Hidden car insurance benefits can be your financial lifesaver, yet most drivers overlook perks buried in standard policies.
You probably think your coverage only handles collisions and third-party liabilities. What if we told you that rental reimbursement, engine protection, zero depreciation, and key replacement cover could save you lakhs?
Car insurance add-ons transform your basic comprehensive coverage into a powerful safety net. Let’s dig into seven lesser-known riders (aka clauses) that deserve a spot on your policy.
When your car’s off the road after a collision or mechanical failure, you still need mobility. Rental reimbursement covers the cost of a substitute vehicle—often up to ₹1,000 per day.
You’ll avoid taxi fares or ride-share bills, and still make meetings on time. Add-on premiums start around ₹1,200 annually, making it one of the most cost-effective car insurance add-ons.
Flat tire on a monsoon-soaked highway or a dead battery at midnight? The roadside assistance rider provides 24×7 support.
Services include:
For roughly ₹800 per year, you get unlimited rescue calls—no surprise fees when you’re stranded.
Standard comprehensive coverage deducts depreciation on parts, slashing claim payouts by up to 50%. Zero depreciation eliminates that deduction.
You’ll receive the full invoice cost for replaced parts like bumpers, plastic trims, and bearings. Expect to pay around ₹3,000–5,000 extra annually, but avoid surprise top-ups when you file a claim.
Water ingress, coolant leaks, or hydrostatic lock can wreck an engine—repair bills commonly hit ₹50,000–1,00,000.
Engine protection cover steps in by reimbursing parts and labor for:
In flood-prone regions or for off-roaders, a ₹2,500 annual premium is a small price to protect your car’s heart.
Modern keyless fobs and FOBs cost ₹5,000–10,000 each to replace.
Key replacement cover reimburses:
For ₹600 per year, you’ll never dread misplacing a key, and you’ll skip emergency service charges when locked out.
Breakdowns far from home add hotel, meal, or cab bills. Travel expense coverage reimburses costs—typically up to ₹500 per incident beyond 50 km, capped at ₹5,000 per policy year.
If your car’s immobilized after a crash, you’ll recover out-of-pocket travel expenses, easing the stress of unplanned stays.
Standard policies handle major floods and earthquakes, but wildlife strikes or hail can be uncovered gaps.
This rider pays for damage from:
Standalone options run around ₹1,200 annually, protecting against common rural and suburban hazards.
| Add-On Cover | Key Benefit | Approx. Cost (₹/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Reimbursement | Rental car during repairs | Rs. 1,200 |
| Roadside Assistance | 24×7 towing, jump-start, fuel delivery, locksmith | Rs. 800 |
| Zero Depreciation | Full claim settlement without depreciation | Rs. 3,000–5,000 |
| Engine Protection | Covers water, oil and overheating damage | Rs. 2,500 |
| Key Replacement Cover | Smart key/fob and lock repair or replacement | Rs. 600 |
| Travel Expense Coverage | Hotel, meals, cab after breakdown >50 km from home | Rs. 1,000 |
| Animal & Calamity Damage | Wildlife collision, hail, minor flood damage | Rs. 1,200 |
| Expense Item | Repair Cost | Covered w/o Rider | Covered w/ Engine Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder head gasket | ₹35,000 | ₹0 (excluded) | ₹35,000 |
| Oil pump replacement | ₹15,000 | ₹0 (excluded) | ₹15,000 |
| Labor | ₹20,000 | ₹0 (OD only) | ₹20,000 |
| Total | ₹70,000 | ₹0 | ₹70,000 |
By layering these hidden car insurance benefits onto your comprehensive coverage, you’ll sidestep surprise bills and drive with confidence. Next renewal, don’t settle for basic protection—unlock every perk your policy can offer.
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