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

5 min read | Updated on May 27, 2025, 13:22 IST

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Pranay lives near the Dalda Building in Jodhpur. He added a second car to his garage in the previous year in the form of a high-end sedan. As good as Rajasthan’s roads are, Pranay loves taking out his car on the highways for long drives with his family. After almost a year of usage (with no complaints with the vehicle), Pranay received a renewal notice from his motor insurance company.

When he checked, the premium was significantly higher than he had expected. He asked for the reason and was informed that some “highly critical” add-ons had been included to enhance the coverage. He checked and found that the engine protection cover had been added. He thought that with less than 350mm rainfall in a year and apparently no waterlogging in his city, did he really need it? This is where he decided to cross-check all other add-ons and included only the must-have add-ons that were relevant to his car and region.

Owning a comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy is always recommended, but the overall value of such a plan is enhanced by opting for the most relevant add-ons. Since a comprehensive insurance policy might not cover everything, it is critical that you understand how these add-ons work and how crucial they can be in case of an actual claim.

For instance, even when you have a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy, depreciation, engine damage, or a sudden breakdown can still leave you with hefty out-of-pocket bills. However, you cannot include all the add-ons without considering their outcomes and implications on your policy and claims. Let us find out the most critical add-ons that you must never ignore while renewing or buying a motor vehicle insurance policy.

The Importance of Add-Ons

There are often various gaps in comprehensive insurance, starting with real-world issues such as depreciation, engine failures, or minor damages. Add-ons provide tailored solutions to your vehicle’s protection plan. These are generally based on the type of vehicle, your location, and driving habits. Choosing the right add-ons ensures your insurance truly works when you need it most.

Must-Have Add-Ons for Motor Insurance Policy

Here is a list of add-ons you must consider while buying or renewing your insurance policy. However, it is worth noticing that you should not go on add-ons shopping without evaluating their relevance for your vehicle and driving requirements:

Here is a brief description of these add-ons:

Add-On	Explanation
Zero Depreciation Cover	Covers the full cost of repairs without factoring in depreciation. Ideal for new or luxury cars to avoid out-of-pocket expenses during claims. We recommend opting for this option as long as your insurance company offers it.
Engine Protection Cover	Covers engine damage not caused by accidents, such as water ingression or oil leaks. We recommend going for it, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or if your region has a waterlogging issue.
Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover	Helps you recover the original purchase price (invoice value) of the car in case of theft or total loss. It is best suited for new and expensive cars.
Roadside Assistance Cover	Provides 24/7 emergency services, including towing, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and minor repairs, in the event your car breaks down unexpectedly. We recommend you always go for this add-on.
No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection Cover	Safeguards your NCB benefits even if you claim during the policy term. Helps maintain long-term premium discounts. We highly recommend opting for this add-on.
Consumables Cover	Covers the cost of consumable items like engine oil, nuts, bolts, and brake oil during repairs, which are usually not covered under standard insurance. You can go for this cover if budget is not a constraint.

Other Useful Add-ons (Optional But Good-to-Have)

The above add-ons are the most common, and we recommend you add them to your comprehensive insurance plan for better coverage. In addition, you can also evaluate if you need the following add-ons:

Personal Accident Cover for Passengers

This add-on is crucial, as it provides financial protection to passengers in the event of injury or death resulting from an accident.

Key Replacement Cover

Covers the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged car keys. Since key costs have increased rapidly due to advancements in technology, this can be a valuable addition.

Tyre Protection Cover

Pays for damages to tires and tubes caused by accidents or road debris.

Loss of Personal Belongings Coverage

Covers the loss or theft of personal items from your vehicle. You can go for this if you usually park in a public parking lot.

Choosing the Right Add-Ons

You must consider the following three factors before selecting the add-ons for your vehicle insurance: your car’s age, how often and where you drive, and your local weather conditions. For instance, zero-dep cover is not available for vehicles more than 5 years old; however, owners can opt for NCB protection for comparatively older vehicles as well. Roadside assistance is also recommended if you are a frequent traveller.

Summing up

As someone who cares about their vehicle, it is essential to understand that a comprehensive policy can provide broad protection; however, additional add-ons are necessary for enhanced coverage. They help cover real-world risks that standard policies often miss, ensuring better financial security and peace of mind. However, it is important to evaluate your vehicle’s requirements and, based on that, choose only the relevant add-ons to keep the premium under control.

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

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.