Add-on Car Insurance Covers in India: Which Ones Should You Buy?
Short: Optional add-on covers can protect you from big repair bills. Learn which add-ons are worth buying based on your car age, location, and driving habits.
What Are Add-on Covers in Car Insurance?
Add-ons are optional benefits you can purchase with comprehensive car insurance. They slightly increase your premium but give wider protection — e.g., engine damage, tyre replacement, roadside assistance, and more.
Common Add-on Covers in India
Zero Depreciation Cover
Zero Depreciation (Zero Dep) ensures you get the full claim amount without deduction for depreciation on replaced parts. Highly recommended for cars up to 5 years old.
Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover
RTI pays the original invoice value of the car in case of total loss or theft — useful for brand-new cars to avoid depreciation losses.
Engine & Gearbox Protection Cover
Covers repair/replacement costs after damage due to water ingress, oil leakage, or mechanical failure. Must for owners in flood-prone or waterlogged areas.
Roadside Assistance Cover
Provides towing, on‑spot mechanic help, fuel delivery, and battery jumpstart. Great for frequent travellers and long‑distance drivers.
Consumables Cover
Covers small items such as nuts, bolts, lubricants, AC gas, and other consumables not covered under normal policies.
Tyre Protection Cover
Pay for repair or replacement of tyres and rims damaged due to accidents or potholes. Useful for rough-road users.
No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection
Protects your NCB discount even after one (or limited) claims — saves money at renewal.
Passenger & Personal Accident Cover
Covers accidental injury or death for passengers and the driver. Important for family cars.
How to Choose the Right Add-ons for Your Car
- New Car Owners: Zero Dep + RTI + Engine Protect
- Frequent Travellers: Roadside Assistance + Tyre Cover
- Flood-Prone Cities: Engine Protect + Consumables Cover
- Budget Focused: NCB Protection + Selective add-ons only
Cost vs Benefit: Are Add-ons Worth It?
Typical add-on costs vary from ₹500 – ₹6,500 per year. Potential repair savings can run from ₹30,000 to ₹3,50,000 depending on the damage. Small premium increases can prevent large out-of-pocket expenses.
| Add-on | Typical Annual Cost | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Zero Depreciation | ₹1,500 – ₹6,500 | No deduction for part depreciation |
| Return to Invoice (RTI) | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 | Invoice price in total loss/theft |
| Engine Protection | ₹800 – ₹4,000 | Covers engine repairs due to water/oil damage |
| Roadside Assistance | ₹300 – ₹1,200 | Towing, fuel delivery, on-spot help |
Tips Before Buying Add-ons
- Compare plans from at least 3 insurers before buying.
- Only buy add-ons that match your location and driving habits.
- Check terms: some add-ons are limited by car age or require inspection.
- Review add-ons at each renewal — needs change over time.
FAQ
A: Most insurers allow adding at renewal; some allow mid-term additions with inspection.
A: Usually add-ons add 10–20% extra; but they can save lakhs during big claims.
A: Some add-ons (Zero Dep) are limited to cars under 5 years; others are available for all.
