In 2026, car repairs are not cheap. Labour costs are up, spare parts are more expensive, and even a small bumper hit can turn into a painful bill. On top of that, EVs and tech-heavy cars bring higher replacement costs for sensors, cameras, and electronics. This is exactly why people look at car insurance add-ons.
But add-ons can be a trap if you buy everything without thinking. The right add-ons can save you real money. The wrong ones just increase your premium with little benefit.
This guide explains the most common add-ons and helps you decide which ones are worth it based on your car and driving style.
What Are Car Insurance Add-Ons?
A base car insurance policy usually includes:
- Third-party liability (mandatory in many countries)
- Own-damage cover (if you buy comprehensive)
Add-ons are extra covers you pay for to increase protection. They usually come with conditions, limits, and deductibles, so it’s important to understand what you’re buying.
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Common Add-Ons Explained (And When They’re Worth It)
1) Zero depreciation cover
What it does: Reduces or removes depreciation deductions on parts during a claim.
When it’s worth it:
- New cars (especially first 3–5 years)
- Premium cars with expensive parts
- People who want lower out-of-pocket during repairs
If you’re choosing only one add-on for a new car, zero depreciation cover is often the top pick.
2) Engine & gearbox protection
What it does: Covers engine/gearbox damage due to water ingress, oil leakage, and certain mechanical issues (as per policy terms).
When it’s worth it:
- Flood-prone areas
- Heavy monsoon regions
- People who park outdoors
- Cars with expensive engine/gearbox components
Engine protection cover is not for regular wear and tear. It’s for specific damage events that can otherwise cost a lot.
3) Roadside assistance
What it does: Help for breakdowns, towing, jump-start, flat tyre, fuel delivery (varies by provider).
When it’s worth it:
- Older cars
- Frequent highway travel
- People who drive long distances
- Anyone who doesn’t want stress during a breakdown
Even if you rarely use it, the peace of mind can be worth it.
4) Return to invoice (RTI) add-on
What it does: If your car is stolen or declared a total loss, RTI pays the invoice value (or covers the gap between IDV and invoice, depending on the policy).
When it’s worth it:
- New cars (usually eligible up to a certain age)
- High-value vehicles
- People financing a car (loan gap risk)
A return to invoice add-on can protect you from losing a big amount during total loss scenarios.
5) NCB (No-Claim Bonus) protector
What it does: Protects your NCB even after a claim (often limited to a certain number of claims per year).
When it’s worth it:
- Drivers with a strong NCB built over years
- People who want to avoid losing discounts after a small claim
Read the conditions carefully because limits matter.
6) Consumables cover
What it does: Covers items like engine oil, nuts/bolts, brake fluid, AC gas, clips, etc., that are often not covered in standard claims.
When it’s worth it:
- Newer cars where claims can involve lots of small consumables
- People who want fewer surprise deductions
7) Tyre & rim protection
What it does: Covers tyre and rim damage due to cuts, bulges, potholes (as per policy terms).
When it’s worth it:
- City driving with bad roads
- Low-profile tyres (more damage risk)
- Expensive alloy rims
If your roads are smooth, this may be optional.
8) Key/lock replacement
What it does: Covers cost of lost keys, lockset replacement, and in some cases reprogramming.
When it’s worth it:
- Cars with smart keys (replacement is costly)
- People who’ve had previous key loss incidents
9) Personal accident cover (driver/occupants)
What it does: Provides financial protection in case of death/disability due to an accident (coverage varies).
When it’s worth it:
- If you don’t already have strong personal accident coverage elsewhere
- If your family depends on your income
Avoid duplicate coverage if your health/life policy already includes strong accident benefits.
10) Courtesy car / replacement vehicle
What it does: Provides a temporary replacement car while yours is in repair (conditions apply).
When it’s worth it:
- People who rely on a car daily for work
- Families with only one car
- High repair-time risk vehicles (parts delays)
How to Choose Add-Ons Based on Your Profile
New car (0–5 years)
Best picks often include:
- Zero depreciation
- RTI
- Consumables cover
- Roadside assistance
Older car (5+ years)
Consider:
- Roadside assistance
- Engine protection (if flood risk is real and the add-on is available)
Skip: - Zero depreciation if premium is high and car value is lower (do the math)
City driving
Consider:
- Tyre & rim protection (bad roads)
- Key/lock replacement
- Consumables cover
Highway driving
Consider:
- Roadside assistance
- Personal accident cover
- Engine protection (if you drive in heavy rain zones)
EV owners (if applicable)
Consider:
- Add-ons related to towing and roadside support
- Any EV-specific cover offered by the insurer (if available)
Also check if the base policy covers key high-value components properly.
Add-Ons Worth Considering (Quick Checklist)
- Zero depreciation (new cars)
- Return to invoice (new financed cars)
- Roadside assistance (almost always useful)
- Engine protection (flood-prone regions)
- Consumables cover (reduces small claim deductions)
- Tyre/rim protection (bad roads + expensive tyres)
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Common Mistakes People Make
- Buying every add-on without checking relevance
- Ignoring exclusions and deductibles
- Assuming add-ons cover wear and tear
- Duplicating personal accident cover across policies
- Choosing add-ons for an old car where premium doesn’t justify benefits
FAQ
Do I need zero depreciation cover for an old car?
Usually it’s most valuable for new cars. For older cars, compare the extra premium vs likely claim benefit.
Is return to invoice worth it?
Yes for new cars, especially financed ones, because it helps protect against the gap between invoice price and insurer value in total loss or theft.
Which are the best car insurance add-ons for most people?
For many drivers, the most practical are zero depreciation (new cars), roadside assistance, and RTI (new cars). Add tyre/rim and engine protection if your driving conditions justify them.
Car insurance add-ons should solve real risks, not just increase your premium. Choose based on your car’s age, repair costs, and where you drive. When picked smartly, the best car insurance add-ons can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and claim stress significantly.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Do your own research or speak to a licensed advisor.
