Bumper-to-bumper car insurance, also known as comprehensive car insurance, provides extensive coverage for vehicle damages. It covers accidents, natural disasters, theft, and more, safeguarding your investment. The article delves into its coverage, exclusions, and the importance of having such insurance.
When it comes to car insurance, there are a lot of different types of coverage to consider. One type of coverage that is often misunderstood is bumper to bumper car insurance. In this article, we’ll explain what bumper to bumper car insurance is, what it covers, and why it’s important for car owners to have.
What is Bumper to Bumper Car Insurance?
Bumper to bumper car insurance, also known as comprehensive car insurance, is a type of coverage that provides protection for your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage. It is called “bumper to bumper” because it covers almost everything from the front bumper to the back bumper of your car.
What Does Bumper to Bumper Car Insurance Cover?
Bumper to bumper car insurance covers a wide range of damages and losses, including:
- Accidents: This includes collisions with other vehicles, objects, or animals.
- Natural disasters: This includes damage caused by events such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
- Theft and vandalism: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged by vandals.
- Fire and explosions: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged by fire or explosions.
- Falling objects: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged by falling objects, such as tree branches
- Civil disturbances: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged during a riot or civil disturbance.
- Animal damage: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged by animals, such as deer or birds.
- Acts of terrorism: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged by an act of terrorism.
What is Not Covered by Bumper to Bumper Car Insurance?
While bumper to bumper car insurance covers a wide range of damages and losses, there are some things that are not covered. These include:
- Mechanical breakdowns: Bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover the cost of repairs for mechanical breakdowns, such as engine or transmission failures.
- Wear and tear: Bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover the cost of repairs for normal wear and tear on your vehicle.
- Personal belongings: Bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover the cost of personal belongings that are stolen or damaged in your car.
- Personal injuries: Bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover the cost of medical expenses for injuries sustained in an accident.
- Driving under the influence: Bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover the cost of damages or injuries if you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Fix the problem – a Bumper to Bumper Cover
Like most things, even in car insurance, if there is a problem there has to be a solution – in terms of an add-on plan or such. The resolution of this issue is an additional insurance policy called the Bumper to Bumper cover.
Under this policy, also known as Zero Depreciation, there is total (100%) coverage for all fibre, rubber and metal parts of the vehicle without any deduction of depreciation.
For example: If your car [a standard hatchback] was damaged and the workshop billed you at Rs. 40,000 for the repairs, you might have to pay as much as Rs. 20,000-25,000 out of your own pocket, on account of depreciation of plastic and metal parts. This is when you had just a comprehensive car insurance policy. But if you have a zero depreciation add-on on your comprehensive policy, no depreciation will be deducted on any of these components, except for tyres and battery.
Some insurance companies will also offer to cover the costs for emergency transports, roadside assistance, tow away services, regular maintenance, key replacements and such other costs under its aegis.
It is little wonder then that the Bumper to Bumper Insurance policy, which was introduced in India only in 2009, has earned many other monikers such as the Nil Depreciation and depreciation waiver policy.
Why is Bumper to Bumper Car Insurance Important?
Protects Your Investment
Your car is a significant investment, and bumper to bumper car insurance helps protect that investment. If your car is damaged or totaled in an accident, your insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement, saving you from having to pay out of pocket.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have comprehensive coverage for your car can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses if your car is damaged or stolen.
Required by Lenders
If you have a car loan, your lender will likely require you to have bumper to bumper car insurance. This is to protect their investment in the vehicle. If you don’t have insurance and your car is damaged or totaled, you will still be responsible for paying off the loan.
Protects Against Unforeseen Events
Accidents and damages can happen at any time, and bumper to bumper car insurance protects you against these unforeseen events. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a collision with another vehicle, you can rest assured that your insurance will cover the costs.
Is Clutch Covered Under Bumper to Bumper Car Insurance?
One common question about bumper to bumper car insurance is whether or not the clutch is covered. The answer is, it depends on the insurance policy.
Does Insurance Cover Clutch Replacement?
In most cases, bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover the cost of clutch replacement. This is because clutch replacement is considered a mechanical breakdown, which is not covered by insurance.
Clutch Plate Cover in Insurance
Some insurance policies may offer a clutch plate cover as an add-on to their bumper to bumper car insurance. This means that if your clutch is damaged due to an accident, it will be covered by your insurance. However, this is not a standard coverage and may come at an additional cost.
How to Get Bumper to Bumper Car Insurance Online
Getting bumper to bumper car insurance online is a simple and convenient process. Here’s how to do it:
- Research insurance companies: Start by researching different insurance companies and their policies. Look for companies that offer bumper to bumper car insurance and compare their coverage and prices.
- Get quotes: Once you have a list of potential insurance companies, get quotes from each of them. This will help you compare prices and find the best deal.
- Choose a policy: After comparing quotes and coverage, choose the policy that best fits your needs and budget.
- Fill out an application: Once you have chosen a policy, you will need to fill out an application. This can usually be done online.
- Pay for your policy: After your application is approved, you will need to pay for your policy. This can also be done online.
- Receive your insurance documents: Once you have paid for your policy, you will receive your insurance documents, including your proof of insurance.
Conclusion
Bumper to bumper car insurance is an important type of coverage that protects your vehicle from a wide range of damages and losses. It is important for car owners to have this type of insurance to protect their investment and give them peace of mind. While bumper to bumper car insurance does not cover everything, it is a valuable coverage to have in case of unexpected events. If you are in the market for car insurance, be sure to consider bumper to bumper car insurance as part of your coverage.
