You met with a small accident. Your bumper and radiator were damaged.
You are calm because you bought a comprehensive "Zero Depreciation" policy. You expect to pay almost nothing.
But when you pick up your car, the service center hands you a bill for ₹4,500.
"Why?" you ask. "My insurance covers everything!"
The advisor points to the fine print: "Sir, insurance covers the radiator (metal), but NOT the Coolant inside it. It covers the bumper, but NOT the clips and screws holding it."
Welcome to the world of "Consumables."
If you don't have this specific add-on, every accident will cost you money out of pocket.
Disclaimer: Consumables cover is an add-on. Even with this cover, you must still pay the mandatory "Compulsory Deductible" (usually ₹1,000 or ₹2,000).
You Have 'Zero Dep' But Still Paid ₹4,000 for Repair?
1. What Are "Consumables" in a Car?
In insurance terms, consumables are items that cannot be reused once opened. They are "consumed" during the repair.
🔧 List of Non-Covered Items (Without Add-on)
- Liquids (ICE & EV): Engine Oil, Brake Fluid, EV Battery Coolant, AC Gas.
- Small Parts: Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Washers, Clips, Rivets.
- Filters: Oil Filter, Air Filter, Cabin Filter.
- Others: Grease, Lubricants, Bearings, Sealants.
Imagine a front-end collision. The AC condenser breaks. The insurance pays ₹10,000 for the new condenser.
But the AC Gas (worth ₹2,500) that leaked out? Without this add-on, you pay for that.
2. Zero Dep vs. Consumables Cover
Most people confuse the two. They are different but work best together.
| Feature | Zero Depreciation | Consumables Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Metal, Plastic, Fibre, Glass parts. | Oil, Gas, Nuts, Bolts, Grease. |
| Example | Pays full price for a new Door. | Pays for the Grease/Clips to fix the door. |
Verdict: Zero Dep protects the Car. Consumables Cover protects your Wallet from annoying small bills.
3. Is It Worth the Cost?
This is the best part. It is incredibly cheap.
For a mid-range car (like Swift, Nexon, or Creta), the Consumables Add-on costs around ₹300 - ₹600 per year.
- Cost: ~₹400.
- Potential Saving: ₹4,000 (Cost of replacing synthetic engine oil, coolant, and AC gas).
It is a no-brainer. Why risk paying thousands just to save a few hundred rupees?
4. Important Condition: "Admissibility"
Note this rule:
The insurer will pay for consumables ONLY IF they are replaced due to an accident claim that is accepted.
You cannot just go to the garage for a regular service and ask insurance to pay for your oil change. That is maintenance, not an accident.
5. Who Should Buy It?
Every car owner should buy it, but especially:
- Luxury Car Owners: (Audi, BMW, Mercedes). A single liter of oil or a specific bolt can cost a fortune.
- EV Owners: Electric Vehicle coolant systems are complex and expensive to refill.
- Cars Up to 7-10 Years: While traditionally for new cars, many insurers now offer this for cars up to 7 or even 10 years old.
The Final Checkbox
When you renew your policy on PolicyBazaar or Acko, you will see a list of add-ons.
Do not skip the one that says "Consumables Cover."
It is the difference between paying ₹1,000 (Compulsory Deductible only) and paying ₹5,000.
Action Plan: Check your policy renewal quote today. If Consumables is not ticked, add it. It costs less than a movie ticket.
Helpful Resources:
ICICI Lombard: Consumables Cover Details
Acko: What are Consumables in Car Insurance?
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