Car Insurance Add-On Covers

In the realm of car insurance, an add-on cover serves as supplemental protection offered by insurers to policyholders, enhancing the coverage of their vehicles. These additional provisions enable car owners to fortify the financial security of their vehicles beyond the standard policy coverage.

While add-on covers offer additional protection for insured cars, they also entail an extra cost. Car owners must acquire add-on covers for their insurance policies by paying an additional premium. Consequently, the purchase of add-on covers results in an increase in the car insurance premium. 

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025
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However, it's essential to note that car insurance add-on covers are exclusively available with comprehensive car insurance or standalone own-damage car insurance plans. They are not accessible under third-party car insurance policies. This limitation stems from the fact that third-party car insurance primarily addresses injuries or damages inflicted upon third parties and does not extend coverage to the insured car's own damages. Hence, acquiring add-on covers under third-party insurance would be ineffective. 

List of Top Car Insurance Add-On Covers

Car insurance add-ons vary among insurers, but commonly offered ones include: 

1. Zero Depreciation Add-on Cover:

When settling claims, insurers typically deduct the applicable depreciation on your car and its parts, reducing the claim amount. However, with a zero-depreciation cover, you can alleviate the burden of bearing the depreciation cost of your vehicle, thereby raising your claim amount. While most insurers limit zero depreciation claims to two, some, like IFFCO Tokio, offer unlimited zero depreciation claims during the policy tenure.

2. Consumables Add-on Benefit:

This add-on offers coverage for consumable items like grease, lubricants clip, air conditioner gas, bearings, fuel filter, engine oil, oil filter, brake oil, nuts and bolts, screws, washers, etc., which are typically not included in the standard policy coverage.

3. Roadside Assistance Cover:

This additional coverage ensures access to assistance services in case of a breakdown of the insured vehicle. Services include towing to the nearest garage, assistance for lost keys, on-site repair services, changing flat tyres, fuel delivery, etc.

4. Engine Protection Add-on Benefit:

This coverage enables the policyholder to be reimbursed for expenses incurred due to electrical breakdown or mechanical breakdown of the engine caused by factors such as oil spills or water ingress.

5. Key Loss Protection Add-on Benefit:

Under this add-on cover, the insurance company assumes responsibility for compensating the policyholder in the event of key(s) being lost.

6. Passenger Support Add-on Cover:

This comprehensive cover combines medical expenses, hospital allowance, and medical transport assistance for the policyholder in case of an accident.

7. Tyre Damage Add-on Protection:

This additional coverage safeguards against damages such as in-tyre bulges, punctures, tyre bursts, cuts due to accidents, and more.

8. Return to Invoice Add-on Coverage:

This additional coverage enables you to receive the full invoice price of your vehicle in the event of Total Loss, Constructive Total Loss (CTL), or theft.

9. No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection Add-on:

This add-on ensures the retention of your No Claim Bonus (NCB) discount, even if you've filed a claim during the last policy tenure. NCB is a discount on your own damage premium for each claim-free year.

10. Personal Belongings Loss Add-on:

This add-on enables the insurer to compensate the policyholder for the loss of personal belongings, including items typically used, carried, or worn, such as articles of personal nature.

11. Daily Allowance Add-on Cover:

Choosing this add-on entitles you to receive a daily allowance from the insurer in the event of the car being lost or undergoing repairs.

12. Personal Laptop and Mobile Add-on Cover:

With this add-on, you can receive compensation for the loss of a personal laptop and mobile device stored in the vehicle.

13. GAP Value Add-on Cover:

This add-on ensures that you receive the full invoice price of the vehicle in cases of theft, total loss, or constructive total loss. Additionally, it includes coverage for Road Tax and first-time registration charges, subject to an additional premium.

