When you buy a car insurance policy in India, the standard coverage includes third-party liability and own damage protection. But here’s the catch: basic insurance doesn’t always cover real-world situations like engine damage, zero depreciation, or roadside emergencies.
That’s where car insurance add-ons (riders) come in. For a small extra premium, they provide additional coverage that can save you thousands during an accident or repair.
However, not every add-on is useful. Many are just marketing gimmicks that increase your premium without offering real value. So which ones are actually worth buying in 2025?
Let’s break it down.
✅ What Are Car Insurance Add-Ons?
Add-ons (also called riders) are optional benefits that can be purchased along with your comprehensive car insurance. They provide protection for situations not covered by a standard policy.
For example:
- Normal policy won’t cover engine failure due to waterlogging.
- But with an Engine Protect Add-On, your repair costs are covered.
🚗 Top 5 Car Insurance Add-Ons Worth Buying in 2025
1. Zero Depreciation Cover (Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance)
- What It Covers:
When you make a claim, insurers deduct depreciation on car parts like plastic, rubber, and metal. With this add-on, you get the full claim amount without depreciation deduction. - Why It’s Worth It:
Ideal for new cars (0–5 years). Even small accidents can cost ₹40,000–₹50,000 in repairs. This add-on ensures you don’t pay from your pocket. - Extra Premium: 10–15% higher than standard policy.
- Example: A ₹1 lakh bumper repair may otherwise cost you ₹25,000 (depreciation). With zero dep cover, insurer pays full ₹1 lakh.
2. Engine Protect Cover
- What It Covers:
Damage to engine and gearbox due to waterlogging, oil leakage, or hydrostatic lock. - Why It’s Worth It:
In India’s monsoon season, thousands of claims are rejected because water entered the engine. Engine repair can cost ₹1–2 lakh. - Extra Premium: ~₹2,000–₹3,000 annually.
- Best For: People living in flood-prone cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru).
3. Roadside Assistance (RSA)
- What It Covers:
Emergency help like flat tyre replacement, towing, jump-starting battery, fuel delivery, on-the-spot repairs. - Why It’s Worth It:
If your car breaks down at midnight on a highway, RSA is a lifesaver. A single towing charge can cost ₹3,000–₹5,000. - Extra Premium: ~₹500–₹1,500 per year.
- Best For: Long-distance travellers, highway users, or people driving alone frequently.
4. Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover
- What It Covers:
In case your car is stolen or completely damaged, insurer pays the full invoice value (ex-showroom price) instead of depreciated IDV. - Why It’s Worth It:
Normal insurance pays current market value (which decreases every year). With RTI, you get the full price you originally paid, including road tax and registration. - Extra Premium: ~10% of premium.
- Best For: New cars (up to 3 years old), high-value vehicles.
5. Consumables Cover
- What It Covers:
Small items like nuts, bolts, engine oil, brake fluid, AC gas, grease, etc. that are excluded from regular insurance. - Why It’s Worth It:
After an accident, consumables can add ₹5,000–₹10,000 extra to your repair bill. This cover reimburses that cost. - Extra Premium: ~₹1,000–₹2,000 annually.
- Best For: Cars under warranty, frequent drivers.
⚡ Other Add-Ons You Can Consider (Optional)
- NCB (No Claim Bonus) Protection – Retains your NCB discount even after one claim.
- Key Replacement Cover – Covers cost of lost/damaged smart keys (worth ₹10,000+).
- Personal Accident Cover for Passengers – Provides financial protection for co-passengers.
📊 Cost vs Benefit – Why These 5 Add-Ons Make Sense
| Add-On | Extra Premium (₹/Year) | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Zero Depreciation | 3,000 – 6,000 | 25,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Engine Protect | 2,000 – 3,000 | 1 – 2 lakh |
| Roadside Assistance | 500 – 1,500 | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Return to Invoice | 4,000 – 8,000 | Full car value |
| Consumables Cover | 1,000 – 2,000 | 5,000 – 15,000 |
Clearly, spending a few thousand more each year can save lakhs in case of an accident or theft.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are car insurance add-ons mandatory in India?
No. They are optional but highly recommended for complete protection.
Q2: Can I buy add-ons later after policy purchase?
Usually, add-ons are only available at the time of purchase or renewal.
Q3: Which add-on is most important for a new car?
Zero Depreciation Cover + RTI are must-have for new cars.
Q4: Do add-ons increase claim settlement time?
No, they actually make the process smoother since coverage is wider.
Q5: Can I take all add-ons together?
Yes, but choose wisely. Too many add-ons will significantly increase premium.
Final Thoughts
Car insurance isn’t just about fulfilling a legal requirement — it’s about real financial security. In 2025, rising repair costs and unpredictable accidents make add-ons more important than ever.
The top 5 add-ons worth buying are:
- Zero Depreciation Cover
- Engine Protect Cover
- Roadside Assistance
- Return to Invoice Cover
- Consumables Cover
These add-ons ensure that you’re never left paying massive repair bills from your own pocket. A little extra premium today can save you lakhs tomorrow.
If you’re buying or renewing your car insurance this year, make sure you include these essential add-ons for complete peace of mind.
