Posted on: Jun 12, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Car Insurance Tips for Diesel vs Petrol Vehicles

Car Insurance Add-ons Comparison

Choosing the Right Add-On for Your Car Insurance Policy

When buying a comprehensive car insurance policy, you have the option to include various add-ons. But which ones are truly worth your money? In this blog, we explore the most useful car insurance add-ons and help you choose the right ones based on cost-benefit analysis.

What are Add-ons?

Add-ons, also known as riders, are extra coverages that enhance your base policy. These can help cover expenses that your standard insurance doesn’t include, such as engine damage or lost keys. Available mostly with comprehensive plans, add-ons require an additional premium but offer better financial protection.

List of Popular Car Insurance Add-ons

Zero Depreciation Cover: Prevents depreciation from being deducted during claim settlement.
Key Replacement: Covers the cost of replacing lost car keys.
Pay As You Drive Cover: Lets you pay premiums based on your car usage.
Cost of Consumables: Covers engine oil, nuts, bolts, brake fluids, etc.
No Claim Bonus Protect: Keeps your NCB intact even after claims.
Emergency Assistance Cover: Offers roadside assistance, towing, fuel delivery, etc.
Engine and Gearbox Protection: Covers repair costs from engine or gearbox damage.
Tyre Secure Cover: Helps you claim tyre replacement costs.
Downtime Protection: Compensates for the time your car is in the garage.
Return to Invoice: Compensates the full invoice value in case of total loss.
Loss of Personal Belongings: Covers listed items lost from your car.

Use Cases of Add-ons

Zero Depreciation: Ideal for new cars and luxury vehicles to receive full claim amount.
Key Replacement: Helpful for high-end cars with expensive keys.
Consumables Cover: Recommended for cars frequently used in urban traffic.
NCB Protect: Best for cautious drivers who may have to raise one or two claims.
Emergency Assistance: Perfect for long-distance or highway drivers.
Engine Cover: Highly valuable in areas prone to waterlogging.
Tyre Secure: Great for SUVs and cars with costly tyres.
Return to Invoice: Useful for new cars less than 3 years old.
Loss of Personal Belongings: Beneficial for people who commute with gadgets, tools, etc.

Cost vs Benefit Analysis of Add-ons

Benefit Estimated Savings Annual Cost
Zero Depreciation Cover Up to ₹40,000 per claim ₹7,000 - ₹12,000
Engine Protector Cover ₹2L for parts, ₹4L for full engine ₹1,000 - ₹4,000
Roadside Assistance Cover ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per incident ₹500 - ₹1,500

Note: Based on vehicles worth ₹10 lakhs. Actual costs may vary by location and insurer.

Conclusion

Car insurance add-ons offer peace of mind by filling gaps left by basic policies. Whether it’s depreciation, engine damage, or a flat tyre on a rainy night—add-ons have your back. Choose your add-ons wisely based on your driving needs and the cost-benefit ratio.

Tip: Always compare plans with and without add-ons before finalising your insurance.

FAQs

1. Are add-ons available with all types of car insurance?
Add-ons are available mostly with comprehensive policies, not third-party ones.

2. Can I add multiple add-ons to my policy?
Yes, you can customise your policy with multiple add-ons.

3. Are car insurance add-ons worth it?
If chosen wisely, yes. Add-ons offer significant financial relief during claims.

Disclaimer: The above content is for illustrative purposes. Please refer to policy documents for accurate details.

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