What are consumables in car insurance?

Most people who buy comprehensive car insurance think that it covers all costs linked to accidents and repairs. But, there is one group of parts and materials for vehicles that are often forgotten, which is consumables. These additional costs can catch you off guard if you haven’t opted for a consumables cover.

What does "consumable cover" mean in car insurance, and how does it help you? This article talks about the importance of consumables in car maintenance, what normal policies don't cover, and why getting coverage might be a good idea for your wallet.

How to understand consumables in car insurance

Consumables are items in your car that need to be replaced or used often. They are cheap, but fixing them after an accident can be costly. Some common supplies are:

●       Oil for the brakes

●       Coolant

●       Engine oil

●       Grease

●       Lubricants

●       Bolts and nuts

●       Screws

●       Laundry

●       AC gas

●       Ties and clips for cords

These parts usually can't be fixed or used again, and they don't last very long. That's precisely why we refer to them as products.

Does standard car insurance cover things that you use up?

No is the answer. It doesn't matter how comprehensive your insurance is if it doesn't cover consumables by default. Standard auto insurance covers important parts like body panels, windscreens, electrical systems, and damage to the car itself that happens by accident.

However, consumables are often not covered by insurance, so the insured must pay for them. Even though the prices of these parts may not seem very high on their own, the total cost of repairs after an accident can increase your financial burden.

How does car insurance cover things like consumables?

You can add a supplies cover to a full-coverage car insurance policy if you want to. This add-on pays for the cost of consumables that are used or changed while an accident-related repair is being done.

In the event that your car is in an accident and the repair bill includes consumables like engine oil, nuts, bolts, or coolant, this add-on will cover their cost, as long as they are named as part of the authorised repair.

This add-on promises that you won't have to pay extra for these seemingly unimportant but actually very important parts.

How does the consumables cover work?

Let’s look at a real-life case to help us understand:

Let’s say you get into a small accident with your car and take it to a licensed service place to get fixed. More brake oil and engine coolant need to be added, along with the broken bumper. There are ₹15,000 in fixing costs, and ₹2,500 is for parts and consumables. You would have to pay ₹2,500 out of pocket because the standard policy does not cover consumables.

If you bought a consumables add-on, on the other hand, you can get back the entire ₹15,000, provided the claim is valid and the repairs are carried out at a network garage, subject to policy terms and depreciation clauses.

Who should you choose to cover consumables?

Consumables cover is especially helpful for people who have just bought a new car; they tend to drive it more carefully and want to be fully protected against any unexpected costs.

For cars that are still under warranty, authorised service centres are the best places to get repairs done because they charge standard prices for parts, which makes the invoice worth more.

●       Drivers in cities: bumper-to-bumper traffic makes small crashes more likely, and the costs of repairs can add up.

●       People who want full safety for all risks: If you want to keep your financial obligations as low as possible, you need this add-on.

What you can and can't do

There are some rules that apply to this add-on, even though it is useful:

1. How old the car is: Most insurers cover repairs for cars that are up to five years old.

2. Garage Conditions: In order to get your money back, repairs usually need to be done at approved network garages.

3. Time Limit for Filing a Claim: Usually, claims must be filed within a certain amount of time, like 24 to 72 hours after the event.

4. Policy Compatibility: You can only add it to full-coverage or package insurance policies. You can't add it to third-party-only policies.

Make sure you ask your insurance company about any specific activities that are not covered, like business use or repairs that were not approved.

How much things cost to cover

While the base policy doesn’t state an exact premium for consumables cover. The typical cost ranges from ₹300 to ₹1,000 per year, depending on the car’s make, model, and insurer. Claims for consumables can range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per accident, especially with branded workshops and OEM parts.

How to cover everyday items in your policy

These days, most insurance companies let you include add food coverage when you buy a new comprehensive policy or renew an old one. People who buy items online often call them "add-ons" or "riders." At Zurich Kotak General Insurance, we make it easy to change your car insurance plan. You can add useful extras like coverage for consumables, depreciation cover, engine protect, and more.

In conclusion, small parts offer big protection.

As cars get more complicated and well-engineered, even the smallest parts play a role in their total safety and performance. Consumables may be low in cost, but they are high in utility. Replacing them is inevitable, especially after accidents or repairs.

By opting for a consumables cover, you ensure that your insurance truly works for you, covering both the major and minor elements of your vehicle. If you prioritise comprehensive coverage and wish to avoid unexpected expenses, you should consider this add-on.

Explore Zurich Kotak General Insurance’s customised car insurance plans today and add consumables coverage for smarter, all-round vehicle protection.