Benefits of Car Insurance Add-On Covers 

Car insurance add-on covers offer several advantages, including:  

  1. Depreciation Coverage: Over time, the value of car parts decreases due to wear and tear, known as depreciation. Standard insurance policies do not cover depreciation costs when settling claims, leaving you responsible for these expenses. However, by opting for a zero-depreciation cover as an add-on, you can avoid these costs, as they are taken care of by the insurer. 
  2. Emergency Assistance: In case of emergencies such as car breakdowns, adding roadside assistance coverage provides essential support. This cover offers various forms of assistance, including flat tyre repairs, fuel arrangement, towing services, on-the-spot minor repairs, and more, ensuring assistance during stranded situations. 
  3. Engine Protection: The car's engine is a crucial and expensive component. Add-on covers help in ensuring the engine, which is typically not included in standard comprehensive plans. Additionally, consumables such as engine oil, gearbox oil, lubricants, nuts, bolts, and more used for car repairs can also be covered under this add-on. 
  4. Coverage for Accidents: In the event of disability or death of the owner-driver, personal accident add-on covers provide financial protection against disabilities or death, offering coverage of up to Rs. 15 lakh. Furthermore, you can opt for optional personal accident coverage for passengers to safeguard your loved ones in case of unforeseen accidents. 
  5. Retention of No Claim Bonus (NCB) Discount: Making a car insurance claim during the policy period results in the loss of a No Claim Bonus (NCB) discount. This discount is earned at policy renewal if no claims were made in the previous policy period. However, if you anticipate a higher likelihood of making a claim, purchasing this add-on allows you to retain your NCB.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, car insurance add-on covers serve as valuable supplements to standard insurance policies, offering policyholders enhanced protection and coverage for their vehicles. While they may entail an additional cost in terms of premiums, the benefits they provide far outweigh the expenses incurred. From covering depreciation costs to providing emergency assistance and ensuring retention of No Claim Bonus discounts, add-on covers play a crucial role in strengthening the financial security of insured vehicles. Therefore, understanding the available add-on covers and choosing the ones that best suit individual needs and circumstances can significantly contribute to comprehensive and effective car insurance coverage.

FAQs on Car Insurance Add-On Covers

  • What are car insurance add-on covers?

    Car insurance add-on covers are supplemental protections offered by insurers to policyholders, enhancing the coverage of their vehicles beyond standard policy coverage. 

  • How do add-on cover impact car insurance premiums?

    Add-on covers involve an extra cost, leading to an increase in car insurance premiums. Policyholders need to pay an additional premium to acquire these covers. 

  • Are add-on covers available for all types of car insurance policies?

    No, add-on covers are typically available only with comprehensive car insurance or standalone own-damage car insurance plans. They are not accessible under third-party car insurance policies. 

  • Can you provide examples of popular car insurance add-on covers?

    Sure, some popular car insurance add-on covers include Zero Depreciation, Roadside Assistance, Engine Protection, Key Loss Protection, Passenger Support, Tire Damage Protection, Return to Invoice, NCB Protection, Personal Belongings Loss, Daily Allowance, and Personal Laptop and Mobile Cover. 

  • What is the purpose of a Zero Depreciation add-on cover?

    The Zero Depreciation add-on cover helps policyholders avoid bearing the depreciation cost of their vehicles by ensuring that the insurer covers it during claim settlements. 

  • How does the Roadside Assistance add-on cover benefit policyholders?

    The Roadside Assistance add-on cover provides essential support services in case of vehicle breakdowns, including towing, on-site repairs, fuel delivery, and assistance for lost keys. 

  • Can you explain the coverage provided by the Engine Protection add-on cover?

    The Engine Protection add-on cover reimburses policyholders for expenses incurred due to mechanical or electrical breakdowns of the engine, such as oil spills or water ingress. 

  • What is the No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection add-on cover?

    The NCB Protection add-on cover allows policyholders to retain their No Claim Bonus discount even if they file a claim during the previous policy tenure. 

  • How does the Personal Belongings Loss add-on cover work?

    The Personal Belongings Loss add-on cover compensates policyholders for the loss of personal items typically used, carried, or worn, such as articles of personal nature. 

  • Are there any advantages of opting for car insurance add-on covers?

    Yes, car insurance add-on covers offer several benefits, including coverage for depreciation, emergency assistance, engine protection, accident coverage, and retention of a No Claim Bonus (NCB) discount, enhancing the overall protection for insured vehicles. 

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