General
Life
Return To Invoice in Car Insurance
Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover is an add-on in car insurance that helps bridge the gap between your car's insured value and its original invoice price if the vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss. Since the standard claim amount is based on the car's depreciated value,
Read more...
RTI ensures you receive compensation closer to what you originally paid for the car. This cover can significantly reduce your financial loss, especially during the first few years of ownership.
Read less
Buy Return To Invoice (RTI) Cover
10000+
Cashless Garages
5100 Crore+
Paid-in Claims
1.5 Crore+
Policies Sold
Up to 90% Off
with PAYD Add-On
This is a {{carWheelerCtrl.localStorageValues.product}} reg no, please enter a private car reg no.
I agree to the Terms & Conditions
Buy Online for Huge Savings
Check Price
×
Car insurance Online, Up to 90% Discount
This is a
{{carWheelerCtrl.localStorageValues.product}} reg no, please enter a private car reg
no.
10000+
Cashless Garages
5100 Crore+
Paid-in Claims
1.5 Crore+
Policies Sold
What is Return to Invoice in Car Insurance?
Return to Invoice cover is an add-on cover in car insurance offered in a comprehensive car insurance plan. The same allows the insured customer to receive full compensation, i.e. the last complete invoice value of their car, in case it has been stolen or total loss.
If your car suffers theft or damage beyond repair, don’t fret, as Return to Invoice in car insurance will financially have your back in such a situation!
It will give you the benefit of getting back the complete amount of your car's invoice value, including the cost of registering a new vehicle and its road tax. That said, costs related to uninsured or additional accessories, FASTag, extended warranty, and other non-standard items are not covered under this add-on (refer your policy terms & conditions for complete details).
A Return to Invoice cover is an exclusive add-on cover in car insurance offered along with Private Car Package policy or Private Car Standalone Own Damage Policy.
Is RTI Cover Available for All Cars?
RTI Cover is available subject to vehicle eligibility criteria, policy type, underwriting guidelines, and product availability at the time of policy purchase or renewal. Refer to the policy wording and schedule for applicable eligibility conditions.
How Does Return to Invoice Cover Work in Car Insurance?
Under a standard car insurance policy, the claim settlement for Total Loss, Constructive Total Loss, or Total Theft is based on vehicle's Insured Declared Value (IDV). Since the IDV reduces over time due to depreciation, it is usually lower than the vehicle's original purchase price or invoice value.
If you have opted for Return to Invoice Cover, the insurer will be the difference between the amount payable under the base policy and the eligible replacement value of the insured vehicle, subject to the invoice value of the vehicle and policy conditions.
The cover may also reimburse eligible first-time registration charges and road tax paid for the insured vehicle. However, any discounts or subsidies received at the time of purchase can affect the maximum amount payable under the cover.
What are the Benefits of RTI Addon in Car Insurance?
Return to Invoice in car insurance offers several benefits such as:
Enhanced Coverage: RTI in insurance enhances the scope of your insurance coverage, by backing you up financially in unprecedented situations, thus, promising more comprehensive protection.
Helps Reduce Depreciation Impact During Major Losses: In the event of Total Loss, Constructive Total Loss, or Total Theft, RTI Cover can help reduce the financial gap created by depreciation by providing an additional benefit over the amount payable under the base policy, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Beneficial in High-Risk Areas: If you live in a highly crowded city more prone to accidents, or an area prone to theft or natural disasters, RTI is your best bet!
Peace of Mind: Knowing that you will be compensated for the full value of your car with RTI cover will give you peace of mind while driving.
What is Return to Invoice Cover Meaning?
Return to Invoice means an add-on cover in car insurance that returns you the full invoice value of your car in case of total loss or theft. This means the insurance company will pay you the amount you originally paid for the car, including registration charges and road tax.
What is RTI Insurance Full Form?
The full form of RTI is Return to Invoice. This add-on cover ensures that in case of total loss or theft of your car.
RTI is Available for Which Type of Cars?
At Digit, the Return to Invoice cover in car insurance is applicable to cars up to 3 years old. However, RTI is not available for second-hand or used cars.
What’s Covered in Return to Invoice Cover in Car Insurance?
Total Loss
RTI Cover may become applicable if the insured vehicle is declared a Total Loss under the policy.
