Must-Have Add-ons in a Comprehensive Motor Insurance Policy

Published on March 18, 2026 | 5 min read

Third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles to ensure the financial safety against third-party liabilities and injuries arising from accidents and other events. A third-party only covers damages and injuries to third parties, but exposes your vehicle to serious and unexpected repair costs in case of any damage.

To cover third-party and own vehicle against unforeseeable repair expenses, opt for a comprehensive motor insurance policy. To further enhance your motor coverage, you can select the following must-have add-ons.

Zero Depreciation

The Zero Depreciation add-on, also called ‘Bummer-to-Bummer’ cover, offers full claim settlement without deducting depreciation of the replaced parts. You get 100% compensation for the repair of damages caused by accidents, collision or natural/man-made disasters.

Open FREE Demat Account within minutes!

Join now

Zero depreciation add-on is a must-have, especially if you own a vehicle with expensive and hard-to-repair parts. Cars below 5 years old are eligible for the zero depreciation add-on, increasing your premium by 15-20%.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance provides 24/7 roadside support for unexpected vehicle breakdown due to dead batteries, accidents, flat tyres, low fuel and engine failure, etc. With a roadside assistance rider, you get on-site repair or get your vehicle towed to the nearest garage for repairs. You don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for this service.

Roadside assistance add-on is essential for individuals with vehicles above 5 years old who frequently travel long distances. This add-on would only increase your premium payment by ₹700 or higher, depending on your insurer and vehicle type.

Engine Protection

Under the engine protection add-on, your vehicle is covered against engine and other related damages resulting from waterlogging and oil leakage. This add-on is suitable for vehicles in cities with waterlogging issues, such as Mumbai and Chennai and can be availed for vehicles below 5 years of age.

An engine protection add-on would increase your premium payments by around 12-15%, based on your vehicle’s age.

Consumable

Consumable rider covers the cost of the items used to repair your vehicle, such as nuts, bolts, engine oil, lubricants and coolant. The items are often not covered under a standard motor insurance policy and hence, you must opt for the consumables add-on, especially if you own a new or luxury car with high repair costs.

A vehicle within 5 years of age can opt for a consumable add-on and typically costs around 0.5-1% of the car's Insured Declared Value (IDV) or ₹300-₹1,000 per year.

Add-on Comparison: Zero Depreciation VS Roadside Assitance Vs Engine Protection VS Consumable Add-ons.

Add-on	Car Age	Suitable for	Covered	Excluded
Zero Depreciation	< 5 Years	Expensive vehicles & those with hard-to-repair parts	Vehicle parts made of plastic, rubber, fibre, and metal	Normal wear & tear and damages arising from indulging in illegal activities
Roadside Assistance	> 5 Years	Frequent long-distance travellers	Towing service, battery jump start, flat tyre support, fuel and minor damages	Pre-existing issues, damages due to negligence, and spare parts cost
Engine Protection	< 5 Years	Vehicles in cities with waterlogging issues	Water damage, oil leakage, internal parts repair, gearbox damage, consumables and labour	Normal wear & tear, delayed intimation, manufacturer-covered issues, and negligence
Consumable Cover	< 5 Years	Expensive vehicles & those with hard-to-repair parts	Lubricants & fluids, small hardware, coolants, AC refrigerant gases	Oil filters, fuel filters, battery electrolyte, wheel balancing weights, fuel, routine maintenance, consequential losses, and non-accidental damage

What Each Add-On Costs You Based on Your Vehicle Type

Add-On	Hatchback / Sedan (IDV ₹3–7L)	Compact SUV (IDV ₹8–15L)	Mid/Large SUV (IDV ₹16–30L)	Pricing Logic
Zero Depreciation	₹600 – ₹1,200	₹1,200 – ₹2,500	₹2,500 – ₹5,000	12–15% of OD premium (≤3 yrs); 18–25% for 3–5 yrs
Engine Protection	₹500 – ₹900	₹800 – ₹1,500	₹1,500 – ₹3,000	Flat rate based on engine cc & vehicle value
Roadside Assistance	₹300 – ₹600	₹500 – ₹900	₹700 – ₹1,200	Flat fee; does not affect NCB
Consumables Cover	₹300 – ₹500	₹450 – ₹800	₹700 – ₹1,200	Flat rate; insurer-specific; often bundled with Zero Dep

Though a comprehensive motor insurance policy offers good coverage by not only protecting against third-party vehicle damages but also your own, you can enhance and broaden your motor coverage by opting for add-ons. Select an add-on based on your vehicle’s age, usage, city and your travel frequency. Compare the cost of these add-ons against the cost of repairs you incur if you didn’t avail these add-ons and select the ones that align with your vehicle’s requirements and save your money.

FAQs

What are add-ons in motor insurance?

Add-ons are optional extras that enhance your standard motor insurance policy by providing additional protection against specific risks, such as depreciation, engine damage, or roadside emergencies.

Which add-ons are best for a new car?

For new cars, Zero Depreciation Cover, Return to Invoice Cover, and Engine Protection Cover are highly recommended to maximise claim settlements and safeguard your investment.

Is it necessary to buy multiple add-ons?

No, it’s not necessary to buy all add-ons. You should select add-ons based on your car’s age, usage pattern, and local conditions to avoid unnecessary premium hikes.

Does Zero Depreciation Cover include engine protection?

No, Zero Depreciation Cover mainly waives off depreciation on parts during claims. Engine damages require a separate Engine Protection add-on.

About Author

Mariyam Sara

Sub-Editor

holds an MBA in Finance and is a true Finance Fanatic. She writes extensively on all things finance whether it’s stock trading, personal finance, or insurance, chances are she’s covered it. When she’s not writing, she’s busy pursuing NISM certifications, experimenting with new baking recipes.