Consumable Expenses Cover In Car Insurance

To know about consumables in detail, one must first understand the consumables used in vehicles. The consumables have specific purposes and once it’s completely used up or consumed, they cannot be used again. It includes things like fuel filter, engine oil, nuts and bolts, screws, brake oil, lubricants, grease, and gas of air conditioner.

These consumables are usually not covered under the comprehensive car insurance policy. Thus, vehicle owners who wish to obtain coverage for these substances need to purchase a separate add-on cover along with their regular insurance plan to protect the consumables in their vehicle.

Consumable add-on covers are important because they offer protection from different types of risks, such as theft, fire, hail storm, etc. They are also helpful for people who are not covered under their standard insurance policy.

Consumable add-ons can be used in different ways it can be purchased with a deductible or without one and they can also be used as an additional component of your existing car insurance policy.

What is a Consumable Cover?

Consumable cover in car insurance is a standard car insurance plan, by default, does not provide coverage for any harms brought about on the consumable parts and extras. Thus, at the time of a claim settlement, the cost related to consumables is borne by the policyholder.

However, when a policyholder opts for a consumable cover with his/her standalone own-damage or a comprehensive car insurance policy, the insurance company becomes liable to provide compensation for consumable expenses.

Consumables Cover Add-on provides insurance coverage for:

Case Scenario: (Ex: - How does this Cover work in Real Life?)

Imagine, if you are going on a trip with your family.

Unfortunately, your car meets with an accident. Your car now needs repairs worth Rs. 20,000. The comprehensive policy takes care of the repairs worth Rs. 18,000. Here, you need to pay the remaining Rs. 2000.

This is the cost of repairing/refilling consumables like engine oil, nuts, and bolts. But, with a Consumable Cover Add-on, you do not have to pay even Rs. 2,000 for the consumables from your pocket.

Your insurer would pay for the entire bill of Rs. 20,000. A Consumable Cover, thus, enhances your Comprehensive policy’s coverage. Hence, having a consumable cover along with your car insurance policy gives security even in an unfortunate event like this.

Who Should Opt for Consumable Add-On Cover?

You should choose consumable expenses to cover in the following conditions:

• In case, you wish to stay worry-less about the minor replacements and repairs.
• Any vehicle not older than 5 years is eligible for this add-on insurance cover.
• In case, you don’t even wish to pay for any small amounts such as the expense of engine oil replacement in the bill for repair.

Things Consider Before Buying Consumable Expenses Cover:

• Consumable add-on cover can only be obtained for cars that are less than 5 years old. Vehicles that are older than 5 years cannot obtain this add-on cover.
• This add-on cover offers coverage to more specific parts of the vehicle compared to the usual car insurance policy.
• In case of theft or accident, vehicle owners need to repair the car's consumables within three days to get their claim honored. If vehicle owners do not repair within the time then the claim is rejected.
• The claim under the consumable add-on cover will not be granted if the policyholder was driving under the influence of alcohol, driving maliciously, wear and tear, depreciation of the vehicle part, breakdown, or in case of consequential damages.
• Using a private vehicle for commercial purposes will also lead to claim rejection.
• Consumables claims are accepted only if the consumables are admissible under the section referring to the own damage of the comprehensive insurance policy.

Exclusions under Consumables Add-On Cover:

The policyholder cannot file a claim under the following conditions. The common exclusions under consumables add-on cover are as follows:

• Wear and Tear of Car’s Component
• Mechanical or Electrical Breakdown
• Driving without any active or valid driving license
• Delay in informing the insurance company
• Driving the car after consuming drugs, alcohol, or any other similar substance.

Top Car Insurance Companies that Provide Consumables Cover in India:

How to Buy a Consumable Cover Add-on in Car Insurance?

Car insurance can be purchased online from the PolicyBachat portal in two easy steps. At PolicyBachat we cater unbiased comparison of quotes, 24*7 customer assistance team your motive is to give our customers the right quotes with compare car insurance rates online.

You have the option to purchase this cover via the online mode or the offline mode while buying or renewing your car insurance policy. You can buy a Consumable Cover by following the below mentioned steps.

• Go to compare car insurance quotes online at PolicyBachat.com
• Fill in the required details select your Car Model & Variant, RTO Location, Registration date, and Email address.
• Click on the “START SAVING MONEY”.
• Choose a Comprehensive Insurance plan.
• Premiums with different insurance companies are displayed with low premiums.
• Select the Consumable Cover from the available Add-ons
• After that fill in the ‘vehicle owner details and personal details.
• Purchase best Car Insurance Policy using online payment
• If any queries are raised call: 1800–123–4003.

How to Claim Consumables Expenses Cover in Car Insurance?

For raising a claim against the consumables add-on cover, the policyholder needs to inform their insurer about the accident or damage as soon as possible. Two types of claims can be raised - Cashless Claims and Reimbursement Claims.

• Cashless Claims: The car needs to be taken to a network garage. After the car is repaired, the repair bill amount will be paid directly by the insurance company.
• Reimbursement Claims: The car can be repaired from any garage. However, if getting it repaired at a non-network garage then it is important to inform the insurer. Once the vehicle is repaired, the policyholder can send the repair bill to the insurance company to get the bill amount reimbursed.

FAQs of Consumables Cover in Car Insurance:

Does The Comprehensive Car Insurance Package Include Consumables?

The comprehensive auto insurance policy does not usually cover consumables. A separate add-on cover needs to be purchased and appended to the regular insurance to protect the consumables in the vehicle. In such cases, you will be required to pay an additional amount towards the premium that corresponds to the car consumables.

Can I claim compensation under this add-on policy for the normal replenishment of engine oil and Radiator Coolants?

Strictly speaking, you cannot do so. This claim does not allow you reimbursements for normal replenishments. However, if you carry out repairs to your vehicle arising out of an accident that is admissible under the Policy that necessitates the replacement of such lubricants, you are eligible for cover.

Our seat cover damages covered under car insurance consumable add-on?

No, since seat cover is not a consumable item it is not covered under car insurance consumable add-on.

What all Documents Do I Need to Make a Claim for Consumable Expenses Cover?

At the time of registering a claim, you are required to submit all the receipts.

• Bills of the repair and other relevant documents asked by the car insurance company.
• The insurance company would have information related to your active insurance plan and details of the vehicle.
• You should go for car repairs at one of the network garages listed by your respective insurer.
• Going for repair for your car damage at any local garage or without getting it into the notice of the insurance provider beforehand, could lead to your insurance claim being invalid.

Are Consumables Covered in your Car Insurance Policy?

No, the most car insurance policy does not cover the cost of consumables. You can always purchase a separate add-on cover besides your comprehensive insurance. By paying an extra amount, you can make sure your car insurance policy covers your consumables as well and cut down on those small but significant car maintenance costs.