In India, having a valid motor/car insurance policy is crucial as well as legally mandatory. However, sometimes having a basic insurance plan is not enough. Many people think a comprehensive car insurance policy protects them against all types of unforeseen expenses. However, that is not true.
Generally, comprehensive car insurance plans cover repairs, personal insurance, and mandatory third-party liabilities, along with any damages. The consumable parts of four- wheelers are not covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy. Therefore obtaining a consumables cover in a car insurance policy is necessary to protect your vehicle from any damages related to the consumable parts.
Continue reading to know more about consumables covered in car insurance.
What are consumables in a car?
The consumables in a car refer to commodities that have a specific use for only a limited time and need to be replaced regularly due to wear and tear. Consumable items in a car include Engine oil, brake oil, Grease, refrigerant for AC, Oil Filters, Lubricants, radiator coolant, ball bearings, nuts, screws, bolts, and washers, except fuel.
And when your motor insurance covers the cost of the damages of such items, it is known as consumable cover in car insurance.
Does Car Insurance provide Consumables Coverage?
Your comprehensive car insurance policy does not cover consumables. Therefore, in case of any mishap vehicle owners would have to pay from their pocket for replacing the consumables. However, having a consumable cover will benefit the policyholders, by taking care of the cost of consumables for replacing or refiling car parts.
How to get coverage for consumables?
To get coverage for consumables, vehicle owners need to buy a consumables car insurance cover. You can buy consumable cover as an add-on service with your comprehensive car insurance policy, not as a standalone policy.
For this, vehicle owners may have to pay an extra premium in addition to the car insurance premium to get consumables coverage. The premium that needs to be paid for consumables cover may vary from insurer to insurer and car model type. So, you need to research thoroughly and confirm with your car insurance provider before moving ahead.
How does a consumable cover in car insurance work?
To understand how a consumable cover works, have a look at the given example:
Imagine your vehicle met with an accident and needs urgent repair or replacement. The cost of the repair/replacement is worth Rs. 25,000. The ‘own damage’ component of your comprehensive car insurance policy covers repairs worth Rs. 15,000, whereas the
remaining Rs. 10,000 needs to be paid for repairing, replacing, or refiling various consumables items, including engine oil, nuts, bolts, and screws.
If you have a consumable car insurance cover, the entire bill of Rs. 25,000 would be insured and you wouldn’t have to pay a single rupee from your wallet. Therefore a consumable add- on supplements your comprehensive car insurance policy.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Claim Consumables Cover?
Policyholders are required to fulfill certain conditions to become eligible for filing a claim under the consumables car insurance cover. These may include:
- Policyholders must file a claim under the “own damage” section of their comprehensive car insurance policy. Note: Third-party liabilities are not eligible for claim under consumables cover.
- Vehicle owners should repair or replace damaged consumable car items within three days from the date of the accident. The insurance provider might reject your claim if you file it after three days.
- Consumables coverage add-on is usually valid for four-wheelers that are less than five-year-old.
What are the inclusions in a consumable cover?
By obtaining the consumables add-on cover, policyholders can get coverage for repairing or replacing consumables items that get damaged due to accidents. The consumables in car insurance usually cover the cost of replacing the following items:
- Refrigerant for AC
- Lubricants, such as brake oil, engine oil, gearbox oil, power steering oil, radiator coolant, etc.
- All types of filters, such as air filters, dust filters, engine filters, and more.
- Other valuable items, including nuts, bolts, washers, screws, grease, etc.
What are the exclusions in a consumable cover?
Your Insurance provider can deny a consumable cover if you were:
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Driving a private car for commercial purposes
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you fail to inform your insurance company in time
- Any mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Any normal wear and tear of the vehicle parts
Note: To avoid any complications, all repairs should be made in the insurer’s network garage. Even if you get your car repaired at a non-network garage, do inform the insurer in advance. Failing to intimate your insurance provider beforehand can lead to your claim getting rejected.
