CONSUMABLE COVER IN CAR INSURANCE

Owning a car incurs considerable maintenance expenses. Whether due to a major accident or the replacement of small parts, such as nuts, bolts, grease, brake fluid, or coolant, the costs can accumulate rapidly. These essential items, known as consumables, are generally not covered by standard car insurance policies, leaving you to cover these expenses yourself. This is where consumable cover becomes integral to car insurance.

What is a Consumable Cover Add-On in Car Insurance?

Consumable cover in car insurance is an added benefit for every consumer that offers coverage for the costs of repairing or replacing the consumable items when accidents occur. Consumables are the car parts that possess a restricted lifespan.  So, they need to be changed after a certain period. Some essential consumables in car insurance  include major fluids and components, including distilled water, gearbox oil, lubricants, engine oil, fuel filter, AC gas, screws, and many more.  Most motor insurance policies do not cover these expenses, however, many leading companies in this field have started including such coverages for their consumers to offer comprehensive protection.

 

Rising value of consumable cover in modern car insurance

Having consumable cover in your car insurance is highly beneficial in the following ways:

1. Saves Money on Small But Frequent Costs

Though small parts of cars, such as nuts and bolts or oil, seem quite inexpensive, together they add up to a significant repair bill. With the help of consumable coverage, consumers can save their hard-earned money from these costs.

2. Offers Complete Protection During Repairs

Unlike standard insurance policies covering only the major parts, consumable cover ensures that every little detail used in repairs is taken care of.

3. Gives Peace of Mind

Consumers can get a greater peace of mind just by paying a little extra premium. After an accident, if

 

you have a consumable cover, you won’t have to worry about extra charges for small parts, the policy handles everything.

4. Reflects an Affordable Add-On

The extra premium for consumable cover is usually very small compared to the potential savings during a claim, thereby offering consumers a cost-effective alternative to avail wide coverage.

5. Best for New or Expensive Cars

If you own a new car or a high-end vehicle, this cover ensures maximum protection and saves you from unexpected bills.

Items Covered in Consumable Coverage Policies

 

 

Real-time instances of consumable coverage policies

Imagine on the way to your office, you meet with an accident and the total repair cost of your car is Rs.10,000. Now, the “Own Damage” policy of your standard insurance covers a cost of Rs. 8000 and the rest Rs.2000 you need to pay from your own pocket. Here’s how consumable coverage helps you out. With this add-on benefit, you can avail the total repair cost needed for your vehicle without paying a single penny from your end.

Inclusions and Exclusions of Consumable Cover

Inclusions

The consumable cover reimburses the cost of items used during accident-related repairs. Major inclusions include:

• Oils and fluids, such as engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, brake oil, and power steering fluid.

• All types of essential lubricants and greases that are needed for repairs, which play a key role in reducing friction and maintaining vehicle parts and performance as well.

• Small parts of vehicles, like nuts, bolts, washers, screws, and bearings, need to be replaced during the repair process.

• Refilling of the AC gas if it is damaged in an accident.

• Oil, air, and fuel filters, the components that are essential for maintaining the performance and efficiency of the vehicle.  

Exclusions

There are certain situations and items that are not covered under the consumables add-on. You should keep in mind such exclusions while integrating an add-on to your car insurance policy.

• Consumables that are replaced at the time of regular servicing.

• Normal wear and tear, such as depletions of oil, grease, or lubricants.

• Repairs that are done at non-network garages without insurer approval.

How to Opt for Consumables Cover in Car Insurance

Adding a consumables cover add-on to your car insurance is a quick and hassle-free process. Here’s what you need to do:

• When purchasing a comprehensive car insurance policy, simply opt for the consumables cover add-on. If you already hold a policy, you can add it at the time of renewal.

• Always make a review for eligibility and conditions of consumable coverages. Mostly, such plans are applicable for vehicles minimum of 5 years old. Some leading insurers also impose some conditions based on the usage and past accident history of the vehicle.

• The best thing about consumables in car insurance is that you need to pay a minimal extra premium to avail all benefits. But with this little add-on pay, you can save from spending on frequent small repairs or replacements. The premium amount also depends on factors, including the car model, your location, and the insurer’s pricing.

How Does Consumable Cover in Car Insurance Work?

Have you ever wondered why repair bills shoot up even if insurance coverage pays for big stuff? That’s actually because of consumables, the small but essential items that are not covered under standard insurance. If you want to save this expense with the purchase of a consumable cover add-on then there is a proper process that you need to follow. Its functioning involves following a few basic and simple procedures.

