Consumables Cover in Car Insurance

A third-party car insurance policy covers only the third-party liabilities that you may incur in the case of an accident involving your car. If your car inflicts property damages or bodily injuries to a third party during an accident, you might have to pay compensation to the affected party. However, if you have a third-party car insurance policy, your insurer will pay this compensation on your behalf.

On the other hand, a comprehensive car insurance policy covers the following mishaps:

• Everything covered by a third-party policy

• Theft or vandalism of your car

• Unforeseen damage to your car due to a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, tsunami, storm, lightning, flood, etc.

• Damage caused due to a man-made disaster, such as road accident, fire, riot, burglary, etc.

• Personal injuries to the driver or occupants of the car

Many people think that if they have a comprehensive car insurance policy, they are protected against all types of unforeseen expenses related to their car. However, that’s a half-truth. Strictly speaking, a comprehensive policy covers the mandatory third-party liabilities as well as any damages to the insured car, but it does not cover the consumable expenses.

So, what are consumables in car insurance?

If you’re hearing this word for the first time, let us clear the clouds around it. The consumables in car insurance refer to the items that need to be replaced regularly due to wear and tear. The consumables items list, in the case of a car, includes brake oil, engine oil, lubricants, refrigerant for AC, ball bearings, nuts, screws, bolts, and washers, among many others. And when your four-wheeler insurance covers the expenses for such consumables, it is called covering consumables in car insurance.

As we have mentioned earlier, even a comprehensive car insurance policy does not provide coverage for consumables. But these consumables need to be replaced at regular intervals, and you might incur several thousands of rupees in doing so. So, the question that arises is how can you get the coverage for consumables in your car insurance policy?

A simple answer to this question is buying a consumables cover. Although the consumables cover is not available as a standalone policy, you may buy it as an add-on cover with your regular car insurance policy. However, just like with other add-on covers, you may have to pay an extra premium over your car insurance premium to attach consumables cover add-on with your base policy.

The exact amount that you need to pay for your consumables cover may vary from insurer to insurer. So, you need to confirm this with your car insurance provider before moving ahead.

By attaching the consumables cover add-on with your base policy, you can get coverage for replacing the parts or items that get damaged due to regular wear and tear. These items are constantly consumed by the car and become unfit for further use after a specific period.

The consumables in car insurance usually cover the expenses for replacing the consumable items mentioned in this consumables items list:

• All types of lubricants, such as engine oil, brake oil, steering oil, coolant, etc.

• AC gas or refrigerant used in your car.

• All types of filters, such as dust filters, air filters, engine filters, etc.

• Vital items such as bolts, nuts, washers, screws, grease, etc.

You need to remember that the consumables cover in car insurance cover only the consumable expenses and not the fuel or electricity expenses. Also, an insurer may deny the claim to cover consumables in any of the following scenarios:

• The driver was driving the insured car without a valid driving licence

• He or she was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• A private vehicle was being used for a commercial purpose

• Delayed information to the insurance company about the replacement of consumable items

• Electrical or mechanical breakdown of the insured car

• Unnecessary replenishment of engine oil or other consumables

Just like with any other insurance, you need to fulfil certain conditions to become eligible for filing a claim under the consumables cover of your car insurance. These may include:

• Your claim should be made under the “own damage” coverage of your comprehensive car insurance policy. It means that third-party damages are not eligible for claim under this add-on

• You should repair or replace your damaged consumable items within three days of the accident. Your insurer might reject your claim if you file it after three days of the accident

• This coverage is usually available for cars that are less than five-year-old. Cars older than five years are usually denied consumables cover in car insurance

Let’s understand the working of a consumable cover with the help of an example. Suppose you are going somewhere in your car. Suddenly, you meet with an accident, and your car suffers damage. The cost of repairing your car came out to be ₹15,000. Now, you filed a claim with your car insurance policy, and you got a reimbursement of only ₹13,000.

It’s because the remaining ₹2,000 were incurred for replacing or refilling consumable items, such as nuts, bolts, AC gas, engine oil, etc.

Now, in case you have a consumable cover in your car insurance policy, you wouldn’t need to spend anything out of your pocket. You will get the complete reimbursement of ₹15,000. You can also avail of a 100% cashless repair facility at a network garage.

When you file a claim on your car insurance policy with consumable cover, you need to furnish the following documents:

• All receipts and repair bills

• Driving licence

• Car insurance document

• Registration Certificate

If you don’t want any hassles, try to get your car repaired at a network garage. Even if you’re taking your car to a non-network garage, do inform the insurer in advance.

Even if it means an addition of a nominal amount to your car insurance premium, it’s prudent to buy a consumables cover in insurance. With Tata AIG, you can get the best four-wheeler insurance with consumable cover at very competitive premiums. So, compare plans, know the premium, and choose the right policy for yourself.