
When you buy car insurance , you get basic protection for your vehicle. But life does not always stick to the basics - and that is where car insurance add-ons come in. These extra options give you more protection for things your regular policy might not handle, like roadside help, zero depreciation, engine damage, and more.
In fact, many car owners in India already know the value of these extra covers. For example, about 60% of car insurance buyers choose the roadside assistance add-on to stay safe on the road, especially during rainy months when breakdowns are more common.
In this blog, we will share the list of the top car insurance add-on covers you should know about. So without any delay, let’s start.
What are Car Insurance Add-Ons Cover?
Even though comprehensive car insurance protects your car in many situations, it does not cover everything. For example, it usually does not pay to replace your car’s tyres. This is where add-ons help.
“An add-on is extra coverage you can buy with your regular car insurance. Add-ons give you more protection and can help you save money when you make a claim.”
For example, the Zero Depreciation add-on increases your claim amount because it does not reduce the payout for the car’s depreciation. This is something that standard car insurance does not cover.
Different Types of Add-On Covers in Car Insurance
Now that you know what add-ons are, here are some popular and useful car insurance add-ons that you must know.
| Add-On | What It Covers | Why It is Useful | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Depreciation | Covers the full cost of parts without depreciation deductions | You get more money when claiming, especially for new cars | This is ideal for new car owners who want to cover full repair costs |
| NCB Protection Cover | Let's you make small claims without losing your No Claim Bonus | Keeps your insurance discount even after a small claim | Drivers who have not had accidents in years |
| Engine Protection Cover | Fixes engine problems caused by water, oil issues, or breakdowns | Saves you from paying big engine repair bills | Car owners in flood-prone or rough road areas |
| Roadside Assistance (RSA) Cover | Helps if your car breaks down, runs out of fuel, or has a flat battery | Gives quick help so you are not stuck on the road | People who travel long distances or are daily commuters |
| Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover | Pays the full price you paid for the car if it is stolen or totaled | You do not lose money on taxes or extras you paid | Owners of expensive or new cars |
| Daily Allowance Cover | Gives money for daily travel if your car is in the garage | Helps cover transport costs while your car is repaired | Working professionals or daily commuters |
| Passenger Cover | Pays for passengers’ medical bills after an accident | Keeps your passengers safe financially | Families or people who often travel with friends |
| Consumables Cover | Pays for small repair items like nuts, bolts, and oils | No extra spending on minor parts during repairs | People who want full coverage without surprises |
| Tyre Protection Cover | Covers tyre damage from accidents | Tyres can be expensive; this saves you money | Drivers in areas with rough roads or potholes |
| Key Replacement Cover | Pays to replace lost or stolen car keys | Avoids costly key or key fob replacement | Car owners with expensive smart keys |
| Loss of Personal Belongings Cover | Covers stolen items from your car, like laptops, bags, or phones | Protects your valuables in case of theft | People who keep valuable items in the car |
| Personal Accident Cover (Owner-Driver) | Pays if the driver is injured or dies in an accident | Gives financial protection to the car owner | All car owners for safety and peace of mind |
| Personal Accident Cover for Passengers | Pays if passengers are injured or die in an accident | Keeps your passengers financially safe | Families or taxi/rideshare owners |
| Outstation Emergency Cover | Helps during breakdowns or accidents when traveling far | You get support even far from home | People who travel to other cities or states often |
| Pay-As-You-Drive Cover | You pay insurance based on how much you drive | Saves money if you drive less | City drivers or occasional car users |
Let’s understand each car insurance add-on in detail:
1 Zero Depreciation Cover
Normally, when your car is damaged, insurance only covers the depreciated value of parts. Zero Depreciation Cover ensures you get the full cost of replacement parts without any deduction for depreciation.
Benefits:
- It covers the full cost of replacement parts for damage.
- It reduces out-of-pocket expenses during repairs.
- It is ideal for new cars because it helps maintain repair quality with original parts.
2 No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection Cover
No Claim Bonus is a discount you earn on your insurance for not making any claims in a year. This cover protects your NCB even if you make a small claim, so your future premium discount is not lost.
