Difference Between Zero Depreciation and Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Insurance Vs Zero Depreciation for Car
Table of Contents
- What Is a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy?
- What Is Car Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover?
- Depreciation Rates With and Without Zero Depreciation Cover
- Zero Depreciation v/s Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy
- Comparison of Comprehensive Cover With and Without Zero Depreciation Cover
- Should I Buy A Zero Depreciation Cover?
- Benefits of Zero Depreciation Car Insurance Cover
Car insurance is just like any general insurance and is available in three forms namely own damage car insurance policy, third party car insurance policy and comprehensive car insurance policy.
According to the Indian Motor Tariff, it is mandatory for every car owner to have at least third party car insurance. Besides these three types of car insurance policies, there are also a number of car insurance add-ons that can be opted for with the standalone OD policy and comprehensive car insurance policy. A car add-on is an extra cover that enhances the coverage of a standard policy for an extra premium. The most popular and mostly-opted add-on is the zero depreciation add-on.
What Is a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy?
Comprehensive car insurance is a policy that insures the policyholder against both the third party liabilities (both life and property) as well as own damages that may arise due to a road accident or any other unfortunate event involving the insured car. Under a comprehensive policy, limited/unlimited coverage is provided for bodily injuries/death of a third party and a compensation cover of up to Rs 7.5 lakh for third party property damage. Any damage met by the insured car in any mishap comes under a comprehensive car insurance policy
A comprehensive policy can be customized using a variety of add-ons available with it such as zero depreciation cover, engine cover, No Claim Bonus (NCB) cover, etc. against extra premiums. These add-on covers provide enhanced safety and coverage of the insured car.
What Is Car Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover?
Car Insurance for zero depreciation insurance cover is a car insurance add-on, also known as a nil depreciation cover and ‘bumper to bumper’ cover. Depreciation refers to the loss in value incurred by any commodity due to wear and tear over time.
By default, the liability to pay for the depreciation of an insured car rests with the policyholder, however, if a policyholder opts for a zero depreciation add-on, this liability gets shifted to the insurer. Thus, when a zero depreciation cover has opted with a comprehensive car insurance policy, the insurance provider indemnifies the policyholder for the depreciation expenses of the car and its replaced parts.
Depreciation Rates With and Without Zero Depreciation Cover
|
Age of Car |
Rate of Depreciation Without Zero Depreciation |
Rate of Depreciation Without Zero Depreciation |
|
Under 6 months |
Nil |
0% |
|
6 months to 1 year |
5% |
0% |
|
1-2 years |
10% |
0% |
|
2-3 years |
15% |
0% |
|
3-4 years |
25% |
0% |
|
4-5 years |
35% |
0% |
|
5-10 years |
40% |
0% |
|
Above 10 years |
50% |
0% |
|
Part of Car |
Rate of Depreciation Without Zero Depreciation |
Rate of Depreciation Without Zero Depreciation |
|
Paint work /Rubber/nylon/ plastic parts, tires and tubes, batteries and airbags parts |
50% |
0% |
|
Fibre glass parts |
30% |
0% |
|
Glass parts |
Nil |
0% |
Zero Depreciation v/s Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy
|
Basis of differentiation |
Comprehensive policy (With zero depreciation add-on) |
Comprehensive policy (Without zero depreciation add-on) |
|
Premium |
Comprehensive policies with zero-depreciation comparatively cost more than a standard policy without the zero depreciation cover. |
A standard comprehensive policy without zero depreciation add-on cover comes for a lesser premium as compared to policies with zero depreciation. |
|
Claim settlement |
Higher claim amounts because the cost of depreciation is not deducted or factored. |
Lower claim amounts as cost of depreciation gets deducted from the entitled claim amount. |
|
Age of the vehicle |
This add-on is only available for cars less than 5 years of age. |
Available for cars of all ages. |
Comparison of Comprehensive Cover With and Without Zero Depreciation Cover
|
Basis |
Comprehensive Cover + Zero Depreciation Cover |
Comprehensive Cover Only |
|
Premium |
Marginally higher |
Lower than a policy with a zero depreciation cover |
|
Compensation Amount |
Higher compensation on filing claim as depreciation is not accounted for |
Lower compensation on making claims as the depreciation rates lower the IDV over time |
|
Plastic Parts |
No depreciation considered during the repair. |
50% depreciation considered when paying compensation for its repair. |
|
Age of Car |
Not affected as the depreciation rate is not accounted for with the depreciation cover. |
The rate of depreciation keeps increasing making the claim amount lower with time. |
Should I Buy A Zero Depreciation Cover?
Buying a zero depreciation add-on is a good investment. It not only shifts the liability of the cost of depreciation from the insurer to the insured but also results in higher claim amounts at the time of settlement.
Also, the cost of depreciation that a policyholder bears for the replaced parts of his/her car at the time of car claim settlement is generally higher than the premium which a policyholder pays for a zero depreciation add-on. Thus, buying a zero depreciation cover is highly recommended.
Benefits of Zero Depreciation Car Insurance Cover
It gives peace of mind by providing coverage for an unexpected mishap that may take place due to an accident. Here are some benefits of a zero depreciation insurance add-on which are listed below:
1. Increases the Claim Amount
Purchasing the zero depreciation add-on cover will give you an additional benefit and provide you with assistance to bridge the gap between the claim settlement amount and the actual damages to your car. For instance, if the repair cost is Rs. 30,000, then the insurer will settle your claim for Rs. 15,000. However, if you have opted for the zero depreciation add-on, the insurer will settle the claim amount of Rs. 30,000 thereby increasing the payable claim amount.
2. Protects Hard Earned Money
Since the Zero Depreciation Add-on helps in increasing the payable claim amount, you are certainly controlling the outflow of your hard-earned money. Without the Zero Dep Add-on, you end up paying the unpaid portion of the claim. And, if the damage to your car is considerable, the repair bill will certainly be higher and burn a hole in your pocket.
3. Available at affordable prices
While the Zero Depreciation Car Insurance Add-on Cover is offered with an additional premium, the cost is low and affordable. You can compare the Nil Depreciation premium online and then choose the plan with the lowest premium. Additionally, by including the Zero Depreciation Add-on to the Comprehensive Car Insurance, your car and your money are well-protected at an affordable cost.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
