You know what surprises people when they buy car insurance? It’s not just the base coverage that matters, but the add-ons! These little extras can save you lakhs during claims, especially when Bangalore rains flood your Honda City or Mumbai monsoon ruins your Maruti Swift. You might think all insurance is one and the same, but add-ons make a huge difference. They can cover those unexpected moments like engine damage or roadside breakdowns, which otherwise burn a hole in your pocket. And honestly, add-ons aren’t just for the big city folks. Whether you’re zooming through Delhi traffic in a Hyundai Creta or chilling in Pune with your Tata Nexon, add-ons can be your best friend when trouble knocks.
Here’s the thing though — not every add-on suits everyone. Some are perfect if you drive a 5-year-old car, others if you’re dealing with Delhi pollution or festival seasons that tend to spike accidents. And if you’re with insurers like ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO, Bajaj Allianz, Digit, or Acko, these add-ons come with different perks and prices. So, let’s break down the top 5 must-have add-on covers for car insurance in 2026. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to pick for your ride — no confusion, just clear benefits. Ready? Let’s dive in!
#Engine Protect Add-On: Why It’s a Lifesaver
Imagine this: Rajesh in Mumbai wakes up to find his Maruti Swift’s engine making weird sounds after the recent monsoon flood. The repair bill? Easily ₹40,000. Now, engine repairs can cost a bomb, especially if water seeps in during floods or if your car overheats due to clogged radiators. This is where the Engine Protect add-on steps in. It covers damages to the engine and internal components caused by water ingress, leakage of lubricants, or oil contaminants — stuff often not covered in a basic policy.
Rajesh’s insurer, Bajaj Allianz, charged him a nominal extra premium of ₹2,500 for this cover, which saved him big. For a 5-year-old car, premiums for this add-on usually range between ₹2,000-3,000 in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. It’s especially useful for those living in flood-prone areas or cities with heavy monsoon like Chennai or Bangalore.
Who should buy this?
– Owners of older cars (3+ years) – Drivers in flood-prone or heavy rainfall cities – Folks who park their cars outdoors
If you don’t want to risk any engine failure surprises, this add-on is a must. If Priya in Bangalore had it for her Honda City, she would have avoided burning a hole in her pocket last season!
What Does Engine Protect Add-On Cover?
Usually, your basic car insurance covers accidental damage and theft, but it doesn’t cover engine failure caused by water entering the engine, lubrication issues, or contamination. This add-on steps in to cover those unexpected damages, which are common during monsoons or heavy rains.
Price Range and Insurers Offering This
Expect to pay around ₹2,000-3,000 as an add-on premium for engine protect. Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, and HDFC ERGO have this cover as part of their add-on packages. Digit and Acko also offer competitive rates with quick claim processes.
Real-Life Savings Example
Rajesh’s Swift suffered an engine snag in the Mumbai floods. Without Engine Protect, he would’ve paid ₹40,000 out of pocket. Thanks to Bajaj Allianz’s add-on, he paid just ₹2,500 extra and got the entire engine repaired.
Roadside Assistance: Because Breakdowns Don’t Wait
Picture this: You’re stuck on the Outer Ring Road in Bangalore late at night — tyre puncture, battery dead, or your car just won’t start. You don’t want to bother your friends or spend hours waiting for a tow. Roadside Assistance add-on is your go-to savior here. It covers emergency services like towing, battery jumpstart, flat tyre change, or even fuel delivery if you run out of petrol.
For around ₹700-1,200 per year, you get fantastic peace of mind. ICICI Lombard and HDFC ERGO offer great roadside assistance plans, and you can add these to your existing policy.
Who is this for?
– New drivers who might panic dealing with car troubles alone – City commuters who can’t afford downtime – People driving in remote areas or during odd hours
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety too. Think about Priya stuck in heavy Bangalore traffic with a flat tyre at 10 PM — Roadside Assistance got her back on the road fast, without stressing her out.
Services Included in Roadside Assistance
This add-on typically includes towing up to a certain distance (usually 20-50 km), battery jumpstart, flat tyre replacement, minor mechanical repairs on the spot, lost key assistance, and emergency fuel delivery.
Cost and Availability
Prices usually range between ₹700-1,200 annually. ICICI Lombard and HDFC ERGO are popular choices known for quick response. Digit and Acko also provide efficient roadside help, especially if you live in metro cities like Delhi or Pune.
Why You Can’t Ignore This Add-On
It’s not just about the money but peace of mind and safety. Imagine being stranded somewhere unsafe or late at night — this cover saves time, hassle, and stress.
Zero Depreciation Cover: Keep Full Claims Value
Look, nobody wants to hear the word depreciation when claiming insurance. But here’s the thing — without Zero Depreciation add-on, your claim payout reduces as your car ages. For example, if your Hyundai Creta suffers a bumper damage costing ₹30,000, you might only get 70-80% of that because of depreciation. Adding this cover means getting the full claim amount without deductions for parts’ depreciation.
Priya from Delhi opted for Zero Depreciation on her Honda City, paying an extra ₹4,000 annually. When her car got minor front-end damage, she saved about ₹8,000 in repairs compared to a standard policy.
Who needs it?
– Owners of cars 1 to 7 years old – Drivers who want hassle-free full claims – Folks who want genuine value from their policy
In cities like Pune or Chennai, where wear and tear happens fast due to pollution and weather, this add-on really pays off.
How Zero Depreciation Works
Normally, insurers deduct depreciation on parts like plastic, rubber, or metal fittings. This add-on covers the entire cost without depreciation deductions, so you get full reimbursement during repairs.
