Insurance experts emphasise the importance of optional covers such as zero depreciation and roadside assistance to enhance protection and reduce costs for car owners, especially those with newer vehicles or long-distance drivers.
Many car buyers focus on the sticker price and the most basic level of cover, but insurance specialists say that can leave costly gaps in protection. Speaking on Business Today’s personal finance programme Money Today, insurance expert Deepak Johan told senior anchor Sakshi Batra that a few optional add-ons can make a policy far more useful when a claim arises.
Johan said zero depreciation cover is among the most valuable extras because it reduces the amount owners must pay themselves after damage. Under a standard policy, insurers usually deduct depreciation from the value of replaced parts, which can leave motorists covering part of the repair bill. With zero depreciation, that deduction is largely removed, so the insurer pays the fuller cost of new parts. Industry explainers note that this cover is usually most suitable for newer vehicles and is often available only for cars up to five years old.
He also pointed to roadside assistance as another practical add-on, particularly for drivers who cover long distances or spend a lot of time in city traffic. The cover can provide help when a vehicle breaks down unexpectedly, including towing or support to get the car to a nearby workshop. Some plans also include jump-starts, tyre changes and lockout help, although the exact benefits and call-out limits vary by insurer. Because the cover is relatively inexpensive, it is often seen as one of the easiest ways to improve day-to-day peace of mind.
Johan added that return to invoice cover can be useful in more serious cases, such as theft or a total loss. In that situation, the payout is linked to the car’s original invoice value rather than its depreciated market value, which can make replacing the vehicle easier. Still, he suggested that zero depreciation and roadside assistance deserve top priority for most buyers because they address the problems owners are most likely to face.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
