The Ultimate List of Car Insurance Add-Ons
4 min read
・Jun 13, 2024
Car insurance is essential to protect your car against damages. But did you know that even your comprehensive cover misses out on some key benefits, like emergency assistance during breakdowns or engine damage from water? That’s where car insurance add-ons or riders come into play.
Riders for car insurance are additional coverages that protect against damages that your regular insurance policy doesn’t cover. These add-ons are essential to ensure you get 360-degree protection, including engine protection, roadside assistance, return to invoice, and more.
We’ve compiled this comprehensive list of the best car insurance add-ons to help you create a suitable car protection plan.
Best Add-ons for Your Car Insurance
Here are the 13 popular car insurance add-ons you can consider :
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance Cover
A roadside assistance cover helps if your car breaks down or you face an emergency on the road. It offers assistance like towing, battery jump-starts, flat tyre changes, spare keys, fuel delivery, and more.
Who should choose this?
It is essential for those who frequently travel long distances or don’t possess knowledge about car repair.
- Zero Depreciation Cover
With a zero or nil depreciation cover, you get compensation for part replacements or repairs without deducting depreciation, meaning you receive the complete cost of repairs. The add-on is available only for cars up to 5 years old.
Who should choose this?
This add-on will be a lifesaver if you own a brand-new car, a luxury vehicle, or a car with costly spare parts.
- Engine Protection Cover
This rider for car insurance protects against engine damage from water ingress, oil leakages, hydrostatic locks, etc.
Who should choose this?
If you live in an area prone to floods or water logging due to heavy rainfall, engine protection cover is a must-have to reduce the cost of repairing or replacing the engine.
- Return to Invoice Cover
If your car suffers total damage or is stolen, return to invoice cover ensures you get the claim amount equal to the car’s original price without deducting depreciation.
Who should choose this?
This rider is essential if you are a new driver or live in an accident-prone or theft-prone area.
- Consumables Cover
This add-on reimburses you for the cost of consumable items during the repairs. These include items like lubricants, engine oil, nuts, screws, bolts, bearings, oil filters, etc.
Who should choose this?
If you take your car on the road regularly, due to which it is prone to wear and tear, a consumable cover is for you.
- Key Replacement Cover
Key replacement add-on covers the cost of replacing your insured car’s keys if they are lost or stolen. It also covers the cost of repairing or replacing the lock if needed.
Who should choose this?
If you live in an area where burglaries are common or frequently travel to one, get this cover added to your car insurance.
- No Claim Bonus Protection
As the name suggests, this rider for car insurance protects your no-claim bonus even if you file a claim in a policy year. Over time, no claim bonus can significantly reduce your insurance premiums.
Who should choose this?
You must get this add-on if you are an experienced driver who is less prone to mishaps on the road.
- Personal Accident Cover for Passengers
Passenger cover extends the protection to passengers travelling in the insured car in case of an accident. The cover pays for ambulance fees, hospitalisation expenses, and treatment costs.
Who should choose this?
You must get this cover if you travel with your family and friends.
- Tyre Damage Cover
The tyre damage add-on covers the cost of repairing or replacing tyres in case of non-accidental damages.
Who should choose this?
This rider is best if you are a frequent traveller, protecting you from expenses like punctures, bursts, bulges, etc.
- Loss of Personal Belongings
This rider for your car insurance reimburses you for the loss of personal items from your insured car due to theft or damage.
Who should choose this?
If you carry items like laptops, phones, or bags while you travel in your vehicle, getting your personal belongings covered can be a practical choice.
- Passenger Assistance
The passenger assistance add-on covers passengers travelling with the policyholder in the insured vehicle. It covers medical and hospitalisation expenses for passengers who suffer injuries or disabilities in an accident.
Who should choose this?
Passenger assistance coverage is a must-have if you travel frequently with your friends and family members.
- Emergency Expenses
Emergency expenses rider covers any unforeseen expenses you may incur due to a car breakdown or accident. It usually covers expenses like emergency transport to the nearest garage or hotel and the cost of an overnight stay.
Who should choose this?
If you take long rides on the road or frequently travel to remote locations in your car, you should consider getting an emergency expenses add-on.
- Parts Repair
The parts repair add-on covers the cost of repairing car parts damaged in an accident or breakdown. You can use this rider’s benefits while repairing your car’s rubber, plastic, glass, and fibre parts.
Who should choose this?
This add-on is a practical choice if you own a car that has expensive spare parts, so repairing existing parts is a cost-effective option.
Key Takeaways
That concludes the list of the best car insurance add-ons. Depending on your needs, you can request your insurance provider to include any of these riders in your car insurance by paying an extra premium. A slightly higher premium is nothing compared to the benefits and cost savings these additional coverages offer in the event of damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay an extra premium if I choose add-ons to my insurance policy ?
Can we choose multiple add-ons for the same vehicle ?
Can I purchase car insurance without any add-ons ?
Is there any add-on which provides accident coverage to the driver as well ?
Can I avail add-ons if I purchase a car insurance policy on PhonePe ?
