What is a Consumable Cover in Car Insurance?

You just got your car fixed at a network garage after a minor bump, and while your comprehensive policy handled most of the bill, the consumables were not covered, leaving you wondering what that even means.

A consumables cover in car insurance is a valuable add-on that pays for frequently replaced parts like engine oil, nuts and bolts, brake fluid, and other essentials that standard policies don’t include. It helps you cut down repair costs by covering these small but frequent expenses.

Curious to know what is consumables in car insurance and why they matter? Keep reading.

What are Consumable Expenses in Car Insurance?

Consumable expenses in a car insurance policy refer to items that are usually replaced or used up at the time of repairs after an accident. These types of items include bolts, nuts, filters, and oil. When you purchase a comprehensive car insurance plan, you have the opportunity to buy a consumables cover as an add-on with an extended premium.

For example, Mr. Ramesh hits his car while colliding with another vehicle from the side. As a result, a part of the engine and the bumper get affected. When he takes the car for repairs, he finds that besides the engine and bumper repairs, he has to pay for consumables, which are engine oil, nuts, and bolts. If he had a consumable cover, he would not have to pay for these small repair items.

Which Items Count as Consumables?

Even though the items are small in appearance, collectively, they can add up to a substantial amount at the time of major repairs. Here are common consumables typically covered under this add-on:

1. Engine oil
2. Brake oil
3. Gearbox oil
4. Coolant
5. Lubricants
6. Nuts and bolts
7. Screws and washers
8. Grease
9. AC gas
10. Filters (oil, air, fuel), depending on the insurer’s policy

Why Do You Need a Consumables Cover?

Reduces Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Usually, insurers do not cover consumables in their standard insurance plans. However, during repairs, these small items can easily make up 5–15% of the total bill. If you own the consumables add-on cover, the additional expenses will be taken care of.

Helpful After Major Accidents

When there is severe damage to your car, it needs more consumables, especially items like lubricants, nuts, bolts, AC gas refilling, and so on. With the consumables rider. You can cover most of these expenses.

Ideal for New and High-End Cars

A consumables cover is a must-have for brand-new, luxury, or high-performance cars. It is because these cars have higher repair and consumable costs.

Affordable Add-On

It costs only a small extra premium but provides high value during claims. If you have a standalone own damage or a comprehensive car insurance plan, you can get this cover with a little extra premium.

What is Not Covered under a Consumables Cover?

A consumables cover usually does not cover:

1. Regular wear and tear
2. Mechanical breakdown not caused by accidents.
3. Damage due to driving under the influence, no valid licence, or illegal use
4. Consumables are replaced during routine servicing.
5. Mandatory deductibles and depreciation unless you have Zero Depreciation Cover.

Please Note: Always check your insurer's exact terms, as exclusions may vary.

What to Consider Before Buying a Consumables Cover for your car?

You can get a consumables cover with a minimal additional premium and save thousands during claim settlements. You should consider a consumables add-on if:

1. Your car is brand new, within 0–5 years old.
2. Prefer complete financial protection during repairs.
3. Own a premium or high-maintenance vehicle containing expensive parts.
4. You want to eliminate any unexpected out-of-pocket repair expenses.

Final Words

A consumables cover in car insurance may seem minor, but it can lead to meaningful savings. It helps you avoid paying for small yet essential replacement parts, like nuts, bolts, screws, and oils, during repairs.

This add-on is most beneficial for new or high-end cars, especially within the first 0 to 5 years. Since it’s an optional cover, third-party insurance does not include it. You can add it to a comprehensive or standalone own-damage policy for fuller protection.

If you are looking for the most beneficial motor insurance policy that offers consumables cover with its comprehensive or standalone own damage insurance coverage, choose Bajaj General Insurance.

FAQs on Consumable cover in car insurance

What are consumables in car insurance?

Consumables are small but essential items which are necessary for operating or repairing a vehicle. Usually, a standard insurance cover does not cover these items. However, you can purchase consumables cover as an add-on to your comprehensive car insurance cover and avail the benefits.

Is a consumables cover worth it?

Yes, it is worth it if the engine of your vehicle has been damaged in an accident. Because if you do not have this add-on cover, you might have to bear out-of-pocket charges for these small items, such as nuts, bolts, and oils.

How to claim consumables in car insurance?

First, notify your insurer about the accident or damage that occurred to your vehicle. Then, locate and head to a nearby network garage for the repairs. This is necessary if you are looking for a cashless claim settlement. If you want partial compensation, you can visit a non-network garage. Finally, submit all the necessary documents along with the repair invoices, the claim form and your policy papers.

Can  I get consumables covered with a standalone own damage car insurance plan?

Yes, you can get a consumables cover with a standalone own damage car insurance plan purchased from reliable insurers such as Bajaj General Insurance. This add-on enhances policy coverage by reducing charges for small items such as nuts, screws, oils, and bolts, items that are crucial for repairs.

Is it possible to get a consumable cover with a third-party insurance plan?

No, getting a consumable cover with third-party insurance is not possible because this type of insurance offers coverage only for third-party damages. To avail the benefits of consumables cover, you need to have a comprehensive or a standalone own damage car insurance plan from a reliable insurer.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.