Premium Range and Providers
Expect to pay ₹3,500-5,000 extra for this add-on annually. ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and HDFC ERGO offer this cover widely. Digit and Acko also include it in their comprehensive plans.
When Zero Depreciation Saves You Money
If you frequently get minor damages or your car is relatively new, this add-on helps avoid paying a big chunk yourself. Priya’s claim example is just one of many such stories.
Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover: Protect Your Investment
You bought your Tata Nexon for ₹12 lakhs three years ago. Now, after an accident, the insurer offers only ₹7 lakhs — the current IDV (Insured Declared Value). You’d be shelling out the rest from your pocket if you want a new car. That’s why RTI cover is a blessing.
RTI pays the difference between the vehicle’s current market value (IDV) and the original invoice price, including registration and taxes. So, if your car is totaled within policy term, you get almost the full purchase price back.
This add-on is pricier, around ₹7,000-10,000 per year, but totally worth it for expensive cars or new owners in metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
Who should seriously consider RTI?
– New car owners (1-3 years old) – Owners of high-value vehicles – Folks worried about total loss or theft
Rajesh, owning a 2-year-old Swift in Mumbai, added RTI and saved lakhs when his car was stolen last year.
What RTI Covers Specifically
RTI covers the gap between the car’s IDV and original purchase price, including all taxes and registration, giving you the full invoice value during total loss or theft claims.
Costs and Insurer Options
The premium for RTI ranges from ₹7,000-10,000, varying by car value and insurer. Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, and HDFC ERGO offer good plans with RTI. Digit and Acko have affordable versions too.
Ideal Buyer Profile
This add-on is best for newer cars or high-end models where the IDV difference is significant. It provides peace of mind against total loss or theft scenarios.
#No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection: Save Your Bonus
You know that discount you build on your car insurance premium every claim-free year? That’s No Claim Bonus (NCB). But one accident or claim can wipe it out. NCB Protection add-on saves that bonus even if you file a claim.
For around ₹1,000-2,000 annually, you keep your bonus intact. Priya in Delhi opted for this, and after a minor claim, she kept her 20% discount, saving thousands on renewal premiums.
This makes sense for drivers in dense traffic areas like Mumbai or Chennai, where small dents and scratches are common.
Who benefits?
– Drivers with claim-free history – Those wanting premium savings long-term – City drivers prone to small accidents
This add-on keeps your wallet happy, avoiding premium hikes after every claim.
How NCB Protection Works
If you file a claim, your insurer covers the damages but your No Claim Bonus stays safe for next renewal, so your premium doesn’t jump up.
Premium Costs and Providers
This protection costs between ₹1,000-2,000 yearly. Insurers like HDFC ERGO, Bajaj Allianz, and ICICI Lombard offer this add-on as part of their comprehensive policies.
Who Should Buy It?
Regular city drivers with spotless claim records should grab this add-on to protect their hard-earned premium discounts from getting reset.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Engine Protect is essential for flood-prone cities and older cars.
- Roadside Assistance saves time, money, and stress during breakdowns.
- Zero Depreciation ensures full claims without deductions.
- Return to Invoice covers the gap between IDV and original price for new cars.
- No Claim Bonus Protection helps maintain premium discounts after claims.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are car insurance add-ons?
Add-ons are additional covers you can buy with your basic car insurance policy to protect against specific risks like engine damage, roadside assistance, or depreciation. They help you avoid extra costs during claims and offer customized protection based on your needs.
Are add-ons expensive?
Most add-ons cost between ₹700 to ₹10,000 annually depending on the cover and your car’s age. For example, Engine Protect might cost ₹2,500 while Zero Depreciation can be ₹4,000. Considering the benefits, these costs are small compared to potential repair bills.
Do all insurers offer the same add-ons?
No, while most leading insurers like ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO, Bajaj Allianz, Digit, and Acko offer popular add-ons, prices, coverage limits, and claim processes vary. It’s good to compare before buying.
Is Roadside Assistance really necessary?
Absolutely! It can be a lifesaver during unexpected breakdowns, especially if you drive in big cities or late at night. It costs just a little but saves huge stress and money during emergencies.
How does Zero Depreciation work?
Normally, claims cover only the depreciated value of parts based on age. Zero Depreciation add-on means you get full cost of parts without deductions, making repairs cheaper overall.
Can I add Return to Invoice cover for an old car?
RTI is mostly recommended for cars under 3-4 years old as the difference between invoice and IDV decreases with time. For older cars, it’s usually not cost-effective.
What happens if I don’t buy No Claim Bonus Protection?
If you file a claim without NCB protection, you typically lose your accumulated discount, making your next premium higher. NCB Protection add-on saves you from this premium hike.
Are add-ons available with all types of car insurance policies?
Most add-ons are available only with comprehensive car insurance policies. Third-party liability policies usually don’t support add-ons since they cover limited risks.
Final Thoughts
Look, you can’t predict every bump in the road, but you can prepare for them. These top 5 add-on covers are like your car’s safety net — protecting you from unexpected expenses that basic insurance won’t handle. Whether it’s engine damage from Mumbai’s monsoons, a flat tyre in Bengaluru’s night traffic, or preserving your premium discount in Delhi’s crazy jams, add-ons tailor your cover to your needs. Honestly, spending a few thousand rupees extra can save lakhs in hassles and repair costs. So next time you renew or buy car insurance, don’t ignore these add-ons. Chat with your insurer — be it ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, or Acko — and make sure your policy fits your lifestyle. Your car, and your wallet, will thank you!