Which car parts are covered under insurance?

Car insurance is meant to protect you from the financial risks that come with having and driving a car. But not all damage is fixed the same way, and not all parts are covered the same way. It is important to know which parts of your car are covered by your insurance so that you don't get any unpleasant news when you file a claim.

Your normal car insurance policy will cover only certain things at most. In this blog, we'll talk about what add-ons do and how coverage can change depending on the policy you choose.

Understanding your car insurance covers parts

There are several types of car insurance plan available with each offering a varied level of protection for your car's different parts. Let’s see the difference between them:

●       Third-party insurance is required by law in India, but it only covers harm done to other people or their belongings. It doesn't cover your car or its parts.

●       Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, provides broader protection. It covers your car against a range of risks including accidents, fire, theft, natural disasters, and acts of vandalism.

●       Add-on covers: Make a complete policy better by adding specific situations or full-value swaps of parts.

Now, let's take a look at which parts of your car are covered by this policy.

Parts of cars that insurance will pay for: The following car parts are usually covered by comprehensive car insurance, but it depends on the terms, how much they've lost in value, and the type of damage:

1. Body panels on the outside

The bumpers, doors, hood, roof, trunk lid, and sides are all part of this. Usually, these panels are covered for damage caused by accidents, falling items, or vandalism.

2. Glass and windscreen

Broken or cracked windscreens and windows caused by accidents, road debris, or things flying off during storms are usually covered by normal "own damage" policies.

3. Lights on the front and back

Tyres are often damaged in collisions, and such incidents are generally included in standard insurance coverage. Depreciation does happen, though, unless you chose a bumper-to-bumper or depreciation cover.

4. Tyres and tubes

Basic insurance policies usually cover tyre damage only if it occurs as part of a major accident. The insurance does not cover normal wear and tear, punctures, and blowouts unless you have purchased an add-on for tyre security.

5. The motor and gearbox

Damage to the engine or gearbox from a crash is usually covered. But problems caused by oil leaks, hydrostatic lock (from water getting in), or not doing enough maintenance are not covered unless you buy an engine safety add-on.

6. Charge

If the battery is damaged due to a covered event like a collision or fire, it may be included in the claim. But, standard insurance won't cover battery failure caused by old age, leaks, or flaws in the way the battery was made, though.

7. Painting

 Cosmetic scratches or minor paint damage without an identifiable accident may not be covered unless associated with a reportable insured event.

8. Airbags:

 If the airbags go off in an accident, the cost of replacing them is paid. In the absence of a depreciation cover add-on, claims for airbag replacement typically include a 50% deduction due to depreciation.

9. Mirrors and parts made of glass

When they get broken in a crash or because of vandalism, side-view mirrors and rearview mirrors are covered by own-damage coverage, which covers side-view mirrors, rearview mirrors, and window glass when they break in a crash or due to vandalism.

10. Inside (Particular)

Components like seats, dashboard electronics, and infotainment systems may be covered if damaged due to a specified insured event, such as a fire or collision. Damage like spills, burns, or marks caused by carelessness is not covered.

What does default not cover?

It's not possible for a policy to cover everything. Unless you choose certain add-ons, the following are usually not covered:

●       Normal wear and tear on parts

●       Problems with electricity or machinery that weren't caused by an accident

●       Damage caused by driving while drunk

●       Not having a legal licence while driving caused damage

●       How much it costs to buy things like engine oil, water, nuts, and bolts

●       Damage caused by normal use, poor maintenance, or carelessness

It is essential to know this difference when you are looking at your car parts insurance.

What role do add-ons play in covering car parts?

You can add riders to your insurance to cover more parts and lower the amount taken out when you file a claim. These are some well-known add-ons:

●       Depreciation Cover pays the full cost of replacing parts made of plastic, rubber, or fibreglass, without taking into account how much they have lost value over time.

●       Engine Protect Cover: This covers internal parts of the engine, gearbox, crankshaft, pistons, etc., particularly in cases of water ingress during floods.

●       Even if the Tyres and tube aren’t damaged in an accident, Tyre Protection cover will pay  to fix or replace them appropriately.

●       Cover for consumables: Includes reimbursement for smaller components like engine oil, brake fluid, washers, clips, and lubricants used during repairs.

●       Go back to Cover Bill. In case of total loss or theft, you receive the vehicle’s full invoice value, including road tax and registration — not just the depreciated IDV.

How to ensure you’re fully protected

If you want your car parts insurance cover to be as robust as possible, follow these tips:

1. Read your policy schedule carefully to see which parts are covered and under what conditions.

2. Invest in relevant add-ons, especially if your vehicle is new, high-value, or frequently used.

3. Use authorised garages for repairs to ensure compatibility with the insurer's requirements.

4. Keep maintenance up to date, as insurers may deny claims if damage is due to neglect.

5. Review your coverage annually, especially if the car's value, location, or usage has changed.

Know what’s under the bonnet and the policy

Understanding which car parts are covered under insurance isn’t just about being prepared for emergencies, it’s about making sure the money you’ve invested in your policy truly protects your vehicle in meaningful ways.

Standard car insurance policies provide a good foundation, but choosing the appropriate add-ons can provide full-spectrum protection, particularly for newer or high-end cars.

A few extra rupees on your premium today might save you thousands in unexpected repairs tomorrow. So read your policy, ask the right questions, and drive insured — not just legally, but confidently.