Add-on covers in car insurance: Types and benefits

A standard comprehensive car insurance plan inherently protects against both own damage (accidents, theft, and damages due to natural or man-made disasters) and third-party liability. However, by opting for car insurance add-ons, you can extend your protection beyond these comprehensive basics. Add-ons provide additional coverage benefits that help you manage unexpected repair or replacement expenses effectively, such as zero depreciation, engine protection, roadside assistance, and personal belongings cover.

With Zurich Kotak General Insurance, you can customize your car insurance policy with optional add-ons to suit your specific needs, providing enhanced protection at a reasonable cost. Zurich Kotal offers a range of add-ons such as depreciation cover, roadside assistance, consumables cover, engine protection, return-to-invoice cover, loss of personal belongings cover, daily car allowance, key replacement cover, NCB protector, and tyre protection. These add-ons help strengthen your vehicle’s safety and financial security while ensuring your coverage matches your driving needs.

What Are Add-On Covers in Car Insurance?

The add-ons imply the additional coverage protection offered by your existing motor insurance at the cost of an additional premium amount. They enhance the coverage scope beyond the standard. Add-on covers in motor insurance are another method to customize your insurance protection to handle unforeseen events related to your car.

These add-ons offer better flexibility to your plan adding the protection of tailored coverage.

Why choose add-ons?

While third-party cover is mandatory to meet the legal standards, comprehensive coverage allows enough protection. However, such comprehensive plans may even prove to be insufficient at times, raising the need to supplement it with add-ons. However, you must be aware of the befitting add-ons and choose only them to prevent unnecessary financial drainage.

While a simple car insurance plan may do you and your finances a world of good, you may double its benefit by buying add-ons. An add-on is a supplementary coverage that gives you added benefits apart from your regular car insurance coverage. Here are some of the best add-on covers for car insurance:

Types of Add-On Covers for Car Insurance

While a simple car insurance plan may do you and your finances a world of good, you may double its benefit by buying add-ons. An add-on is a supplementary coverage that gives you added benefits apart from your regular car insurance coverage. Here are some of the best add-on covers for car insurance:

Roadside Assistance Cover

In case you are met with an auto emergency in the middle of your journey and have no help to turn to, this add-on ensures that your insurance company sends someone to assist you. Filling an empty tank, repairing a flat tire, and helping to tow your vehicle—this add-on covers it all.

Zero Depreciation Cover

Also commonly referred to as depreciation cover, the zero depreciation add-on ensures that you receive full claim on the value of the parts of your car, in case of damage.

Consumables Cover

This add-on covers expenses that may be incurred while your car consumables like screws, bolts, nuts, oil filter, engine filter, air conditioner, washer, etc. are being repaired after an accident or theft.

Engine Cover

An engine protect add-on ensures that you do not end up burning a hole in your pocket with expensive engine maintenance jobs due to damage in its electronic circuits or other similar issues. Considering how much our car engines go through daily, this is one of the best add-ons to have. It’s a very handy cover especially during the rains.

Return to Invoice Cover

Usually applicable during the first year of purchasing the vehicle, return to invoice cover add-on ensures that you get full value on your car in case it gets completely damaged in an accident or in the event of a theft. A car is an investment that costs us a lot. Which is why investing in car insurance and taking a few add-ons that add extra protection to our vehicle is always a great idea.

Discounts on add-ons

To avoid the accumulation of old stock, your dealer might consider clearing them at discounted rates this January. You might consider these deals:

Securing heavy batteries

Current car insurance plans are customized for internal combustion engines, possessing different components than EVs. The exclusive Battery Secure add-on caters to the repair and replacement of hybrid and pure EVs. It covers the expenses incurred due to the damage for sudden power surges, short circuits, and water ingression.

Cover for charging kit and battery components

This exclusive EV add-on insures against short-circuit, self-ignition, and damage caused by fire, theft or damage to the battery, and its parts including adapters, cables, and charging connectors.

Personal belonging coverage

There is an add-on that covers for loss or damage of personal belongings present in the car. However, it has to necessarily belong to the insurance holder or his/her spouse, parents, children and parents-in-law and not any other friend or acquaintance. However, FIR is required under such circumstances.

Some other significant add-ons even include coverage for critical allied expenses including the cost of consumables in car insurance; an umbrella cover exclusive to the CNG vehicles; insurance for the delicate car components including, tyre protection rider, repairing and replacement of the plastic and fibre parts, damaged glass, etc. It is best to secure your high-end vehicle components with a befitting rider including the entertainment system, AC, car camera, fire extinguisher, interior fittings, seat covers, etc.

How to Choose the Right Add-Ons for You?

Choosing the right add-ons for your car insurance policy can significantly enhance your protection and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Add-ons customize your coverage to meet your specific needs and driving conditions.

Consider these key points when selecting add-ons:

●      Assess your car’s age and value: Newer cars benefit from zero depreciation and return-to-invoice covers.

●      Evaluate your driving habits: Frequent long-distance travellers should consider roadside assistance.

●      Vehicle type matters: Electric vehicle owners may need battery and charger protection.

●      Consider region-specific risks: Areas prone to flooding require engine protection.

●      Budget wisely: Pick add-ons that align with your needs to avoid unnecessary premium costs.

●      Review terms carefully: Ensure add-ons complement your base policy and offer value.

Conclusion

Add-on covers elevate your car insurance protection by bridging the gap between standard coverage and real-world risks. Whether it’s roadside emergencies, accidental damage, or total loss, these small additional investments ensure complete peace of mind.
With Zurich Kotak General Insurance, you can customize your car insurance with essential add-ons that provide long-term value, convenience, and protection against unforeseen expenses on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of add-on covers for motor insurance?

Add-ons extend your policy’s protection beyond standard coverage, covering specific risks such as engine damage from water ingress or lubricant leakage, roadside emergencies, and loss of personal belongings.

2. Are car insurance add-ons free of cost?

No. Each add-on comes with a small additional premium, but the extra coverage can save you significant costs during a claim.

3. Is there a limit to the number of add-ons I can purchase?

There’s no strict limit. You can select multiple add-ons based on your vehicle type, driving habits, and coverage needs, though some insurer-specific restrictions may apply.

4. Which extras should I consider with car insurance?

Popular choices include Zero Depreciation Cover, Roadside Assistance, and Engine Protection to ensure maximum safety and financial security.

5. Which car insurance add-on is best?

For most drivers, Zero Depreciation and Roadside Assistance offer the most value.

6. What is the most useful add-on cover in car insurance?

The Zero Depreciation Cover is often the most beneficial, as it ensures your claim amount is paid in full without deductions for depreciation.

7. Do add-on covers increase car insurance premiums significantly?

Not significantly. They slightly raise your premium but provide much greater financial protection when you make a claim.

8. Can I buy add-on covers mid-term in my car insurance policy?

Typically, add-ons can only be included at the time of renewal, although some insurers allow mid-term additions after a vehicle inspection.

9. Are add-on covers available for both comprehensive and third-party plans?

Most add-ons are available with comprehensive car insurance. Certain add-ons, like Roadside Assistance or Personal Accident Cover, may also be offered with third-party plans, depending on the insurer.

10. Is zero depreciation cover beneficial for older cars?

It is most effective for cars under five years old. For older vehicles, the benefits reduce as depreciation naturally lowers the claim value.