When you buy a car, you don’t just invest in a vehicle, you also commit to its maintenance, repairs, and, most importantly, its protection through insurance. While standard car insurance covers damage to the vehicle and third-party liability, there’s a more minor yet crucial component of vehicle repair costs that often gets overlooked: consumables.
Many vehicle owners often encounter this term when settling claims, but may not understand what it actually is. Consumables insurance coverage is an optional extra that can protect you from additional unwanted costs.
Continue reading to learn what consumables are, why they are essential for car insurance, what is covered, exclusions, benefits, and whether you should buy them.
What are Consumables in a Car?
In simple terms, consumables are parts of your car that are used up or require regular replacement during service or repairs. These parts cannot be reused and lose their value once installed.
Unlike major components, such as the engine or gearbox, consumables are smaller items that may seem insignificant individually but can add up to a substantial bill during repairs.
Common examples of consumables in a car:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission oil
- Grease
- Nuts and bolts
- Washers
- Bearings
- Oil filter
- Lubricants
- AC gas
Whenever you have your vehicle serviced after an accident or for routine maintenance, these components must be topped up or replaced. The cost is usually not covered by a standard auto insurance policy unless you specifically add a Consumables Cover option.
What is a Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?
A consumables cover is an add-on feature of comprehensive car insurance that covers minor, necessary items used in accident-related repairs. Regular policies do not include these items, and the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket for oils, fluids, nuts, bolts, and lubricants.
This add-on offers comprehensive financial coverage, including small repair materials. It is beneficial for new, luxury, or high-mileage vehicles, as it prevents unexpected bills, simplifies the claim process, and provides peace of mind during accident repairs.
Why are Consumables Important in Car Insurance?
While major repairs and replacements are the primary focus of car insurance, consumables, small, essential items used during repairs, can add up to significant costs. These include engine oil, brake fluid, nuts, bolts, lubricants, and other important components required to restore your car after an accident.
Without a consumables cover, the cost of these products is paid by the car owner. Even minor accidents can result in bills ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 or more, depending on the type of vehicle. For luxury cars, this amount can be significantly higher.
Choosing a consumables add-on covers all costs, eliminating surprise bills and making accident repairs easier. It is especially beneficial for car owners who drive frequently, live in busy urban areas, or own luxury cars, where consumables tend to be more expensive.
In short, a consumables cover ensures that all nuts, bolts, and essential fluids used in a repair are covered, giving you complete peace of mind and hassle-free claim settlements.
Inclusions and Exclusions of Consumables Cover
It’s crucial to understand what a consumables add-on covers, and what it doesn’t, to ensure smooth claim settlement and avoid unexpected expenses.
Inclusions
The consumables cover reimburses the cost of items used during accident-related repairs. Typical inclusions are:
- Oils and Fluids: Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission oil, coolant, and power steering fluid.
- Grease and Lubricants: All essential lubricating materials needed for repairs.
- Small Parts: Nuts, bolts, screws, washers, and bearings replaced during repairs.
- AC Gas: Refilling refrigerant in the air conditioner if it is damaged in an accident.
- Filters: Oil filters and other consumable filters that were replaced during repair.
Exclusion
Certain situations and items are not covered under the consumables add-on:
- Routine Servicing or Maintenance: Consumables replaced during standard servicing.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Natural depletion of oils, grease, or lubricants.
- Unauthorised Repairs: Repairs done at non-network garages without insurer approval.
- Deliberate or Fraudulent Damage: Any intentional damage to the vehicle.
- Non-Accident Usage: Consumables that are not linked to accident-related repairs, such as coolant topped up during regular maintenance.
This clear distinction ensures that policyholders know precisely when the add-on applies and can plan their claims accordingly.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Opt for the Consumables Cover?
The following are the eligibility criteria to avail a consumables cover:
- Vehicle Age: Most insurers offer consumables cover for cars up to 5 years old. Some may extend it up to 7 years, depending on the insurer and the car model.
- Policy Type: The add-on is available only with a comprehensive car insurance policy, not third-party liability insurance.
- Ownership: Only the registered owner or the policyholder is eligible to purchase this add-on.
- Condition of Vehicle: The car should be in roadworthy condition and free from pre-existing damage at the time of adding the cover.
What is the Applicability of the Consumables Cover?
This coverage is applicable for the following circumstances:
- Accident-related repairs that require consumables such as oils, nuts, bolts, and lubricants.
- It is not applicable for routine maintenance, wear and tear, or intentional damage.
- The coverage is valid during the policy period and can be renewed in conjunction with the main insurance policy.
Documents Required to Make a Consumables Cover Claim
To activate or claim consumables cover, insurers typically require:
- Insurance Policy Document
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Claim Form
- Valid Driving Licence
- Accident/Repair Proof
- KYC Documents
By ensuring all these conditions are met and documents are submitted correctly, policyholders can receive claim settlements without hassle for consumables used during accident repairs.
Cost of Consumables Add-On in Car Insurance
The premium for consumables coverage varies depending on:
- Insurer
- Car model and make
- Age of the car
On average, the add-on costs around 0.5% – 1% of the car’s insured declared value (IDV). For most cars, this translates to ₹300 – ₹1,000 annually.
Considering the potential savings on accident repair, this is a small price to pay for added peace of mind.
Who Should Opt for a Consumables Cover?
A consumables add-on cover is highly recommended for individuals purchasing new cars, as repair costs for consumables such as engine oil, brake fluid, nuts, and bolts are significantly higher during the first few years of car ownership. It is also beneficial for owners of premium or luxury cars, where even minor repairs can add up to significant amounts.
Frequent drivers and those exposed to wear-and-tear or accident-prone conditions also benefit from this add-on. By including necessary but often excluded costs, consumables coverage ensures smooth claim processes, complete financial protection, and peace of mind for anyone seeking the most comprehensive car insurance.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Consumables Cover
Here are the key considerations every car owner should keep in mind before buying this cover:
Policy Type Requirement
Consumables cover is available only with a comprehensive car insurance policy. Thus, ensure you choose appropriate plans, as this cover cannot be added to a standalone third-party policy.
Car’s Age and Condition
This add-on is most beneficial for new or relatively new cars, where repair bills tend to be higher. Older vehicles may not always qualify, or they may be subject to higher premiums.
Premium Costs
While the add-on is affordable, premiums vary depending on the car’s make, model, and age. Thus, you need to evaluate whether the cost aligns with your budget and potential savings before making a decision.
Exclusions
Please note that the consumables coverage does not include routine servicing, normal wear and tear, or negligence-related damages. It applies only when a valid accident-related claim is raised.
Claim Process
Ensure the insurer offers a hassle-free claim process for consumables. A smooth settlement experience is key to avoiding out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring timely reimbursements.
How to Buy a Consumables Cover?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you buy consumables protection for your car insurance policy:
Step 1 – Visit the Insurer’s Website
Start by visiting the official website of your preferred insurance provider. Ensure the company is reliable and offers consumables cover as an add-on. The website will guide you through the policy purchase process, making it convenient and straightforward to get started.
Step 2 – Share Basic Car-related Information
Enter essential details such as your car’s registration number, make, model, and year of manufacture. These details enable the insurer to calculate premiums accurately and present the most relevant plan options, including add-ons such as consumables cover.
Step 3 – Select the Comprehensive Plan
Choose a comprehensive car insurance policy, as consumable coverage is only available with this type of plan. Comprehensive insurance already protects against accidents, theft, and natural calamities, and adding a consumables cover enhances it further by covering small but costly repair items.
Step 4 – Select the Consumables Cover
From the list of add-on covers, choose the consumables cover. This ensures that repair expenses, such as engine oil, brake fluid, nuts, bolts, and other minor yet essential consumables, are included in your policy, thereby reducing out-of-pocket costs after an accident.
Step 5 – Make the Payment and Receive the Policy
Finalise your purchase by completing the payment online using the insurer’s secure portal. Once the payment is successful, you will receive the updated policy documents digitally, with the consumables add-on included for your chosen car insurance plan.
How the Consumables Add-On Saves Money
Let’s understand with a practical example:
Suppose your car is involved in an accident and taken to a workshop. The repair bill looks like this:
- Bumper replacement – ₹15,000
- Headlight replacement – ₹8,000
- Engine oil refill – ₹2,500
- Brake fluid top-up – ₹1,200
- Nuts, bolts, washers – ₹1,000
Total Bill = ₹27,700
Your standard insurance policy will cover ₹23,000 (bumper + headlight). The remaining ₹4,700 (engine oil, brake fluid, nuts & bolts) would be paid by you.
But with a consumables cover, the insurer pays the full amount, except for the deductible, which you need to pay out-of-pocket.
How to File a Claim for Consumables Cover in Car Insurance?
The following are the two ways to file a claim for a consumables add-on cover in car insurance:
- Cashless Claims:
In cashless claims, the vehicle is taken to a network garage affiliated with the insurer. The insurer pays the repair bill directly to the garage, and the owner only pays the deductible. An insurance representative inspects the damage before repairs begin to ensure smooth processing.
- Reimbursement Claims:
For a reimbursement claim, the vehicle can be repaired at any garage. The owner pays upfront and submits the bills, policy document, and other necessary documents to the insurer for reimbursement.
Prior notification is required because the insurer needs to inspect the damage to determine the extent of the claim. This process is slower compared to cashless claims.
Advantages of Adding a Consumables Cover
Adding a consumables cover to your car insurance plan offers several unique benefits that go beyond standard coverage. Here are the key advantages that make this add-on a wise and valuable choice for every car owner:
- Comprehensive Protection – This coverage offers essential consumables like nuts, bolts, lubricants, and brake oil, which are typically not covered by standard policies, providing complete financial support for accident repairs.
- Minimal Extra Premium – For just a small additional cost, you gain extensive coverage, making it a cost-effective add-on that saves you from unexpected expenses during car servicing and repairs.
- Peace of Mind – With consumables insured, you no longer need to worry about unexpected repair bills, allowing you to drive peacefully with all minor but essential expenses covered.
- Better Claim Experience – With no hidden charges, this add-on provides a seamless, hassle-free claim experience, making settlements faster, more precise, and stress-free for car owners.
- Suitable for All Cars – Whether you own an affordable hatchback or a luxury car, this coverage provides equal value by protecting against unavoidable repair costs in the event of an accident.
So, if your car fits under the eligibility criteria, adding a consumables add-on cover can be an ideal way to reduce out-of-pocket costs during accident-related repairs.
With a minimal additional premium, this add-on ensures complete financial protection, seamless claim payments, and enhanced security. Whether you drive a budget hatchback or a luxury vehicle, availing a consumables cover offers zero surprises and total peace of mind.
FAQs About Consumables in Car Insurance
Q. Is the consumables cover available for all cars?
Yes, there is a consumables coverage option available for both budget-friendly and luxury cars, although the cost will vary depending on the make, model, and age of the vehicle.
Q. How much does a consumables cover cost?
The premium usually ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the car’s insured declared value (IDV), translating to ₹300–₹1,000 annually for most vehicles.
Q. Can I buy a consumables add-on after purchasing car insurance?
Yes, most insurers allow you to buy it when you purchase or renew the policy, but mid-term additions are usually not permitted.
Q. Does the consumables cover increase my claim settlement time?
No, in fact, it simplifies settlements by covering expenses that might otherwise be disputed or excluded, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Q. Can I transfer my consumables add-on if I sell my car?
No, the consumables cover is linked to the insured car. When you sell, the add-on lapses, but you can purchase a new one for your next vehicle.