Constructive Total Loss
RTI Cover may also be applicable if the insured vehicle is declared a Constructive Total Loss. A Constructive Total Loss occurs when the cost of recovering and repairing the vehicle exceeds the threshold specified under the policy.
Total Theft
RTI Cover may apply if the insured vehicle is stolen and remains unrecovered, subject to policy conditions and claim requirements.
Eligible Registration Charges and Road Tax
The cover may reimburse eligible first-time registration charges and road tax incurred on the insured vehicle, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Specifically Insured Accessories
The cover may also compensate for accessories, including bi-fuel kits, that were specifically insured under the policy and are not part of the factory-fitted accessories of the replacement vehicle.
What’s Not Covered in Return to Invoice Cover in Car Insurance?
Which Add-ons to Buy with Return to Invoice Cover?
Along with opting for Return to Invoice car insurance cover, you can also buy the following add-ons to enhance your insurance coverage:
Consumable Cover
New car owners with Return to Invoice cover can also opt for the consumable cover add-on as it provides an extra layer of protection by covering the costs of essential items like engine oils, screws, nuts and bolts, grease, and more in the event of an accident.
Breakdown Assistance
Getting the roadside assistance add-on along with RTI cover will ensure that you and your car are safe in case of any breakdowns.
Zero Depreciation Cover
Zero depreciation cover is more suitable for older cars, as with this add-on the cost of depreciation is not calculated, and you get the full value of repairs, costs and replacements during a claim.
What is the Role of Digit in Return to Invoice Cover?
With Digit's Return to Invoice Cover, if your insured vehicle suffers Total Loss, Constructive Total Loss, or Total Theft, Digit may compensate you based on the cost of purchasing a new vehicle of the same or near-equivalent make, model, features, and specifications, subject to the invoice value of the insured vehicle and after adjusting the amount payable under the base policy.
If the exact make, model, or variant has been discontinued, the benefit may be determined with reference to the last available invoice value of the vehicle before discontinuation, subject to policy conditions.
In addition to the vehicle benefit, Digit may reimburse eligible first-time registration charges and road tax paid for the insured vehicle.
The cover may also reimburse the premium of the new vehicle's insurance policy and compensate for specifically insured accessories, subject to the limits, conditions, and exclusions specified in the policy wording.
Please note that Return to Invoice Cover and New Vehicle Replacement Cover cannot be selected together under the policy.
When is Return to Invoice Cover Applicable?
Return to Invoice Cover is generally applicable when the insured vehicle is:
Stolen and remains unrecovered after completion of the required legal and claim procedures, subject to policy conditions.
Declared a Total Loss or Constructive Total Loss under the policy.
RTI Cover does not provide an additional benefit for ordinary repair claims or partial-loss damage where the vehicle is repaired under the applicable own-damage cover.
When is Return to Invoice Cover Not Applicable?
The Return to Invoice Cover is not applicable in the following situations:
If your vehicle is damaged, but only to an extent where it can still be repaired.
If you claim that your vehicle is stolen, but don’t have an FIR or police complaint towards the same to confirm the same. You will need to support your claim with relevant documents.
How Much Does Return to Invoice Cover Cost?
Return to Invoice (RTI) cover is available as an add-on with comprehensive and own damage car insurance policies for an additional premium.
The cost of the RTI add-on is generally 10% to 15% of your base car insurance premium, though the exact amount depends on factors such as your vehicle's make, model, age, location, and the insurer's pricing.
Considering the additional financial protection it provides in the event of theft or total loss, the RTI add-on is often considered a cost-effective option, particularly for new cars where depreciation can significantly reduce the claim amount under a standard policy.
How to Calculate RTI Value in Car Insurance?
The actual settlement under RTI Cover depends on multiple factors, including the invoice value of the vehicle, the amount payable under the base policy, applicable co-payment, discounts or subsidies received at the time of purchase, and other policy conditions.
For illustration purposes only:
To estimate the RTI benefit, simply refer to your car's purchase invoice and compare it with the current Insured Declared Value (IDV). Please note that uninsured accessories, FASTag charges, extended warranties, and other non-standard items are generally not covered under the RTI add-on.
