Buying a four wheeler insurance policy is essential to safeguard your car against risks such as accidents, theft, and natural calamities. However, a standard policy may not always provide full coverage for every situation you might face on the road. This is where car insurance add ons come in handy.
Add-ons are optional covers that can be attached to your base policy to enhance its protection. They allow you to customise your policy based on your driving habits, car type, and lifestyle. For a small extra premium, these covers can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses during claims.
Here are the top five add-ons that offer maximum protection for car owners.
1. Zero Depreciation Cover
Depreciation reduces the value of your car parts over time. In a standard policy, this depreciation is deducted from your claim amount, which means you don’t receive the full cost of repairs.
With zero depreciation cover, the insurer ignores depreciation during claim settlement. This means you receive the entire repair or replacement cost of damaged parts like bumpers, plastic fittings, and fibre components.
2. Roadside Assistance Cover
Imagine your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. This is when roadside assistance proves invaluable. The add-on provides 24/7 help for common issues such as flat tyres, dead batteries, towing, emergency fuel delivery, or lost keys.
3. Engine Protection Cover
A car’s engine is one of its most expensive components, but damages due to oil leakage, hydrostatic lock (from water entry), or lubrication failure are usually not covered under standard policies.
Engine protection cover ensures that you don’t bear the high costs of engine repair or replacement in such scenarios.
4. Return to Invoice Cover
In case of theft or total loss of your vehicle, a regular policy pays only the Insured Declared Value (IDV), which is lower than the actual purchase price due to depreciation.
Return to invoice cover bridges this gap by reimbursing the original invoice value of the car, including road tax and registration charges.
5. Consumables Cover
During repairs, expenses for consumables like nuts, bolts, engine oil, and lubricants are not included in a basic policy. Over time, these small costs can add up.
Consumables cover ensures that such items are also covered during a claim, making your policy more comprehensive.
How Add-Ons Enhance Four Wheeler Insurance
Choosing the right combination of add-ons allows you to tailor your insurance plan to your specific needs. Here’s how they add value:
- Customisation – Add-ons let you design a plan that matches your driving style.
- Better Claim Experience – Higher payouts with covers like zero depreciation and consumables.
- Stress-Free Ownership – Protection against unexpected expenses.
- Value for Money – For a nominal extra premium, you gain significant benefits.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Car Insurance Add-Ons
While add-ons offer great value, it’s important to choose wisely. Keep in mind:
- Car’s Age – Some add-ons, like zero depreciation, are only available for cars up to a certain age.
- Driving Habits – Long-distance drivers may need roadside assistance, while city drivers may not.
- Budget – Premiums increase with each add-on, so select those most relevant to you.
- Geography – Engine protection is more relevant in flood-prone areas.
- Usage – A car used daily may benefit from more add-ons compared to a rarely used one.
Are Car Insurance Add-Ons Worth It?
The answer is yes — if chosen wisely. Add-ons offer targeted protection that a base policy may not provide. For instance, a zero depreciation cover could save you thousands during a single claim, while roadside assistance ensures safety during emergencies.
The key is to balance your needs with your budget. Not every add-on is necessary for every driver, but the right combination can give you unmatched peace of mind.
That’s why insurers like Zurich Kotak General Insurance recommend reviewing your policy annually and updating it with relevant add-ons to stay fully protected.
Conclusion
Car insurance add ons are an effective way to strengthen your four wheeler insurance policy. From zero depreciation to engine protection and roadside assistance, these covers make sure you are prepared for unexpected challenges.
By customising your policy with the right add-ons, you ensure maximum protection for both your vehicle and finances. Considering the minimal extra premium compared to the benefits they provide, add-ons are a smart choice for today’s car owners.
When purchasing or renewing your policy, explore the available options and choose those that align with your driving needs. With the right insurer, adding them is simple, affordable, and highly rewarding.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content