Engine Protector in Car Insurance: Your Essential Monsoon Shield

5 min read | Updated on July 24, 2025, 16:46 IST

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The monsoon season in India provides much-needed relief, but it also presents considerable obstacles for vehicles, families, and commuters. Streets that are flooded, careless drivers, and constantly changing weather can all cause severe harm, particularly to your vehicle's engine. The engine damage that might occur as a result of water infiltration or oil leakage is not covered by comprehensive auto insurance, even though it covers accidental damage, fire, theft, and liability to third parties.

The Engine Protector add-on is what you need to do in this situation. The adoption of this extra rider protects against the need for expensive mechanical repairs that may be caused by water or faults in internal components. Let's discuss what Engine Protector is, why you might require it, how it operates, and the benefits it offers in the real world when applied to the Indian environment.

What Is an Engine Protector?

Engine Protector, or Engine Protection Cover/Engine Shield, is an add-on to your own car insurance policy. It provides insurance against damage arising from:

Water entry (e.g., hydrostatic lock in floods)
Lubricant leak or failure of engine oil
A hydraulic lock while starting the vehicle in watery situations
Internal running component failures due to water or oil issues

Without such a cover, fixing or replacing engine parts, such as pistons, crankshafts, cylinder heads, or the gearbox, will cost anywhere from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh, even for low-cost cars.

Who Should Use an Engine Protector?

If any of the below are true for you, it's best to include Engine Protector:

Monsoon or flood zone dwellers

Many cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad tend to flood during the rainy season.

Owners of luxury or new vehicles

Luxury brand and new car engine repairs can be prohibitively costly.

Daily drivers, particularly rural or semi-urban commuters

Proximity to low-lying roads exposes them to risk.

Cars beyond manufacturer warranty

Repair after the warranty period is your responsibility.

Additionally, if you live in coastal areas or any place where waterlogging is common, it is highly recommended that you opt for an engine protection add-on.

What Does It Cover?

Most of the standard Engine Protector policies in India cover:

Internal engine parts: pistons, crankshaft, bearings, cylinder head
Gearbox or transmission malfunctions
Water damage due to sudden water exposure, or oil disuse wear and tear
Labour and consumable expenses: engine oil, lubricants, nuts, bolts.

Coverage will differ between insurers, but almost all cover emergency engine damage due to water entry, even if you inadvertently turn on your submerged vehicle.

Advantages of Choosing Engine Protection Insurance (Add-On)

Here are the most critical advantages of opting for an engine protection add-on:

Financial safety

Steer clear of surprise expenses of ₹1–2 lakh.

Peace of mind

Drive fearlessly during the monsoon season.

Lifetime engine well-being

Guarantees faulty

Inexpensive protection

Premium add-ons typically cost no more than ₹500–1,500 a year, less than possible engine repair expenses.

Exclusions & Important Caveats

Though Engine Protector is a powerful protection, be aware of typical exclusions:

Engine Protection Cover – Key Exclusions & Conditions

Category	Details
General Exclusion	- Wear & tear, normal ageing, or disconnected parts - Negligence (e.g., running the engine underwater) - Damage due to unrelated accidents or late claims
Age Limit	Typically available for cars up to 5 years old Some insurers may restrict it to fewer years
Force Start in Flooded Areas	- Considered willful negligence and can lead to claim rejection - Water damage after an accident is generally not covered
Claim Caps	Engine repair claims are usually capped at 2 per policy year

Tips on Buying & Claim Do's & Don'ts

Here are some of the things you can keep in mind while getting an engine protection cover:

Purchase Engine Protector early, preferably with your comprehensive policy or at renewal
Report to insurers immediately: damages need to be declared within 48–72 hours
Review exclusions and caps in the policy to understand the limits and conditions for claims.
Consider regional monsoon history: if your city floods frequently, this add-on is critical.
Compare quotes, but don’t compromise only on price: look for adequate coverage limits.

Engine Protector vs Zero Depreciation Rider

While both are add-ons, they serve distinct purposes:

Popular Car Insurance Add-Ons

Add-on	What It Covers
Engine Protector	Engine/gearbox damage due to water ingress or lubrication failure
Zero Depreciation	Full claim amount for body parts and electronics, without applying depreciation

Several experts suggest availing of both, particularly for new or high-end cars, to get complete protection from mechanical and external damage.

Conclusion

An engine protector is a must-have add-on for Indian car owners. It gives excellent protection from costly and usually preventable engine damage, particularly during the monsoon season. While comprehensive insurance takes care of crashes and theft, Engine Protector keeps your car's inner heart unharmed by nature's fury.

FAQs

Is engine damage due to waterlogging covered under standard car insurance?

No, standard comprehensive insurance does not cover engine damage caused by water; an Engine Protector add-on is required.

Can I buy an Engine Protector for an old car?

Engine Protector is usually available for cars up to 3–5 years old, depending on the insurer.

Does Engine Protector cover repeated engine damage claims?

Most insurers cap the number of engine-related claims per policy year, typically up to 2 claims.

Is engine damage due to waterlogging covered under standard car insurance?

No, engine damage from water ingress is not covered under standard car insurance; you need an Engine Protector add-on to claim such repairs.

Can I purchase Engine Protector during a mid-policy term?

No, most insurers require you to opt for the add-on during policy purchase or at the time of renewal, not mid-term.

About Author

Upstox Desk

Team of expert writers dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive coverage on stock markets, economic trends, commodities, business developments, and personal finance. With a passion for delivering valuable information, the team strives to keep readers informed about the latest trends and developments in the financial world.