Benefits:
- It retains your discount on the next year’s insurance premium.
- It reduces financial impact after making a claim.
- It encourages safe driving without worrying about losing NCB.
3 Engine Protection Cover
This cover protects your car’s engine from damage caused by accidents, water, or mechanical failure. It helps reduce the cost of repairs if the engine is damaged unexpectedly.
Benefits:
- It covers major engine repairs due to accidents or water damage.
- It saves you from high repair bills.
- It gives peace of mind while driving in challenging conditions.
4 Roadside Assistance Cover
This cover provides help if your car breaks down on the road. It includes services like towing, battery jump-start, and minor repairs at your location.
Benefits:
- It offers 24/7 help if your car breaks down.
- It gives free towing to nearby service centers.
- It offers quick assistance for flat tires, battery issues, or fuel problems.
5 Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover
If your car is stolen or completely damaged, RTI cover ensures you get the original purchase price of your car, not just its current market value.
Benefits:
- It covers the full invoice price of your car.
- It protects your investment in case of theft or total loss.
- It reduces financial stress during major accidents or theft.
6 Daily Allowance Cover
This cover gives you a daily allowance if your car is under repair due to an accident, helping you manage alternative travel expenses.
Benefits:
- It helps cover cab or rental expenses while your car is repaired.
- It reduces the inconvenience of being without your car.
- It provides financial support during the repair period.
7 Passenger Cover
This cover protects passengers in your car if they are injured in an accident. Medical expenses for passengers are covered.
Benefits:
- It covers the medical expenses of passengers.
- It provides safety assurance for family and friends.
- It reduces the financial burden in case of injuries.
8 Consumables Cover
This cover pays for consumable items like engine oil, nuts, bolts, and other minor parts used during car repairs.
Benefits:
- It covers small repair costs that standard insurance ignores.
- It saves money on consumables during repairs.
- It ensures complete repair without extra expenses.
9 Tyre Protection Cover
This cover protects your car’s tyres against accidental damage such as cuts, bursts, or road accidents.
Benefits:
- It covers accidental damage to tyres.
- It reduces out-of-pocket expenses for tyre replacement.
- It provides peace of mind on long drives.
10 Key Replacement Cover
This cover helps replace your car keys if they are lost, stolen, or damaged, including smart keys and locksmith charges.
Benefits:
- It covers the cost of lost or stolen keys.
- It includes replacement of smart keys or key fobs.
- It reduces hassle during emergencies.
11 Loss of Personal Belongings Cover
This cover protects personal items inside your car, such as laptops, phones, or bags, in case of theft or damage.
Benefits:
- It covers theft or damage of personal belongings.
- It reduces financial loss from stolen items.
- It gives peace of mind while traveling with valuables.
12 Personal Accident Cover (Owner-Driver)
This cover provides compensation if the car owner or driver is injured or dies in an accident while driving the insured vehicle.
Benefits:
- It provides financial support in case of injury or death.
- It covers medical expenses or loss of income.
- It ensures safety for the car owner.
13 Personal Accident Cover for Passengers
This cover provides financial protection to passengers traveling in your car in case of accidental injury or death.
Benefits:
- It covers accidental injury or death of passengers.
- It provides financial support during emergencies.
- It ensures peace of mind for everyone in the car.
14 Outstation Emergency Cover
This cover provides assistance when your car faces an emergency while traveling outside your city.
Benefits:
- It provides emergency support during outstation trips.
- It covers towing or minor repairs in unknown locations.
- It reduces travel stress.
15 Pay-As-You-Drive Cover
This cover allows you to pay insurance premiums based on how much you drive, making it ideal for low-usage vehicles.
Benefits:
- It offers lower premiums for low-mileage drivers.
- It charges only for the distance you drive.
