A standard comprehensive car insurance policy covers you against accidents, theft, fire, and natural disasters - but real protection comes from add-ons.
Add-ons (also called riders or extra covers) allow you to customize your policy based on your driving habits, car age, and local conditions.
In Hyderabad, where traffic density, flood risk, or accident rates are higher, the right add-ons can save you thousands during claims.
This guide explains the 5 most useful car insurance add-ons, how much they cost, and when they make sense.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which ones to keep - and which ones to skip - in your next renewal.
Why Add-Ons Matter
- Base policies cover limited losses - add-ons fill the gaps.
- Add-ons reduce out-of-pocket expenses during claims.
- They offer better peace of mind for small extra cost.
- Tailored protection for your location, car type, and usage.
- Some add-ons (like NCB Protect) even help you keep discounts.
Top 5 Add-Ons Worth Paying For
1. Zero Depreciation Cover
Best for: Cars under 5 years old or high-value vehicles.
Zero Dep (Bumper-to-Bumper) ensures you get full claim payout without depreciation on parts.
Without it, insurers deduct 10–50% on replaced parts like bumpers or doors.
Cost impact: ~10–20% of OD premium.
Benefit: Saves ₹5,000–₹25,000 per claim.
| Scenario |
Without Zero Dep |
With Zero Dep |
| Bumper replacement |
₹3,000 deducted |
₹0 deducted |
| Side-door repair |
₹4,500 deducted |
₹0 deducted |
2. NCB Protect Cover
Best for: Anyone with 20–50% No Claim Bonus.
This add-on protects your No Claim Bonus (NCB) even if you file one minor claim in a year.
Without it, a single small claim can reset your 50% bonus to zero.
Cost impact: 5–8% of OD premium.
Benefit: Preserves ₹3,000–₹5,000 yearly discount on renewal.
Example:
If you have 50% NCB on ₹10,000 OD premium = ₹5,000 saved.
One claim = NCB lost → ₹5,000 higher next renewal.
With NCB Protect → Claim made, NCB retained.
Roadside Assistance (RSA)
Best for: Long-distance commuters or highway travelers.
RSA provides 24×7 on-call help for flat tyres, towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, or breakdowns.
Cost impact: ₹500–₹1,000 yearly.
Benefit: Saves time, towing hassle, and emergency repair costs.
Local Note for Hyderabad:
Common RSA uses - battery failure in monsoon, puncture in traffic jams, or engine overheating in summer.
4. Engine Protect Cover
Best for: Cars in flood-prone or coastal regions like Hyderabad, Telangana.
Covers engine damage caused by water ingress, oil leakage, or hydrostatic lock.
Without this, claims for engine seizure (worth ₹50,000–₹1 lakh) are usually rejected.
Cost impact: ₹1,000–₹1,800 depending on car type.
Benefit: Saves huge repair bills during rainy season.
5. Return To Invoice (RTI)
Best for: New cars (<3 years old) or financed vehicles.
If your car is stolen or completely damaged, RTI ensures you get the invoice value - not just depreciated IDV.
Cost impact: 10–15% of OD premium.
Benefit: Full compensation equal to car’s purchase price (including tax + registration).
Example:
IDV ₹6 lakh → claim payout ₹6 lakh.
Invoice ₹7 lakh → RTI adds ₹1 lakh extra coverage.
Bonus Add-Ons
| Add-on |
Description |
| Consumables Cover |
Covers cost of nuts, bolts, oils, and screws during repair. |
| Tyre Protect |
Covers tyre damage not due to accident. |
| Personal Belongings Cover |
Compensates for loss of items inside car. |
| Key Replacement Cover |
Replaces lost or stolen car keys. |
Cost Summary Table
| Add-on |
Avg. Cost (₹) |
Ideal Car Age |
Recommended For |
| Zero Dep |
1,200–2,500 |
<5 years |
All drivers |
| NCB Protect |
800–1,500 |
Any |
Claim-free drivers |
| RSA |
500–1,000 |
Any |
Daily commuters |
| Engine Protect |
1,000–1,800 |
<7 years |
Coastal or rainy zones |
| RTI |
1,500–2,000 |
<3 years |
New car owners |
How To Add These Covers
- Select add-ons at checkout while buying or renewing your policy.
- Review final premium before payment - all-inclusive GST shown.
- Verify “Add-ons Covered” section in your policy schedule.
- Keep Zero Dep + NCB Protect active every renewal for consistent protection.
Local Insight For Hyderabad
- Top 3 add-ons chosen: Zero Dep, RSA, Engine Protect.
- Avg. add-on bundle cost: ₹4,500 annually.
- Most common claim savings: ₹2,000 using Zero Dep or RTI.
- Insurers offering best value bundles: HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz.
FAQs
Are add-ons optional or mandatory?
Optional - you can customize them during purchase.
Can I buy add-ons mid-policy?
Only during renewal or special upgrade windows.
Do add-ons increase premium a lot?
Usually 10–20% extra but add significant coverage.
Is Zero Dep the same as bumper-to-bumper?
Yes, it’s the industry term for Zero Depreciation cover.
Which add-ons are must-have for new cars?
Zero Dep, RTI, and NCB Protect.
Do add-ons affect claim approval?
They simplify approval by defining clear coverage terms.
Can I remove add-ons later?
Only during next renewal.
Does NCB Protect still apply if I change insurer?
Yes, as long as you retain the add-on.
How many add-ons can I take?
As many as you want; choose what suits your budget.
Do add-ons apply to third-party policies?
No, only with comprehensive cover.
Does Engine Protect cover hydrostatic lock?
Yes, that’s its main benefit.
Is RSA available nationwide?
Yes, most insurers have pan-India networks.
Does RTI pay full invoice price?
Yes, including road tax and registration.
Are add-ons transferable to new car?
Not directly - repurchase with new policy.
Do EVs need these add-ons?
Yes, especially Zero Dep and RSA for battery coverage.
Customer Reviews
- “Zero Dep + RSA combo saved me ₹10,000 in repairs.” - Neha D., Delhi
- “Added NCB Protect after reading this - no more losing discounts.” - Ravi K., Hyderabad
- “Engine Protect literally saved my car during monsoon flooding.” - Priya S., Mumbai
- “Clear, practical guide - now I only buy what matters.” - Arjun M., Bengaluru
- “RTI helped me recover full invoice value after theft.” - Vikram T., Chennai
- “This post made insurance easy to understand.” - Kavita R., Pune