Did you know that there are several parts in your car that need replacing on a regular basis because of natural wear and tear? These parts include things like engine oil, brake oil, washers, etc.
All these parts are known as consumables in car insurance.
Now imagine a scenario where you unfortunately meet with an accident while driving and a consumable gets damaged. Will your car insurance cover it or not? It will, if you have the add-on known as consumables cover in car insurance. This article will explain it further as you read on.
Explaining the Consumable Cover add-on
In a standard car insurance plan, that covers repair-related expenses of your vehicle, consumables are not covered.
But, you can get your consumable expenses covered by opting for a Consumable Cover add-on.
With this add-on, you can cover all expenses related to consumables as long as it comes under an Own Damage claim. Having a Consumable Cover is a useful addition to your car insurance plan since it saves you a lot of money at the time of making a claim.
What is Consumables in car insurance?
There are certain parts which are considered as car insurance consumables and that are covered under the Consumable Cover.
Given below is a list of consumables in car insurance:
1. Engine oil
2. Gear Box oil
3. Lubricants
4. Nuts and bolts
5. Screws
6. Distilled water
7. Grease
8. Oil filter
9. Bearings
10. Washers
11. Clip
12. Brake oil
13. Fuel filter
14. Air Conditioner gas
Note: For a full list of inclusions, please read the Policy Wordings.
What does the add-on not cover?
Here are scenarios when the add-on does not apply:
1. When the consumable in question is not connected to the claim you've raised.
2. If there is no valid claim.
3. If repairs are done at an unauthorised garage.
Note: For a full list of exclusions, please read the Policy Wordings.
How can I get Consumables Cover in car insurance?
As mentioned earlier, the cover is available as an add-on. That means you can get the cover along with a standard policy.
When you're purchasing an
Own Damage car insurance, meaning, you're buying a car insurance to protect your own vehicle from accidents, then select the Consumable Cover from the add-ons section.
The add-on, and any other add-on, will change your final premium amount payable. But it's worth it, considering the money you'll save at the time of making a claim.
Once you've got your final premium amount, you can make the payment and your policy will be issued in next to no time.
Is the Consumable Cover add-on useful?
When you buy a standard Own Damage policy or a Comprehensive
car insurance there are certain scenarios under which you'll be covered for. These could be accidents, natural calamities, riots, vandalism, etc.
But what if some of your vehicle's consumables get damaged as a result of these scenarios? Consumables like fuel filter, bearings, washers, etc.
A standard plan will not cover you for such losses. Meaning you will have to pay for repairs from your own pocket. So, if your claim amount is Rs.11,500 in total and out of that Rs.1,500 goes into consumable expenses, then a standard plan will cover you for up to Rs.10,000. The remaining Rs.1,500 has to be borne by you. To avoid such a situation, having the add-on will save you from shelling out Rs.1,500.
This makes the add-on a quite useful benefit in addition to your car insurance plan.
Documents required when filing a claim
When it comes to filing a car insurance claim, there are certain important documents to keep in handy. Here is a list for you to keep note of:
1. The claim form, filled and with your signature
2. A copy of your insurance policy
3. A copy of the valid driver's license
4. Copy of the Registration Certificate (RC) including your car's make and model
5. Receipts of all repair bills (if you get repairs at a non-network garage)
Conclusion
There's no price you can put on safety. That's why having as much protection as you afford in your car insurance is priceless. This includes even covering expenses for small items like brake oil and engine oil.
In the end, these little parts could make your repair bill look huge. Thus, having a Consumable Cover add-on will save you the headache of an inflated repair bill if ever you have to make a claim.