Note: This example is only an illustration. Actual claim settlements depend on policy terms, co-payment, claim assessment, discounts or subsidies received at the time of purchase, and other applicable conditions.
Who Should Opt for RTI Cover in Car Insurance?
Return to Invoice cover in car insurance is an add-on that offers extra coverage. So, here are group of people that can benefit more from RTI add-on:
New Car Owners
RTI is the best add-on for new car owners as it is typically available for cars that are less than 3 to 5 years old.
It’s a great way to ensure you get the full value of your car back in case of theft or total damage. For those who’ve just invested in a new vehicle, RTI helps preserve the financial worth of your purchase. It adds an extra layer of confidence while you enjoy your new ride.
It’s a great way to ensure you get the full value of your car back in case of theft or total damage. For those who’ve just invested in a new vehicle, RTI helps preserve the financial worth of your purchase. It adds an extra layer of confidence while you enjoy your new ride.
People Living in Risky Areas
RTI in car insurance returns you the full invoice amount if the car is stolen or suffers from total loss.
If your locality has a higher chance of theft or natural disasters, RTI can be a smart choice. It helps you recover the full cost of your car, including taxes and registration, making the recovery process easier.
If your locality has a higher chance of theft or natural disasters, RTI can be a smart choice. It helps you recover the full cost of your car, including taxes and registration, making the recovery process easier.
Frequent Travelers
If you drive your car frequently, it is at a higher risk of accidents, and in such cases RTI can be very helpful.
Whether you're commuting daily or heading out on road trips, more time on the road means more exposure to unpredictable events. RTI ensures that even in unfortunate situations, you’re financially protected. It’s a practical choice for those who love being on the move
Whether you're commuting daily or heading out on road trips, more time on the road means more exposure to unpredictable events. RTI ensures that even in unfortunate situations, you’re financially protected. It’s a practical choice for those who love being on the move
People Concerned About Major Financial Loss
RTI Cover may be beneficial for vehicle owners who want additional financial protection against Total Loss, Constructive Total Loss, or Total Theft during the coverage period. It can be particularly useful when the gap between the vehicle's invoice value and depreciated IDV is significant.
What Happens if My Car Gets Stolen and Is Not Recovered?
If your insured car is stolen and remains unrecovered after completion of the required legal procedures and claim process, a Return to Invoice Cover can help compensate you based on the vehicle's invoice value, subject to policy terms and conditions. This can help reduce the financial loss you may otherwise experience if the claim is settled only on the vehicle's depreciated value.
RTI Cover vs Standard Car Insurance: When Does RTI Make a Difference?
Which is Better: Return to Invoice vs Zero Depreciation Cover?
Policyholders might often get confused between RTI and Zero Dep add-ons. So, to clarify, here are some key differences between Return to Invoice vs Zero Depreciation that you should be aware of.
Return to Invoice (RTI) vs IDV: What's the Difference?
The main difference between RTI and IDV is the amount considered for claim settlement in a major-loss situation. IDV (Insured Declared Value) is the insured value of your car under the base policy and is typically used to determine the amount payable if the vehicle suffers a Total Loss or Total Theft. Since IDV reduces over time due to depreciation, the claim amount may be lower than what you originally paid for the vehicle.
RTI (Return to Invoice), on the other hand, is an optional add-on cover that helps bridge this gap. In eligible Total Loss, Constructive Total Loss, or Total Theft claims, RTI provides an additional benefit over the base policy settlement by considering the vehicle's invoice value, subject to policy terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria.
In simple terms, IDV is the standard value used for total-loss claim settlement, while RTI is an add-on that offers additional financial protection when the vehicle is lost entirely due to theft or total damage. IDV is included with the base car insurance policy, whereas RTI must be purchased separately for an additional premium and is available subject to product-specific eligibility conditions.
Key Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying RTI Cover
Vehicle Age Eligibility: Return to Invoice (RTI) cover is generally available only for relatively new cars, typically up to 3 to 5 years old, depending on the insurer and policy terms.
Applicable Only for Theft or Total Loss: RTI cover comes into effect only when the insured vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss. It does not cover minor damages, dents, scratches, or regular repair claims.
Requires a Comprehensive or Own Damage Policy: RTI is an add-on cover and can only be purchased with a comprehensive car insurance policy or a standalone own damage policy. It is not available with a third-party-only policy.
