Car Insurance: A Quick Note on Add-On Covers or Riders for Monsoons

Four-wheelers, especially cars, are known to face the wrath of severe rains, especially while taking into account the ground clearance. For instance, water seeping into the engine via the air intake can lead to severe damage.

Moreover, a comprehensive car insurance plan mentions no clause to cover engine damage due to water ingress. Hydro-static locking is another term for such a situation. In addition, it does not consider the depreciation amount on the repair and replacement of spare parts during the time of determining the claim amount payable.

It is often bad road conditions coupled with low visibility, which can unnerve even a seasoned car driver during a heavy downpour. Therefore, the risk of a possible accident or the likelihood of getting engaged in a multiple-vehicle collision remains considerably high.  Also, trees, especially weak ones, during the monsoon pose another level of risk for cars. 

A basic car insurance plan will mostly compensate for any minor damages or even total loss caused to a car engaged in an accident. However, a car insurance policy will in no way cover any damages to a car due caused due to rain-related conditions.

In such a scenario, the possible solution is to opt for add-on covers or riders. Generally, add-on covers or riders are additional as well as optional policy features along with a comprehensive car insurance policy.

Engine Protector Add-on Cover: This covers expenses that arise due to water ingression, oil leakage, hydrostatic lock, and other conditions. A few of its features are protection due to damage to the engine, engine parts, differential parts, gearbox, and gearbox parts, among others.

24×7 Roadside Assistance Add-on Cover: This ensures that if a car owner is stranded on the road because of any problem with a car,  a professional team can be reached out to assist or get to a car owner.

Zero Depreciation Add-on Cover: In this, the insurance company (insurer) covers the total cost of the replacement of parts without taking into account depreciation.

As per this, when a car owner files for an insurance claim, they are liable to get the full value of their car, including spare parts. 

Consumable Expenses Add-on Cover: The regular maintenance of a four-wheeler demands frequent expenses. For example, servicing or replacement of spare parts or changing car oils could add to the cost.

Such consumables expenses involving engine oil, braking oil, coolant, and gearbox oil, among others are covered under this add-on cover or rider.

Importantly, these add-on covers or riders are offered at an additional cost. So, before opting for one, an individual should consider their needs and location. For instance, an individual should consider whether they residing in areas that are prone to frequent flooding or face issues of water-logging  Also, ensure the terms and conditions, especially in fine print are thoroughly checked before going in for any form of car insurance policy.