What is consumable in car insurance?

If you're a car owner in India, you’ve probably heard about car insurance, and maybe even bought a comprehensive car insurance policy. But have you ever wondered what exactly is meant by consumables in car insurance? Many policyholders don’t understand this term, which can lead to confusion during a car insurance claim. In this guide, we will explore in simple English what consumables cover means and why it is important for every private car or private vehicle owner.

Understanding consumables in car insurance

In the context of car insurance, consumables refer to the items or parts of your car that are used up or require replacement frequently due to wear and tear or routine usage. These are not parts that break down due to accidents, but parts that need to be replaced regularly. Examples include:

• Engine oil
• Brake oil
• Power steering oil
• Fuel filter
• Gearbox oil
• AC gas or air conditioner gas

These parts may seem minor, but when you claim car insurance, the costs of these car consumables are often not covered under a standard car insurance policy. That’s where the consumables cover add on becomes crucial.

What is consumables cover in car insurance?

Consumables cover in car insurance is an add on cover that helps cover the cost of consumables used during the repair of your insured car. When you opt for this cover, your insurance company pays for these items too, along with the parts and labour charges.

This add on must be purchased in addition to your comprehensive insurance policy. It is not part of third party vehicle insurance and applies only to own-damage repairs. 

Benefits of consumables add on cover

• Save Money: The cost of consumables may seem small but when added together during repairs, they can increase your repair bill significantly.
• Reduce Financial Burden: Since car insurance pays for these consumable expenses, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for them.
• Covers More Than Basic Insurance: Your comprehensive car insurance policy without this add on won’t cover these costs.
• Better Claim Settlement: You can get a full claim settlement including consumable expenses cover, reducing your expenses.

Why is consumables cover important for car owners?

If you drive a private vehicle in a city with high traffic, chances are that you may have to visit a network garage for minor repairs more often. In such cases, parts like engine oil replacement, brake oil, and fuel filter get replaced.

With the consumables add on cover, these costs get included in your car insurance claim. It ensures that the entire bill is reimbursed under your motor insurance policy.

What is covered in a consumables add on cover?

Here are the items typically covered:

• Engine oil and gearbox oil
• Brake oil and coolant
• Power steering oil
• AC gas
• Oil filter, fuel filter
• Grease, nuts and bolts, washers, clips

These items are vital to the functioning of a car and are replaced frequently. With a consumables coverage added to your car insurance policy, you get peace of mind.

Eligibility and exclusions

To claim under this cover:

• Your vehicle must be covered under a comprehensive car insurance plan.
• You should hold a valid driving licence.
• Repair must be done at a network garage for cashless claims.
• This cover is applicable to private cars, not for commercial vehicles.

However, consumables cover won’t apply if the repair is due to electrical or mechanical breakdown, or if you go to a non network garage.

How does the claim work?

• Inform your insurance provider about the accident or damage.
• Take your car repaired at an authorised network garage.
• Ensure the car insurance consumables cover is included in your policy.
• Submit the repair bill.
• The insurance company will process a reimbursement claim or cashless claims based on the terms of the policy.

Car insurance premium and add on covers

Adding consumables cover in car insurance slightly increases your car insurance premium. However, the benefit you get in terms of repair costs covered during a claim is often much higher.

Many motor insurance plans now offer this add on cover bundled with other benefits like zero depreciation or roadside assistance.

Is the consumables cover worth it?

Absolutely. Especially if:

• You own a new or one car model with expensive spare parts.
• You drive frequently and require minor repairs often.
• You prefer cashless claims for faster service.
• You want to avoid any additional cost during repairs.

Considering the high cost of replacing car insurance consumables, opting for this add on makes complete financial sense.

FAQ: Consumables in car insurance

Q1: What does consumables mean in car insurance?

A: It refers to the parts like engine oil, brake oil, fuel filter, etc., which need replacement during car servicing or accident repairs.

Q2: Is consumable cover mandatory?

A: No, it’s optional. But adding consumables add on cover provides better protection.

Q3: Do third-party insurance plans cover consumables?

A: No. Only a comprehensive car insurance policy with consumables add on will cover these.

Q4: Can I claim consumables if I go to a non-network garage?

A: Generally, no. It’s valid only for network garage repairs and based on policy terms.

Q5: How much does it cost?

A: Depends on your car model, location, and insurer. It slightly increases your car insurance premium.

Conclusion: Make an informed choice

Understanding what is consumable in car insurance is essential to making the most of your car insurance policy. With a consumables cover, you don’t just protect your car—you protect your wallet too. It's especially useful when dealing with car insurance claim settlements where consumables expenses might otherwise not be reimbursed.

So, when you next renew or buy a comprehensive car insurance policy, remember to ask your insurance provider about consumables add on. It’s a small step toward complete protection.

Stay informed. Stay insured. And drive safe!

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ARN: Zuno/Blog/DM/What is consumable in car insurance?/06/25/68