Additional Premium Cost: Opting for RTI cover increases your car insurance premium by an additional amount, which is typically around 10% to 15% of the base premium.
Annual Renewal Required: The RTI add-on remains valid for the duration of your policy and must be renewed along with your base insurance policy to continue enjoying coverage.
Keep Purchase Documents Safe: Since RTI claims are based on the vehicle's original invoice value, it is important to retain documents such as the purchase invoice, registration details, and other relevant records.
Check What's Not Covered: RTI generally does not cover uninsured or aftermarket accessories, FASTag charges, extended warranties, discounts received at the time of purchase, and other non-standard items. Refer to your policy wording for detailed inclusions and exclusions.
FAQs about Return to Invoice Cover in Car Insurance
Is RTI available for new cars?
Yes, Return to Invoice (RTI) add-on is available for new cars for up to 3-year-old cars, depending upon your insurer.
Who should buy RTI add-on cover in car insurance?
New car owners and people who live in accident-prone areas are recommended to get Return to Invoice add-on cover.
Does RTI cover my car in every situation?
No, RTI add-on provides coverage only if your car is damaged beyond repair or stolen and cannot be recovered.
Will I get the full claim amount under RTI?
Generally, depreciation amount is deducted so it may not be possible to get the full amount refunded at the time of claim; however, it will depend upon your insurer and your policy details. So, contact your insurance company beforehand.
Is it possible to buy Return to Invoice add-on cover for a 5-year-old car?
No, generally Return to Invoice add-on cover is available for cars up to 3 years old; however, depending on your insurance you can get RTI for 5-year-old car only after the assessment of your car by the company.
Should I buy the RTI Add-on if I own an expensive car that is 7 years old?
No, generally, RTI add-on is not provided for cars older than 3 or 5 years. So, you will have to confirm the same with your insurer.
How is the Return to Invoice cover different from Zero Depreciation cover?
The primary difference between the two is that a Return to Invoice cover is mainly used when your vehicle is either stolen or damaged beyond repair, whereas a Zero Depreciation cover is applicable for other cases such as for partial repairs and own damages of your vehicle.
When can I buy the RTI Add-on?
You can buy the Return to Invoice add-on when you are buying a new car insurance policy and also at the time of car insurance renewal.
Is RTI cover only applicable for the total damage of the vehicle?
RTI cover is also applicable for theft of the vehicle.
Are minor damages covered under RTI?
No, Return to Invoice does not include any kind of minor damage to your car.
Are additional accessories covered under RTI?
No, you can file a claim only against the invoice value of the car under RTI add-on.
Are other add-ons available with Return to Invoice cover?
Yes, you can buy various other add-ons available with car insurance as you require.
Will I get the on-road price against RTI if my car is damaged beyond repair?
Yes, you can claim for the on-road price of your car against your Return to Invoice add-on. Please note that costs related to uninsured or additional accessories, FASTag, extended warranty, and other non-standard items are not covered under this add-on (refer your policy terms & conditions for complete details).
What would happen if my car got stolen and is not recoverable?
If you have RTI cover in car insurance, then you can raise a claim against the RTI coverage and you will receive the invoice amount as claim. For that you have to inform your car insurance provider about the car theft as soon as possible.
Is Return to Invoice Cover Worth Buying?
Return to Invoice Cover can be a valuable add-on for new car owners, especially during the first few years of ownership when vehicle depreciation is significant. In the event of theft or total loss, RTI helps reduce the financial gap between the car's depreciated value and its original invoice value, allowing for a higher claim settlement than a standard car insurance policy.
Can I Buy RTI Cover for a Used Car?
Generally, Return to Invoice Cover is not available for second-hand or used cars. This add-on is usually offered for newer vehicles and is subject to insurer-specific eligibility criteria and vehicle age limits.
×
Content Writer
Athira Susan James brings a thoughtful approach to communication and storytelling, shaping content with clarity and intent. She is known for her interest in user experience and the ways people interact with digital platforms. Her writing blends creativity with an eye for subtle details.
×
Product Head - Motor
Mayur specializes in motor insurance and is responsible for overseeing the development and management of motor insurance products. With expertise in product strategy and market analysis, he focuses on developing customer-centric insurance solutions.
