How Do I Add a Consumables Cover?

Posted on: Dec 15, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How Do I Add a Consumables Cover?

add consumables cover to your car insurance

Adding the consumables cover to your car insurance policy is a simple process. Insurers offer this optional cover as an add-on with standalone own damage and comprehensive car insurance plans. You can opt for the consumables cover in India when buying a new car insurance policy or during the renewal of your existing car insurance plan. Find a step-by-step guide on how to add a consumables cover in car insurance in this blog.

Why Opt for Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?

Before we proceed with the process of adding this add-on, let us take a brief look at why one should consider this cover in the first place. Tons of benefits come with adding the consumables cover in car insurance, such as:

1. Enhanced coverage:

The main reason why you should opt for this add-on is that it offers an extra layer of protection by covering common minor expenses that are otherwise excluded under the standard coverage. By doing so, it expands upon the area where standard car insurance lacks and strengthens its coverage.

2. Reduced financial risk:

The primary reason to consider a car insurance consumables cover in India is that it pays the costs incurred on replacing consumable items during accidental repairs. These are small costs, but they can add up to a major bill. By covering these, it minimises your out-of-pocket expenses and reduces financial risk during claims.

3. Ideal for certain individuals:

Individuals who have recently purchased a new car, own a luxury vehicle, or frequently use their vehicles in high-risk areas can get the most benefit out of this add-on. It protects them from unexpected out-of-pocket expenditures due to the high cost of consumables or the increased frequency of replacing such items.

4. Enjoy peace of mind:

By adding this add-on on top of the base comprehensive insurance plan, you can rest assured knowing the cost of all minor consumable items used in the repair will be handled by the insurer. This gives you complete peace of mind as a car owner. Check out our blog on the benefits of the consumables cover add-on for more in-depth details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Consumables Cover in Car Insurance

The process of adding the consumables cover in car insurance is a pretty straightforward one and can be done at the time of buying a new policy or renewing an existing one. Although the exact process varies from insurer to insurer, here is a general step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Choose an insurer

Go online and visit your preferred insurer’s website or mobile app. Make sure they offer the car insurance consumables cover as an add-on with their car insurance plans.

• Step 2: Provide vehicle details

Enter the details of your vehicle, such as make, model, age, etc., alongside general contact details to get a quote.

• Step 3: Select a plan

Note that the consumables cover add-on is only available with standalone own damage and comprehensive car insurance plans. So, make sure you pick either one of them as your base policy.

• Step 4: Select add-ons

After selecting the plan type, go ahead with the customisation as per your preference. At this step, you will be able to choose add-on covers from the available list. Browse the options to find the consumables cover add-on and select it, or click on it to add it to your policy.

• Step 5: Review and pay

After you are done adding the consumables cover to your base car insurance plan and other customisations, go ahead and review the plan for the final time. Once everything checks out, proceed to the online payment gateway and pay the premium online to confirm policy issuance.

Things to Consider When Buying a Consumables Cover Add-on

If you want to include the consumables insurance policy as an add-on to your car insurance plan, then there are a few things you should know and consider before doing so, such as:

1. Coverage:

The benefit under the consumables cover add-on only extends to covering the costs incurred on replacing consumable items during a valid own-damage car insurance claim. Consumables in motor insurance may include, but are not limited to, things like bolts, washers, nuts, screws, filters, fluids, and lubricants.

2. Extra cost:

To add the consumables cover add-on to your car insurance, you will need to pay a little extra on top of the base policy premium. However, the financial benefit offered under this add-on usually outweighs the slight increase in upfront cost.

3. Eligibility:

Before thinking about adding this add-on to your car insurance, make sure to ensure that your vehicle is eligible for it. Most insurers in India offer this optional cover only for cars that are less than five years old. Additionally, note that this add-on is not available with third party car insurance.

4. Claim settlement:

To gain the benefit of the car insurance consumables cover, you have to ensure that your claim is intimated to the insurer within the stipulated timeframe after the accident. Failing to do so may result in the rejection of the claim.

5. Exclusions:

Besides the general exclusions, this add-on doesn’t offer coverage for the replacement of consumables during general servicing/maintenance, or for unnecessary replacement of consumables.

Conclusion:

The car insurance consumables cover shields you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for minor parts used during accidental repairs. It can easily be added to your standalone own damage or comprehensive car insurance plan during a new policy purchase or existing policy renewal. This small investment ensures enhanced coverage benefits and peace of mind for the car owners.

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

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