Motor insurance cover types and add-ons compared
Liability-only, standalone OD, comprehensive and the main add-ons side by side.
This table compares types of cover and add-ons, not insurers or prices. Use it to decide what you need before you collect quotes, then compare quotes only with the same choices. Third-party cover is the legal minimum under section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; everything else is optional. Read the cover types guide and the add-ons guide for detail.
Select a column header to sort.
| Cover or add-on | What it pays | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party (liability-only) | Death, injury and property damage you cause to others; nothing for your own vehicle | Old, low-value vehicles you could afford to replace | No cover for theft, fire, flood or your own repairs |
| Standalone own-damage | Damage to and theft of your own vehicle | Cars and bikes that already have a valid long-term TP policy | Only valid alongside a separate active TP policy |
| Comprehensive (package) | Third-party liability plus own damage in one policy | Most cars and bikes after the new-vehicle TP term | Compare IDV and deductibles, not just premium |
| Zero depreciation | Removes depreciation on replaced parts in OD claims | Newer cars, and owners who would claim for panel and bumper damage | Often limited to a set number of claims a year and a maximum vehicle age |
| Engine protection | Engine and gearbox damage from water ingress or oil leakage, which standard OD may exclude | Cars parked or driven in flood-prone areas | Driving through water after the engine stalls can still void the claim |
| Return to invoice | Gap between IDV and invoice value, often with registration and road tax, on total loss or theft | New cars in the first few years | Usually available only up to a set vehicle age |
| Consumables cover | Engine oil, coolant, nuts, bolts and similar items normally excluded | Owners who want the smallest out-of-pocket share | Small items; check the price against how often you claim |
| NCB protection | Keeps your NCB after a limited number of claims | High NCB slabs on expensive cars | Protects the discount on the next renewal, not the premium itself |
| Roadside assistance | Towing, battery jump-start, flat tyre, fuel delivery | Long highway drives and older cars | Distance limits and number of call-outs per year |
Add-on names, limits and eligibility differ between insurers and are set out in each policy wording. Compulsory deductibles and depreciation rates quoted on this site follow the standard wordings derived from the former India Motor Tariff; check your own schedule. To confirm an insurer or intermediary is registered, use the IRDAI website. For complaints, see Bima Bharosa and the Council for Insurance Ombudsmen.