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Best Car Insurance Add-Ons for Winter Season

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The winter season often brings a change in driving patterns. People take longer drives, plan road trips, drive late at night, and spend longer hours on the road. Fog, poor visibility, slower traffic, and increased congestion raise the chances of breakdowns and minor accidents. While a standard car insurance policy provides base coverage, it may not be enough to handle winter-specific risks. Reviewing your policy and adding the right additional covers during this season can help you avoid unexpected repair costs and service delays. This article explains the add-ons that can strengthen your car insurance and keep your winter drives stress-free.

Top car insurance add-ons during the winter:

Here’s a look at the best riders you may consider getting at this time:

1. Roadside assistance cover

Whether you are going to a party in the evening or you are driving down to Goa early in the morning, you would want the journey to be uneventful. But what happens when your car suddenly breaks down?

Well, with roadside assistance in car insurance, everything works out. All you have to do is call your insurance provider, and they will send help as soon as possible. A mechanic will attempt to fix the issues, but if they persist, your car will be towed to the nearest service station.

Pro tip:

If you drive at night, on highways, or outside city limits even once a month, add this. Winter breakdowns due to battery failure and fog-related stalling are common. Towing alone can cost ₹3,000–₹7,000 without cover.

2. Zero depreciation cover

The festive time could be expensive! You spend on new clothes, events, trips, etc. At such a time, getting a lower car insurance claim amount may pinch you badly. To cover this, you need the zero depreciation cover. Getting the zero depreciation car insurance add-on helps, as you get a higher car insurance claim amount and your finances stay protected.

Pro tip:

If your car is under 5 years old, you surely won’t want to skip this. Winter accidents often mean panel and bumper damage. Without zero depreciation, you would get claims with depreciation, and you would have to pay the differential!

3. Engine protection cover

Engine protection cover in car insurance is non-negotiable if you live in a waterlogging-prone zone. A standard car insurance plan doesn't cover the engine of the vehicle. This is why you need the engine protect in car insurance add-on. With this add-on, you can drive safely to your holiday destination during the winter rains, without worrying about anything!

Pro tip:

If you are planning to drive through waterlogged roads, hilly areas, or on long-distance winter trips, be sure to add this. Engine and gearbox damage is one of the costliest repairs and is not covered under basic policies.

4. Consumables cover

The consumables add-on covers the small parts of the car, such as the nuts, bolts, engine oil, etc. These may seem minimal and insignificant, but even a small fault in any of these parts can lead to your car breaking down. Get this handy add-on and avoid unnecessary roadblocks.

Pro tip:

If you want a “no-argument” claim settlement, take this. Engine oil, nuts, bolts, and coolant costs add up and are usually excluded from standard claims.

5. Return to invoice cover

With the return to invoice in car insurance add-on, you are entitled to get the full invoice value of your car in your motor insurance claim if your car is stolen or damaged beyond repair. Getting this beneficial rider, as a big loss, such as a vehicle loss, is quite unwarranted during the happy, festive winter time.

Pro tip:

If your car is under 3 years old, this is a definite add-on for you. In total loss or theft cases, RTI protects you from losing lakhs due to depreciation.

6. Tyre protection cover

The tyre of your vehicle literally takes it places! Hence, you cannot afford to have damaged tyres when you are out for your winter festive adventures.

Pro tip:

Useful if you drive on highways, broken roads, or hilly terrain. Tyre bursts and sidewall damage spike in winter and are expensive to replace. Get the tyre protection cover to have the tyres repaired or replaced as and when needed.

7. Key replacement cover

Imagine this - you leave a party late at night, tired. You dig into your pocket, only to find your car keys are missing. At such a time, you not only feel frustrated but also very helpless. Having the key replacement cover helps, as the motor insurance provider steps in and replaces your car key hassle-free.

Pro tip:

If your car has smart keys or push-button start, add this. Replacing such keys can cost ₹10,000–₹30,000 and takes time without insurance support.

8. Personal accident coverage for passengers

The personal accident coverage for passengers is an extremely important rider. Sadly, the festival time sees a lot of irresponsible behaviour on the road, with people driving poorly and not following the traffic rules. This leads to accidents. Get the personal accident coverage for passengers add-on and keep everyone safe at all times.

Pro tip:

This mandatory cover is available only to the owner-driver and can be taken only once, even if you have multiple cars. However, if you regularly drive with family or friends, add this to avoid gaps in medical expenses after accidents.

9. Daily allowance cover

You would have to go out a lot during the winter and festive season, and at such a time, if you are left without a vehicle, it would be very unfortunate. However, if you have the daily allowance cover, your insurer will pay you a daily allowance for the days your car is at the repair centre. You can use the allowance to hire a car or book a cab as and when needed.

Pro tip:

If you depend on your car for daily commuting, take this. Repair delays are common in winter. Cab costs add up quickly.

10. Emergency medical expenses cover

This is yet another important coverage that you cannot ignore during the festive season. As mentioned above, road accidents are common at such times. Get the emergency medical expenses cover, and you will be able to afford the best medical treatment if there is an accident. This will help you recover faster.

Pro tip:

If you frequently travel outside city limits, this helps bridge the gap before health insurance kicks in. Useful for immediate treatment costs.

In a nutshell

Getting motor insurance is important, but getting a policy that works for you at the most important time is crucial. Consider adding all, or some, of these riders to your basic car insurance plan. Evaluate your needs and see which add-on is of best use to you. Remember, you have to pay extra for every add-on, which will push up the cost of your car insurance policy. Hence, do a thorough analysis and pick the useful riders. Attach it to a good policy from a good insurer like HDFC Ergo and keep your vehicle well-protected during the winters.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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