Documents required for claiming consumable cover
To file a claim for your car insurance policy with consumable cover, you need to furnish the below-listed documents:
- All receipts and bills for consumable repairs
- Valid driver’s license
- Original Car insurance document
- Registration Certificate RC of the insured vehicle
Top Car Insurance Companies in India
HDFC Ergo Car Insurance
In 2015, after a joint venture HDFC and ERGO came into alliance. The company has over 6700 cashless garages and offers services like overnight vehicle repairs. With a 4.4 customer rating, HDFC Ergo has over 1.5 Crore happy customers. HDFC Ergo provides a 100% claim settlement ratio where 80% of claims are settled within one day.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | HDFC Ergo General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.2% |
| Number of claims settled | 3 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 22 days |
| Network of garages | 3,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
United India Car Insurance
Incorporated in February 1938, United India Car Insurance has more than 1.38 crore customers. It provides a variety of insurance products and has a 95% claim settlement ratio. The company excels in achieving the goal of 100% customer satisfaction.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | United India Insurance |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, India |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Customers | Over 15 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.4% |
| Number of claims settled | 4 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 20 days |
| Network of garages | 3,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
ICICI Lombard Car Insurance
Founded in 2001, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd. offers a comprehensive and wide variety of insurance products. The company has a claim settlement ratio of 93.4% for motor insurance. With a 4.7 customer rating, ICICI Lombard has issued a car insurance policy for over 2.17 crore individuals.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | ICICI Lombard General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Customers | Over 17 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.3% |
| Number of claims settled | 4.5 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 23 days |
| Network of garages | 4,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
New India Car Assurance
Founded in 1919, New India Car Assurance has a 92% claim settlement ratio. With a huge customer market, the company is providing world-class service both in India and abroad.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | New India Assurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Customers | Over 25 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.6% |
| Number of claims settled | 6.5 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 25 days |
| Network of garages | 5,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Royal Sundaram Car Insurance
Established in October 2000, Royal Sundaram car insurance is trusted by over 28 million Indians. The company has a 99% claim settlement ratio and provides complete protection for your vehicle.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Royal Sundaram General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Chennai, India |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 22 days |
| Network of garages | 3,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Digit Car Insurance
Established in the year 2016, Digit Insurance is trusted by over 3 crore Indians and has a 96% claim settlement ratio.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Digit General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, India |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Customers | Over 2 million |
| Claim Settlement Ratio | 96% |
| Number of Claims Settled | 1 million |
| Average Claim Settlement Time | 15 days |
| Network of Garages | 1,000+ |
| 24/7 Emergency Assistance | Yes |
Cholamandalam Car Insurance
Founded in 2001, Cholamandalam MS caters to different customer needs. With a 96% claim settlement ratio, the company is highly trusted by customers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company name | Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Parent company | Murugappa Group |
| Japanese partner | Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited |
| Products | Motor insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Website | https://www.cholainsurance.com/ |
| Total customers | 10 million+ |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96% (FY 2021-22) |
Future Generali Car Insurance
Future Generali is in business since 2006 and has a 96% claim settlement ratio. With over 121 branches across India, the company serves its customers 24*7.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company name | Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Parent company | Future Group |
| Products | Car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.2% (FY 2021-22) |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million (FY 2021-22) |
| Average claim settlement time | 30 days |
| Network of garages | 3,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Reliance Car Insurance
Founded in August 2000, Reliance car insurance has managed to meet customer expectations with its effortless service. With a 96% claim settlement ratio, the company is popular among customers.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Reliance General Insurance Company Limited |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Parent company | Reliance Industries Limited |
| Products | Car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95% (FY 2021-22) |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million (FY 2021-22) |
| Average claim settlement time | 30 days |
| Network of garages | 3,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Liberty Car Insurance
Founded in 2013, Liberty car insurance has over 110 offices across. The company has issued 20 crore policies since 2013 and has a 98% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Liberty General Insurance Limited |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Parent company | Liberty Citystate Holdings Pte. Ltd. |
| Products | Car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.4% (FY 2021-22) |
| Number of claims settled | 1 million (FY 2021-22) |
| Average claim settlement time | 25 days |
| Network of garages | 2,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Kotak Car Insurance
Established in April 2015, Kotak car insurance has over 1.1 crore customers. With 4000+ network garages, the company has a 98% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Kotak Mahindra General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.8% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.1 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 23 days |
| Network of garages | 3,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance
Founded in 1926, Bajaj Allianz is a customer-centric organization. Bajaj Allianz customers can get 24*7 roadside assistance. With a 99% claim settlement ratio, the company makes sure to provide what its customers need.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Bajaj Allianz General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.3% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.5 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 22 days |
| Network of garages | 4,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Zuno Car Insurance
Established in 2016, Zuno is a trusted insurance provider in India. With a huge customer base, the company has a 98% claim settlement ratio
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Zuno General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Customers | Over 1 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 97% |
| Number of claims settled | 500,000 |
| Average claim settlement time | 15 days |
| Network of garages | 1,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
| Key features |
|
Universal Sompo Car Insurance
In 2008, Universal Sompo General Insurance started its business in India. The company’s PAN India presence provides customers with 24*7 assistance, a quick claim process, and the best insurance deals. Universal Sompo has a 96% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Zuno General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Customers | Over 1 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 97% |
| Number of claims settled | 500,000 |
| Average claim settlement time | 15 days |
| Network of garages | 1,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
IFFCO Tokio Car Insurance
IFFCO Tokio Car Insurance was founded in the year, 2000, as a joint venture between IFFCO Tokio and Tokio Marine Asia. With a customer rating of 4.8, the company has a 96% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | IFFCO Tokio General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Parent company | IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) and Tokio Marine Group |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 25 days |
| Network of garages | 2,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |