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Most car insurance covers do not cover the consumables present in the car and these have to be separately insured through a consumable cover. Consumables refer to those parts of the car that serve a specific purpose and are consumed completely through use. An example of the same would be nuts, bolts, grease, etc. These parts have to be continually replaced as there are high wear and tear of these parts or items.

Anees, who was driving back home from work, met with a minor accident in which his radiator was damaged. As a result of this damage, the coolant leaked too. While Anees' car insurance company reimbursed the replacement cost of the radiator, he was not able to recover any sums for the coolant and had to spend nearly four and a half thousand rupees to get it fixed. Well, if he had a consumable cover, the expenses to repair the consumable would be borne by his insurance company.

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Features and Benefits of a Consumable Cover

Paying an additional amount with your car insurance policy will ensure that you reduce the amount of car maintenance cost that is to be paid in the long run. These costs are incurred on a frequent basis and can add up to a significant amount.

This add-on can be availed in comprehensive and own damage policies.
This add-on can be availed if the car is less than 5 years old.

What is Covered in a Consumable Cover?

Replacement costs of lubricants and oils such as engine oil, brake oil, air conditioner refrigerant, radiator coolant, etc are covered.
The replacement cost of nuts, bolts, screws, washers, grease, etc is covered.

What is Not Covered in a Consumable Cover?

Standard exclusions are as follows –

No claims can be made if the car was driven under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
No claims can be made if the car was driven by an individual who does not have a valid driver’s license.
No claims will be entertained if there was contributory negligence on the part of the policyholder or if it was a voluntary act that caused the damage.
No claim can be made for damages caused due to depreciation of the automobile.
No claim can be made for damages caused due to uninsured peril.
No claim will be entertained if the car was a private vehicle driven for commercial purposes.

Other exclusions under such a policy are as follows –

A claim will not be entertained if there is an electrical or mechanical breakdown of the car.
A claim made for wear and tear of the consumables will not be entertained under this cover.
Car fuel is not accounted for as a consumable under a consumable cover and hence, the policyholder is not eligible to make any claims regarding car fuel. For example, no claims can be made for the theft of the fuel from the fuel tank.
A claim will be invalidated if the policyholder did not have the insurance papers along with the driver’s license in his possession, in the car, at the time of the accident.
A delay in intimation might result in the rejection of the claim under the policy.

Who Should Buy a Consumable Cover?

Experts advise that the following individuals/ car owners must consider purchasing this additional cover –

If you wish to reduce expenditure on small repairs and maintenance, then opting for a consumable cover is a good idea.
If you wish to stay, worry-free about minor repairs and replacements of various car parts.
If you are an owner of a new/luxury car as repairing/replacement cost of consumables is high.

People who are living in accident-prone areas should also opt for this cover as, during accidents, the consumables of your car need to be repaired/replaced during car insurance claims.

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Consumable Cover in Car Insurancea FAQs

1. What is the cost at which this add-on can be availed?

The car owner is required to pay any extra amount as premium to avail this add-on. However, the amount varies from insurer to insurer depending on the age, make and model of the car.

2. What are the documents that are to be submitted at the time of making the claim under the policy?

While making a claim, one must submit the bills and receipts of the repairs in the network garage of the insurer, along with the current policy and car details. Refer the terms and conditions of the policy for any other specific requirements that the insurer might have.

3. In case of an accident, within what time must the policyholder get the repairs done?

The consumable cover benefits can be availed by the policyholder only when the repairs to the car consumables is done within a period of 24 hours of the accident. The claim will be honoured only if this timeline is adhered to.