solid financial savings in repair claims.

How Much Do These Add-Ons Cost?

While prices or premiums may vary from insurer, here are premium percentages mentioned for both the add-ons:

• Zero Depreciation Cover Premium: 15–20% above base premium.
• Engine Protection Cover Premium: 2% of the bike's value.

For example, if your comprehensive bike insurance premium is ₹3,000 annually, zero dep adds ₹450–600, and engine protection adds ~₹60. Remember, in monsoon-prone like Mumbai or Gurgaon, where water-logging is a common problem during the rainy season, claims can run into ₹30,000+ if the bike's engine is damaged. Therefore, an added premium is small compared to the potential losses.

Why Monsoons Increases Risk in Your Bike's Engine?

In late May 2025, Mumbai recorded over 250 mm of rainfall in 48 hours. Bikes suffered water ingress and hydrostatic locks. Those without engine cover paid ₹30,000+; with it, they paid only ₹600–700. This real-time data shows exactly why both covers are relevant.

Can You Buy Both Add-Ons?

Yes. You can combine both when renewing comprehensive bike insurance. This ensures full coverage for external parts of the bike and internal engine parts. Many riders opt for both, especially in accident- or flood-prone areas.

Quick Comparison Table: Zero Depreciation Cover Versus Engine Protection Cover

Focus External parts: plastic, fiber, metalEngine, gearbox, hydro-lock risks

Final Verdict

Zero depreciation cover and engine protection cover have different purposes. One removes depreciation on the bike's parts during an accident, while the other safeguards internal engine integrity. Both address real issues backed by real repair costs and data. Choosing them wisely can save you thousands and give you peace of mind.

1. Understanding Both With the Examples

   • Rider A: Sumit owns a 2-year-old BMW G310R in Mumbai. In June 2025, the monsoon leads to water in the engine. Now, engine repair cost will cost around ₹28,000. With engine protection, he will pay ₹600 as additional premium with your base amount. However, without an engine protection cover, he have tp pay full ₹28,000 as out-of-pocket expenses to repair his BMW G310R damaged engine.
   • Rider B: Udit owns a 1-year-old Royal Enfield Classic damaged plastic and fiber parts in a road accident. Now, the part replacement cost is around ₹10,000. He will receive a 100% claim payout amount with zero dep cover as it is fully covered under this add-on. Without it, the insurer deducts 50% on plastic (~₹5,000), with only a net claim of ₹5,000.

2. When Should You Choose One?

   • Zero Depreciation Cover: Choose if you have a new/premium bike and want full parts coverage.
   • Engine Protection Cover: Choose if you ride in flood-prone or tough terrain areas.
   • Choose Both: If you are riding a new bike during monsoon in accident-prone areas.