Top Motor Insurance Add-Ons for 2025

Whether you have just bought a shiny new car or are renewing your ongoing motor insurance plan, adding these extras can add serious value by covering multiple “what if” scenarios, like your engine damage during the monsoon season or needing a tow late at night.  

In this article, we will walk you through the top 5 car insurance extras that you can consider and why you need them.  

Top 5 Motor Insurance Add-Ons

With rising costs, unpredictable weather, and more vehicles on the road, relying on just your standard motor insurance plan might leave you exposed to out-of-pocket expenses you did not budget for. Here is a list of the most common car insurance extras that policyholders buy:

1. Engine Protection Cover

If you have ever had to repair an engine, you know it’s usually not a small dent in your wallet—it’s a crater. Most standard policies don’t cover engine damage due to waterlogging or oil leaks, which is a big deal if you live in flood-prone areas or happen to park outdoors. That’s where the engine protection rider becomes your best friend. This add-on ensures you’re not stuck footing a massive bill for engine repairs that are not your fault.  

2. Zero Depreciation Cover

You probably understand that car parts do not age like fine wine. The moment you drive your car out of the showroom, the value starts to dip. Without the zero-depreciation rider, any claim that you make will account for this depreciation. But with this add-on in place, you will get a full claim on replaced car parts without worrying about wear and tear deductions. This is a game-changer if you are someone who loves to get frequent repairs done. 

3. Roadside Assistance Cover

Picture this – you are driving to the next town for a holiday but life has other plans. You get stuck on a lonely stretch of road with a dead battery. Not ideal, right? This is where roadside assistance cover comes into play. From towing services and battery jump-starts to emergency fuel delivery and minor repairs, this rider ensures you are never stranded without help. All you need to do is contact your insurer and share your location. 

4. Return-to-invoice Cover

Let’s assume your car gets stolen or completely totalled only a few months after you have purchased it. Your insurance provider will settle your claim based on your car’s current market value, not what you actually paid for it. The result? A payout that feels like a short changed refund. With the return-to-invoice cover in effect, you can bridge that gap, making sure the payout includes the actual value of the car, including registration and other fees.

5. No Claim Bonus Protection Cover

You have driven safely all year, avoided accidents, paid for small repairs from your wallet, and earned yourself a sweet no-claim bonus – then, out of nowhere, a tree branch falls on your parked car. One claim later, your hard-earned bonus is gone. Enter the no-claim bonus protective cover. With this rider, you can make a set number of claims without affecting your bonus. This is a great cover to have for cautious drivers who like to maintain a clean record while saving on premiums. 

Why Do You Need Car Insurance Extras?

While most comprehensive motor insurance policies provide all the essential coverage, it is impossible for them to address all potential scenarios. Here’s why adding riders to your base policy is beneficial:

1. Complete Protection: Add-ons fill in the small coverage gaps left by standard policies, ensuring you are covered at all times.
2. Financial Security: Unexpected incidents can lead to expensive repairs. Add-ons like return- to-invoice can save you significant amounts.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your insurance plan has got your back allows you to drive with confidence.
4. Customisation: Every driver has unique needs. Every region has it own set of problems. Add- ons let you tailor your motor insurance to match the specific requirements.