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general-insurance

Zero Depreciation Car Insurance

Zero Depreciation cover is an optional add‑on taken with a comprehensive car insurance policy that allows you to claim the actual repair or replacement cost of damaged car parts, without depreciation being deducted. Read more... Often called zero dep or bumper‑to‑bumper cover, it helps reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses by covering the gap between depreciated part value and real repair costs. Read less

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what is zero depreciation car insurance

What is Zero Depreciation Car Insurance?

Zero Depreciation add-on cover, also known as bumper-to-bumper or nil depreciation cover in a comprehensive car insurance policy ensures that the insurer does not deduct the depreciation amount on the assessed car parts as per the policy document. 

The benefits under the zero dep add-on can be utilized up to a maximum of specified number of times during the policy period. 

Thus, if you have zero depreciation add-on cover, you can claim the total cost of replacement of damaged car parts in case of an accident and save a huge amount.

what is depreciation

What is Depreciation in Car Insurance?

Depreciation refers to the reduction in the value of a vehicle and its parts over time due to usage and wear and tear. In car insurance, depreciation is applied while settling Own Damage claims and is calculated in two ways:

1. Depreciation for IDV (Total Loss / Theft)

Used while fixing the Insured Declared Value (IDV) of the vehicle.

2. Depreciation for Parts (Partial Damage)

Applied to replaced parts during repair of partial damage claims, based on the age and type of parts.

Why Should You Opt for Zero Depreciation Car Insurance?

What is Not Covered Under Zero Depreciation Add-on Cover?

Under Zero Depreciation add-on cover, certain things in addition to the general exclusions listed under car insurance are not covered. Let us look at them in detail:

Invalid insurance policy

The claim will not be entertained if the car insurance policy has expired.

Damage can’t be inspected

In case, the damage caused to the vehicle can’t be inspected before it is repaired, the insurer is not liable to entertain the claim.

Loss covered under different policy

Loss claimed for damage caused to the covered vehicle under different types of insurance policy will not be covered by Digit.

Zero Dep Add-on not included under ‘Own Damage’ section

A claim will not be payable under Zero Depreciation add-on if it is not covered under OD section of the policy.

Claim registered after 30 days of the loss/damage

The add-on cover will not entertain any claim if there is a delay of more than 30 days since the damage was caused.

Depreciation on specific parts

The insurer will not cover depreciation amount applicable to parts like battery and tyres of the insured vehicle as per the policy.

Repair cost not approved under the policy

The cost incurred by the policyholder to repair any part, subpart or accessory in the vehicle which is not approved under the car insurance policy can’t be claimed for.

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What is the Role of Zero Depreciation During Claim Settlement?

During an Own Damage claim:

  1. Claim is registered with the insurer.
  2. A licensed surveyor inspects and assesses the damage.
  3. Depreciation on damaged parts is calculated as per policy.
  4. Under Zero Depreciation, depreciation on eligible parts is waived.
  5. Final payout is made after deductibles, exclusions, and admissibility checks.

Example Amount
Total repair bill ₹20,000 
Depreciation on parts ₹6,000 
Claim payout without Zero Dep ₹14,000 
Claim payout with Zero Dep ₹20,000* 

things to remember about zero depreciation insurance

Things to Remember about Zero Depreciation Insurance

  • Zero Depreciation add on cover policy will not be valid once you have claimed for the specified number of times as mentioned in the policy document. 

  • A Zero Depreciation only covers the cost of your car’s part depreciation during claims and doesn’t cover your compulsory deductibles.

  • Claims made by the insured under this add-on are subject to the terms and conditions of your Car Policy.

who should opt for zero depreciation cover

Who Should Buy Zero Depreciation Cover?

This add‑on is suitable if:

  • Your car is new or up to 5 years old

  • You drive frequently in urban or high‑traffic areas

  • Your vehicle has high repair or replacement costs

  • You want to minimise depreciation‑related expenses during claims

When Zero Depreciation is Not Worth Buying?

How is Depreciation Calculated in Car Insurance?

According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), following are the depreciation rates, on the basis of which the total depreciation of your car is calculated:

Vehicle Parts Depreciation Rate (%)
Rubber, Nylon and Plastic Parts  50% 
Fiber Glass  30% 
Glass  Nil 
Car Paint  50% depreciation on the material cost of total painting charges. 25% of the total painting charges (in case of consolidated bill of painting charges) 

Depreciation Rates for Metallic Parts in Vehicles

Age of Vehicle Rate of Depreciation
Less Than 6 Months  Nil 
More Than 6 Months to 1 Year  5% 
More Than 1 Year to 2 Years  10% 
More Than 2 Years to 3 Years  15% 
More Than 3 Years to 4 Years  25% 
More Than 4 Years to 5 Years  35% 
Exceeding 5 years but not exceeding 10 years  40% 
More Than 10 Years  50% 

Depreciation Rates for All Other Parts in Vehicles

Age of Vehicle % of Depreciation
Below 6 months  Nil 
Exceeding 6 months but not exceeding 1 year  5% 
Exceeding 1 year but not exceeding 2 years  10% 
Exceeding 2 years but not exceeding 3 years  15% 
Exceeding 3 years but not exceeding 4 years  25% 
Exceeding 4 years but not exceeding 5 years  35% 
Exceeding 5 years but not exceeding 10 years  40% 
More than 10 years  50% 

Depreciation Rate for Fixing IDV of Vehicle

Age of Vehicle % of Depreciation for Fixing IDV
Not Exceeding 6 months  5% 
Exceeding 6 months but not exceeding 1 year  15% 
Exceeding 1 year but not exceeding 2 years  20% 
Exceeding 2 years but not exceeding 3 years  30% 
Exceeding 3 years but not exceeding 4 years  40% 
Exceeding 4 years but not exceeding 5 years  50% 

factors affecting zero depreciation car insurance

Factors Affecting Zero Depreciation Car Insurance Premium

Following are the factors that will affect the premium of your zero depreciation addon cover:

Age of your car - Since a zero depreciation addon is directly related to the aging of your car and its parts, the age of your car plays a huge factor in determining the premium for your zero depreciation addon cover. 