- It is a flexible and cost-effective insurance option.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Specific Add-Ons
Electric cars require extra protection because they have unique components, like batteries and electric motors, that need specific coverage. Here are some add-ons that help you keep your EV safe, avoid big repair bills, and get help quickly if something goes wrong.
| Add-on | What It Covers | Why It is Useful | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Protection Cover | Fixes or replaces the battery damaged due to accidents or internal failure | EV batteries are expensive; this saves a lot of money | All EV owners, especially those with new or high-range batteries |
| EV Charger Cover/Electrical Surge Secure | Covers damage to your home charger from power surges or faults | Protects your charging equipment from unexpected electrical issues | People who charge at home frequently |
| Electric Motor Protect Cover | Repairs electric motor damage caused by accidents or mechanical faults | Saves big repair costs since motors are expensive | EV owners in areas with rough roads or frequent trips |
1 Battery Protection Cover
This cover protects your electric car battery. If the battery is damaged due to an accident, water, fire, or an electrical issue, the insurance helps cover repair or replacement costs.
Benefits:
- It covers the repair or replacement of the EV battery.
- It protects against damage caused by accidents or water.
- It saves you from high battery replacement costs.
2 EV Charger Cover / Electrical Surge Secure
This cover protects your EV charger. If the charger is damaged due to a power surge, short circuit, or voltage fluctuation, the insurance covers the repair or replacement cost.
Benefits:
- It covers damage caused by electrical surges or power fluctuations.
- It protects home or portable EV charging equipment.
- It reduces the repair or replacement expenses of the charger.
3 Electric Motor Protect Cover
This cover protects the electric motor of your electric vehicle. If the motor is damaged due to an accident, water, or electrical failure, the insurance helps pay for repairs.
Benefits:
- It covers damage to the electric motor.
- It reduces the high repair costs of EV motor components.
- It provides peace of mind while driving your electric vehicle.
Benefits of Car Insurance Add-Ons Cover
Add-on covers are extra options you can choose to make your car insurance better. Here is why they are useful:
- You can customise your insurance. One of the best things about add-ons is that they allow you to customise your insurance to better suit your needs. You can add special coverage for things that matter most to you, whether it is your car’s engine, tyres, or personal stuff inside your car. This way, your insurance is exactly what you need.
- It saves money for repairs. Car repairs can be expensive and can cost you a lot of money. Add-on covers help pay for things like repairs or replacements, so you do not have to pay the full amount yourself. It helps reduce your financial worries.
- You can drive without worrying. With add-on covers, you can drive your car without any financial stress. Whether it is a small accident, a flat tyre, or a breakdown, you know that your insurance will cover all the costs.
- You can keep your NCB safe. When you do not claim your insurance, you get a No Claim Bonus (NCB), which means lower premiums next year. But if you do need to make a claim, you might lose it. Add-on covers like NCB protection help you keep that bonus, even if something happens.
Tips for Choosing the Right Add-On for Your Car Insurance
Here are some factors that you should know before choosing any add-on cover for your car insurance:
- Know what you need. Think about the risks your car might face, how you drive, and where you live. For example, if you live in an area with many accidents or car thefts, add-ons like engine protection or roadside assistance could be helpful.
- Check your budget. It's also important to check your budget before adding extra covers. Make sure you only pick the ones you really need and can afford.
- Compare prices. Look at the prices of car insurance and add-ons from different companies online. This will help you find the best plan that works for you.
- Read the terms and conditions. Before you choose any add-on, read the policy carefully. This will help you understand what is covered and what is not, so there are no surprises later when you make a claim.
Conclusion
Car insurance add-ons give you extra protection based on your needs, how you drive, and the type of car you have. They might make your premium a little higher, but they can help you financially if something unexpected happens while you are driving. So, choose the right add-ons carefully to get better coverage for your car.
FAQs
The best add-on for car insurance depends on what you need. But some of the most useful ones are zero depreciation cover, roadside assistance cover, engine protection add-on, and much more.
The best car insurance that covers everything is comprehensive insurance.
Add-on covers are not mandatory, but they can be very useful. If you want more protection for your car, in case of engine damage or losing your car keys, add-ons are a good choice.
Yes, you can add multiple add-ons to your car insurance. But keep in mind, adding too many may make the policy more expensive. Choose only what you really need.
Yes, add-ons can increase your premium (the amount you pay for insurance). However, they provide extra protection, so it is a balance between paying more for more coverage.
