The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 makes it compulsory for all motorized vehicles to have a valid motor insurance policy. In this regard, third-party liability insurance is the minimum level of insurance that each vehicle must have.
A third-party insurance policy covers the loss or damage caused to a third person or their properties and provides limited coverage that may not be sufficient.
The comprehensive car insurance policy or a zero depreciation cover, on the other hand, can offer a greater scope of coverage in a variety of misfortunes involving your vehicle.
Though the premium for these policies is higher than that of basic third-party insurance, the coverage offered is worth spending on. You must spend this little bit extra if you’re going on a road trip to an unfamiliar territory as you won’t be aware of the road laws there.
For example, you don’t want to be traveling in Spain and be pulled over due to insufficient insurance (or as they would say “Seguro de auto insuficiente”).
Most people are not aware of the differences between a comprehensive car insurance policy and a zero depreciation cover aka bumper-to-bumper insurance policy.
Remember that when you come to the end of your insurance period, you should never automatically renew your insurance but be sure to get quotes. Here are a few differences that can help you understand the basic features and coverage offered by these policies:
What is a Comprehensive Car Insurance?
A comprehensive car insurance policy provides the policyholders with a greater scope of protection. While the third-party liability cover comes as a default in the policy, it also provides coverage against a variety of incidents such as collision, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, riots, fire, damage caused by animals, and more.
It also allows the policyholders to opt for additional insurance covers such as zero depreciation cover, passenger cover, and more that may further expand the coverage offered by the policy. No one likes to think too much about the possibility of being involved in a car accident, but if you are ever caught up in a collision that you suspect was not your fault, it is important to know that you could be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive a settlement or compensation.
Just remember, as with any legal matter, remember to always do your research before committing to any major decisions.
What is a Zero Depreciation Car Insurance?
The zero depreciation cover or a bumper-to-bumper insurance policy is an additional cover to your insurance policy. Unlike a normal insurance policy, it does not take into account the value of depreciation that your vehicle goes through over some time. At the time of settlement, this cover ensures that the claim settlement value is not affected by the depreciation factor.
Introduced in India in 2009, the nil depreciation cover has gained significant popularity among those who own expensive cars.
Comprehensive Car Insurance vs Zero Depreciation Cover
1. Premium
The premium to be paid for a zero depreciation cover is always higher than that of a comprehensive insurance policy.
2. Settlement of Claims
In the case of a comprehensive insurance policy, the settlement amount is determined based on the rate of depreciation applicable to different parts of the vehicle. The claim is processed based on the current value of the vehicle. A zero depreciation cover, on the other hand, does not take into account the depreciation factor.
3. Repair and Replacement of Plastic Parts
In a comprehensive insurance policy, the cost incurred in the replacement of plastic parts is to be largely borne by the vehicle owner due to a higher rate of depreciation. A zero depreciation cover provides the maximum coverage for repairs and replacement of plastic parts.
4. Age of the Vehicle
A zero depreciation cover can only be availed for new cars that are less than 5 years old. A comprehensive insurance policy can be availed for cars that are less than 15 years old.
Also Read: Third-Party Vs Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy
Why Go For a Comprehensive Insurance Policy?
A comprehensive insurance policy is meant for those who are looking for a wider scope of protection from their insurance policy. Those who own low to mid-range cars and are confident about their driving can go for a comprehensive insurance policy.
Why Go For a Zero Depreciation Cover?
A zero depreciation cover is ideal for those who own mid to high-range cars with expensive parts. Those who are concerned about depreciation reducing their claim amount can surely go for this cover. However, it will increase the cost of insurance.
Both the comprehensive insurance policy and the bumper-to-bumper insurance cover have their pros and cons. While buying a policy, one must consider different factors and carefully evaluate the features and benefits of each policy. Based on your personal needs, you may choose the policy that gives you the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
