When buying a policy, many car owners assume they are fully covered against repair costs. But a standard comprehensive policy does not cover depreciation on parts, which can significantly reduce your claim amount. That is why many people prefer bumper-to-bumper insurance, also known as zero depreciation cover. However, many policyholders are unsure whether or not their current plan includes this add-on.
Here is a clear guide to help you check whether your policy is bumper-to-bumper and what to look for in your documents.
Various Ways to Check If Your Insurance is Bumper-to-Bumper
Check Your Policy Schedule or Certificate
The easiest and most accurate way to verify your coverage is by reviewing your policy document. Whether you purchased your car insurance online or offline, the policy schedule lists all add-ons in a dedicated section.
Look specifically for terms such as:
- Zero Depreciation add-on
- Bumper-to-bumper cover
- Nil depreciation cover
- Depreciation waiver
Insurers typically mention this add-on clearly under “Own-Damage Add-ons” or “Additional Covers.” If none of these terms appear, your insurance is most likely a standard plan.
Review the Premium Breakdown
Your premium receipt or breakdown sheet also indicates whether bumper-to-bumper cover is included. This add-on is always charged separately, so you will see an additional line item indicating an extra cost for:
- Zero Depreciation
- Nil Depreciation
- Bumper-to-Bumper Add-on
If your premium looks unusually low for a new car or a premium model, it might mean the add-on was not included. Bumper-to-bumper coverage generally increases the premium slightly because of the broader protection it offers.
Check Your Insurer’s Mobile App or Website
Most insurers today provide digital access to policy documents. You can log in to your insurer’s portal or app and open the policy details page. Under the “Coverage” or “Add-Ons” section, you will find a list of all included add-ons.
This is particularly convenient for people who purchase or renew policies online, as platforms often automatically save all digital documents. It saves you from hunting through old emails or paper files.
Contact Customer Support
If you still cannot confirm your coverage, contacting customer support is the quickest option. Keep your policy number, registration number, or mobile number ready. You can then ask the customer support executive about your coverage details, including whether it includes zero-depreciation cover.
The support team can verify this instantly and, if needed, share a digital copy of your updated policy.
When Should You Consider Switching to Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance?
You should consider upgrading to bumper-to-bumper cover if:
- You have recently purchased a new car
- You drive regularly on traffic-heavy roads
- You own a high-end car with expensive or delicate parts
- You want predictable repair costs during claims
Bumper-to-bumper insurance is typically available for cars up to 5 years old, though this may vary by insurer.
Conclusion
Knowing whether your policy includes bumper-to-bumper insurance coverage helps you avoid unexpected deductions during claims. Since this add-on removes depreciation on most parts, it offers broader financial protection, especially for new or frequently driven cars.
Reviewing your policy schedule, premium breakdown, or digital account is the surest way to confirm whether a zero-depreciation cover is included. And if you are considering upgrading, insurers such as TATA AIG make it simple to identify and add bumper-to-bumper coverage through clearly listed add-ons and transparent policy details.
Also read: Sedan vs SUV: Which Car Insurance is More Affordable?
