A small breakdown can spoil an entire day, and a minor repair bill can feel bigger when it arrives without warning. Standard cover helps manage major risks, but it may still leave certain costs for the owner to handle. Add-ons are optional covers that can be selected to widen protection for specific situations.
This blog explains popular bike insurance add-ons, what they may include, and the key limits to review before opting in.
What Are Add-On Covers in Bike Insurance?
Add-ons are optional benefits bought to extend the protection beyond standard terms. They are meant to cover specific expense areas, such as on-road support after a breakdown, certain engine-related damage, or reimbursements for items otherwise excluded or reduced during claims.
Selection can depend on riding frequency, monsoon exposure, parking conditions, and the ability to adjust workshop bills. Add-ons are linked to policies that include an own-damage section; with third-party bike insurance on its own, add-ons may not be available.
Roadside Assistance (RSA) Add-On
Roadside Assistance can support riders when the bike cannot continue due to a breakdown or minor on-road issue. Availability and service scope can differ by plan and location.
- May arrange towing to a suitable workshop, subject to distance limits.
- May provide on-site help for battery issues or minor electrical faults.
- Can include fuel delivery, flat-tyre support, or key lock-out, if offered.
- May have caps on call-outs and defined serviceable areas during the policy period.
Engine Protect Add-On
Engine repairs can be costly when damage follows water entry or lubricant loss. Engine protect is intended to cover specified internal repairs under defined conditions.
- May cover repair or replacement costs for listed engine or gearbox parts, after inspection.
- Can apply to damage linked to water ingression or hydrostatic lock, as defined.
- May exclude damage due to normal use and ageing of parts, late claim intimation, and issues linked to poor maintenance.
- May require repairs at network garages with job cards, invoices, and inspection approval.
Zero Depreciation Add-On
Zero depreciation aims to reduce depreciation deductions on replaced parts during admissible claims. It is chosen to limit the out-of-pocket expense after part replacement.
- May reduce depreciation cuts on specified parts such as plastic, rubber, and fibre items.
- Can be subject to limits on the number of claims or add-on usage in a policy year.
- May still exclude tyres, batteries, and items treated as wear components.
- Works alongside compulsory deductibles and other policy deductions where applicable.
Consumables Add-On
Consumables are small workshop items billed during repairs, and they can add up quickly. This cover is meant to reimburse eligible consumables linked to an approved claim.
- May include engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, grease, sealants, and fasteners, as listed.
- May apply only when the main claim is admissible, and the repair is claim-related.
- May exclude routine servicing and ageing-related replacement.
- May need itemised invoices, with any sub-limits stated in the policy schedule.
Return to Invoice (RTI) Add-On
Return to invoice is used in total loss or theft situations to reduce the gap between payout and the original purchase amount. Eligibility depends on policy terms.
- May pay the difference between the insured declared value and the invoice price in eligible claims.
- It may be available only within a defined vehicle age band and may have specific conditions.
- Theft claims may require FIR records and compliance with waiting or investigation timelines.
Accessories Add-On: Protection for Custom Fittings
Custom fittings can raise replacement costs and may need a separate declaration. Accessories cover helps protect declared add-ons against insured events.
- May cover declared electrical accessories if valued and accepted in the policy schedule.
- May cover non-electrical accessories under separate limits, depending on wording.
- Settlement can depend on bills, declared values, and whether depreciation applies.
- May exclude unauthorised modifications and undeclared fittings.
Personal Accident Add-On
Personal accident cover focuses on rider safety by offering a benefit for severe outcomes after an accident. The benefit structure and eligible persons vary across plans.
- May also cover named riders or pillion passengers if such cover is chosen.
- May exclude cases involving invalid licence, intoxication, or high-risk riding activities.
- Requires accurate nominee details and timely reporting with supporting documents.
Conclusion
Bike insurance add-ons work best when chosen to match riding conditions and likely expenses, rather than added by default. Before opting in, review triggers, exclusions, sub-limits, deductibles, and the paperwork needed to support a claim. It is also worth ensuring the insured value reflects the vehicle and any declared fittings, so settlement calculations remain aligned with expectations. With a focused selection, bike insurance can be shaped to reduce post-incident costs while keeping the cover easy to understand.