When a vehicle undergoes repairs after an insured event, several consumable items such as engine oil, brake oil, coolants, lubricants, and filters are required. Normally, these costs are borne by the car owner, but with a consumable voucher add-on, such expenses are covered under the insurance policy. This means the policyholder does not have to pay separately for these consumables. In case of a repair, the policyholder can simply file a claim under this cover, and the insurance company will reimburse the consumable costs as per the policy terms. To process the claim, the insured needs to submit proof such as invoices or receipts from the repair shop. Your car insurance becomes more comprehensive by opting for this add-on, taking care of both major repair costs and smaller consumable expenses, thereby providing greater financial relief and peace of mind. 

How to File a Claim for Consumables Cover in Car Insurance

To raise a claim against car insurance consumables cover, you have to inform your insurer about the accident or damage to car consumables as soon as possible. There are mainly two types of claim that can be raised under consumables cover, one is “Cashless Claims” and the other one is “Reimbursement Claims.”

Cashless Claims 

Under this type of claim, the car is taken to any network garage for cashless claim services, where an insurance executive inspects the damage, and the car is repaired. After that the repair bill is paid by the insurance company.

Reimbursement Claims

Under reimbursement claims the car can be repaired at any garage; however, if it is a non-network garage then the insurer must be informed first. After the car is repaired, the repair bill is sent to the insurance company to get it reimbursed.

Here are few steps to file a claim with Insurance company:

Step 1: Download the Insurance app and go to ‘File Motor Claim’ option.

Step 2: Provide all the required details related to accident and damage.

Step 3: Enter your personal details and click on ‘Register Claim’ button.

Step 4: That's it! Your claim has been registered successfully, and you will receive the next steps on your email and WhatsApp.

Who Should Opt for a Consumable Cover?

A consumables add-on cover is especially valuable for new car owners, as the cost of consumables like engine oil, brake fluid, nuts, and bolts is  higher in the initial years of ownership. It is also highly beneficial for premium and luxury car owners, where even minor repairs can lead to substantial expenses.

Frequent drivers and those who often travel to accident-prone areas or experience higher wear-and-tear can also gain significant protection from this cover. The consumable add-on ensures hassle-free claim settlements, stronger financial security, and complete peace of mind by taking care of essential yet commonly excluded costs. In this way,  it becomes a smarter choice for anyone looking for truly comprehensive car insurance.

Conditions When You Cannot Avail Consumable Cover

Sometimes insurers can deny accepting a claim under the consumables add-on cover in any of the following conditions:

1. If the driver was driving without a valid driving licence at the time of failure of any consumable

2.  Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

3.  A private car was being used for a commercial purpose.

4. The insurance company was not immediately informed about the repair or replacement of consumable items.

5. Electrical or mechanical breakdown of the insured car.

6. Normal fuel replenishment is also not covered.

 

FAQs:

1. Is Consumable Cover Add-on mandatory for car insurance?
No, the consumable cover Add-on is not mandated for car insurance. It is an optional add-on that you may purchase in conjunction with your comprehensive car insurance policy to increase your coverage.

​2. What types of vehicles are eligible for a Consumable Cover Add-on?

The eligibility for the consumable cover Add-on in car insurance is determined by the insurance provider’s unique criteria. However, private cars, luxury cars, and commercial vehicles can qualify with certain criteria.

​​3. Does the Consumable Cover Add-on apply to third-party car insurance?

No, the Consumable Cover Add-on is not pertaining to third-party car insurance and can only be bought with comprehensive car insurance.

4. How is the premium for Consumable Cover Add-on calculated?

Consumable Cover Add-on is calculated based on the age of the vehicle, its model, and type of vehicle. Insurers use specific criteria to determine the cost of this optional add-on.

5. Can I buy consumables cover for commercial vehicles?

Yes, consumables cover can be purchased for commercial vehicles, but availability varies by insurer and policy type. While some insurers extend it to taxis, trucks, or vans, others restrict it to private cars. Since commercial vehicles face higher wear and tear, this add-on helps reduce repair costs on consumables.

6. Can I claim consumable expenses without the Consumable Cover Add-on?

No, basically you cannot claim for consumables like engine oil, brake oil, coolants, and filters. These are considered routine maintenance items and are not included in standard comprehensive insurance policies. 

7. Does Consumable Cover Add-on affect my No Claim Bonus (NCB)?

No, NCB will not be affected with consumable add-on as these are two different things. Consumable add-on covers the cost of consumables that are not covered under basic insurance and NCB in car insurance is a discount you earn on your premium for not making any claims during the policy term.

7. Can Consumable Cover Add-on be purchased for older cars? 

Yes, it is generally designed for newer vehicles and for those within a specific age range, typically up to 3 to 5 years old.

If you are looking for more personalized, effective, and comprehensive insurance plans for 4-wheelers, bikes, and commercial vehicles, Quickinsure is the right place for you!