When buying vehicle insurance, most people go for just the basic plan — but that often leaves you underprotected when things go wrong.

That’s where add-ons (also called riders) come in.

They enhance your motor insurance coverage by offering specific protections beyond the standard plan — for a small extra fee.

But with so many add-ons available, which ones are actually worth your money?

Let’s break down the top 5 car and bike insurance add-ons that actually help in real life.

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🚘 1. Zero Depreciation Cover (Bumper-to-Bumper)

What it does:

Covers full cost of parts replacement without deducting depreciation. Without this, insurers reduce payouts based on wear-and-tear of parts.

Why it matters:

Car parts depreciate up to 50% (especially plastic/fiber parts). You’ll otherwise pay a big chunk out of pocket during repairs.

✅ Highly recommended for:

• Cars/bikes under 5 years old

• Premium/luxury vehicles

• People who want full reimbursement

💸 Extra Cost: Medium
📈 Value: Very High

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💧 2. Engine Protection Cover

What it does:

Covers engine damage caused by waterlogging, oil leaks, or hydrostatic lock — not covered under basic plans.

Why it matters:

Monsoon floods can destroy engines — and you’ll have to pay ₹40,000–₹2 lakh or more out-of-pocket without this cover.

✅ Highly recommended for:

• Cars/bikes in flood-prone cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, etc.)

• Vehicles parked in basements

💸 Extra Cost: Low
📈 Value: High (especially during rains)

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🔑 3. Key Replacement Cover

What it does:

Pays for lost or stolen car/bike keys and remote entry systems (which can cost ₹10,000–₹50,000).

Why it matters:

Modern vehicles have expensive chip-based smart keys. Getting them replaced can be time-consuming and costly.

✅ Highly recommended for:

• High-end cars and bikes

• Those who travel a lot and risk misplacing keys

💸 Extra Cost: Very Low
📈 Value: Medium to High

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🧍 4. Roadside Assistance (RSA)

What it does:

Gives on-call help for:

• Towing

• Flat tyre

• Battery jumpstart

• Fuel delivery

• Minor mechanical repairs

Why it matters:

Breakdowns can happen anytime — on highways, late nights, or remote areas. RSA gives you peace of mind.

✅ Highly recommended for:

• Long-distance riders/drivers

• Women, seniors, or first-time drivers

• Those without a trusted mechanic nearby

💸 Extra Cost: Low
📈 Value: Very High

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👥 5. Passenger/Personal Accident Cover (Extended)

What it does:

Provides financial protection if the driver or passengers are injured or killed in an accident.

Why it matters:

Basic insurance often includes only the driver. This add-on covers all occupants (and sometimes pillion riders on bikes).

✅ Highly recommended for:

• People who drive with family or friends

• Two-wheeler owners who ride with others

💸 Extra Cost: Low
📈 Value: High

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🧠 Bonus: Add-Ons You May Not Need

❌ Consumables Cover – Only worth it for new/luxury cars
❌ Return to Invoice – Helps during total loss/theft, but costly for old vehicles
❌ No Claim Bonus Protector – Great if you’ve built up a large NCB (50%+), but not essential otherwise

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✅ Final Thoughts: Add-Ons = Smart Customization

“Don’t overpay for a generic plan. Customize your coverage based on your usage, location, and lifestyle.”

The right add-ons cost just a few hundred extra, but can save you thousands when something unexpected happens.

Before your next vehicle insurance renewal, consider:

• Your daily route

• Local weather conditions

• Type and age of your vehicle

• Whether you often ride/drive with others

Pick add-ons that actually serve your real-life risks.