Guide to Consumables Add-On Cover In Car Insurance

As a car lover, safeguarding your beloved car is difficult, especially when you reside in a traffic-prone region. Irrespective of whether you are a safe driver or not, your car is bound to require a few repairs every couple of years. Useful only in situations involving accidents, a car insurance policy with consumables cover is useful to even pay for minor repair costs if involved in an accident, which at times, can be high when considered in aggregate.

What are Consumable Spares?

Consumables spares are those components that have only limited use and often require periodic replacement. Examples of consumable spares include nuts, bolts, engine oils and other fluids in your car, bearings, and washers. In simpler words, consumable spares are those parts that are crucial to the driving of your car and require to be replaced regularly for maintaining optimal performance.

What is a Consumable Add-on in Car Insurance?

Car insurance plans are available in two types—a third-party policy and a comprehensive plan. By definition, third-party plans provide limited coverage for liabilities only, whereas comprehensive plans provide financial coverage against damages to your car as well. However, they lack any coverage for the cost of consumable spares that may be required. Thus, the policyholder is required to pay for these costs from their pocket. But when a consumable add-on is opted for, these costs of small parts and spares are also covered in the policy’s scope, parts are replaced or repaired as per surveyor analysis.

What are the Different Components that are Covered in a Consumables Cover?

The following items are within the scope of a consumables add-on cover: - Nuts and bolts are required in different components. - Washers and grease are used for various moving spares. - Different types of oils and lubricants are required in various parts such as steering, brakes, and engine (including the gas required for the air conditioning system). - Any filters used in the car, such as fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, etc. * Standard T&C Apply

What are the Things to Remember When Opting for a Consumables Add-on Cover?

Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a consumables add-on: - Generally, insurance companies offer consumables cover for vehicles not older than five years. - Further, this add-on cover is only available when you purchase or go for a car insurance renewal of a comprehensive insurance plan. Thus, third-party policyholders will not be able to avail these benefits. - In case of mechanical or electrical breakdown of the car, the consumables cover will not provide coverage. - Driving without valid vehicle documents like an expired PUC certificate or an expired registration will lead to denial of compensation under this add-on. - In addition, driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances can also lead to denial of the claim. - The coverage provided under the consumables add-on by different insurance companies can differ. Hence, it is essential to verify the coverage and only then purchase one. * Standard T&C Apply

Why Should You Consider Buying a Consumables Add-on?

The consumables add-on will help lower any out-of-pocket expenses that otherwise can be a significant part of your insurance claim. However, remember that it is additional coverage that can be purchased. You can make use of a car insurance premium calculator to estimate its impact on your premium amount.   * Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.