Model of your car - In a car insurance, a lot depends on the model and type of your car. Since the cost of its parts too will depend on it. Therefore, the kind of car you have also plays a huge factor in determining the cost of your zero depreciation addon cover.

Location of your car - Every city faces different risks when it comes to driving on the roads. Therefore, in a car insurance, your premium- including the additional premium of your zero-depreciation cover will be dependent on the city you drive your car in.

Fuel-type and engine of your car - Premium is subject to change if your car is a diesel, petrol, CNG, or electric type. Further, the zero-depreciation premium is comparatively higher for cars with an engine of higher cubic capacity than those with lower cubic capacity.

Why is a Comprehensive Policy with Zero Depreciation Add-on Better than a Policy Without Zero Depreciation?

A comprehensive policy is no doubt a great way to protect your car from all possible damage. However, during claims you will still be required to pay for your car’s part depreciation.

Let’s understand the difference between Comprehensive Policy with and without Zero Depreciation Add-on cover:

  Metrics Comprehensive Policy with Zero Dep Cover   Comprehensive Policy without Zero dep Cover 
Premium amount   Slightly higher than a normal comprehensive policy.    Lower than a policy with the Zero Dep addon.  
Claim settlement amount   Higher as depreciation is not considered.   Lower as depreciation is considered for all vehicle parts that need to be repaired.  
Savings   High long-term savings, as there is no need to pay vehicle depreciation costs during claims.   You only save on the extra premium you won't have to pay for zero dep addon.  
Repairing of plastic parts   With the Zero Dep addon, no depreciation is considered for such parts.   50% depreciation on such parts is considered before paying the claim.  
Cost of Damage   Your insurer will have to pay the depreciated cost of vehicle parts.   You will have to pay the depreciated cost of vehicle parts.  
Age of the covered car   With Zero Dep addon, the depreciation rates are considered as nil.   With age, the depreciation of your car keeps increasing and will not be covered in the claim. 

Note: Zero Depreciation add-on cover has been filed as Digit Private Car Parts Depreciation Protect with Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) with UIN number IRDAN158RP0005V01201718/A0009V01201718.

FAQs about Zero Depreciation Car Insurance

Can I get zero-depreciation car insurance after 5 years?

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Zero Depreciation add‑on may be available for cars older than 5 years, subject to insurer approval and vehicle inspection. Availability depends on car condition, claim history, and underwriting guidelines as per IRDAI‑approved policy terms.

Zero Depreciation add‑on may be available for cars older than 5 years, subject to insurer approval and vehicle inspection. Availability depends on car condition, claim history, and underwriting guidelines as per IRDAI‑approved policy terms.

Is zero depreciation add‑on different from comprehensive car insurance?

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Yes. Comprehensive insurance covers third‑party liability and own damage, while zero depreciation is an optional add‑on under the own damage section that reduces depreciation deductions on eligible parts during claim settlement.

Yes. Comprehensive insurance covers third‑party liability and own damage, while zero depreciation is an optional add‑on under the own damage section that reduces depreciation deductions on eligible parts during claim settlement.

Is zero depreciation car insurance suitable for new cars?

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Yes, Zero Depreciation is especially beneficial for new cars as repair costs are higher and depreciation deductions are maximum in early years. Availability is subject to insurer underwriting and policy terms.

Yes, Zero Depreciation is especially beneficial for new cars as repair costs are higher and depreciation deductions are maximum in early years. Availability is subject to insurer underwriting and policy terms.

Is zero depreciation available with standalone own damage policies?

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Yes, Zero Depreciation can be opted with a standalone own damage policy, provided the insurer offers the add‑on and the vehicle meets eligibility conditions defined in the IRDAI‑approved policy wording.

Yes, Zero Depreciation can be opted with a standalone own damage policy, provided the insurer offers the add‑on and the vehicle meets eligibility conditions defined in the IRDAI‑approved policy wording.

Can zero depreciation be added later during policy renewal?

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Yes, Zero Depreciation can be added at renewal even if it wasn’t included earlier, subject to vehicle inspection, claim history, and insurer underwriting norms.

Yes, Zero Depreciation can be added at renewal even if it wasn’t included earlier, subject to vehicle inspection, claim history, and insurer underwriting norms.

How does a zero‑depreciation policy affect claim settlement

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During an own damage claim, depreciation on eligible replaced parts is not deducted under zero depreciation cover. Final payout still depends on deductibles, exclusions, surveyor assessment, and policy terms.

During an own damage claim, depreciation on eligible replaced parts is not deducted under zero depreciation cover. Final payout still depends on deductibles, exclusions, surveyor assessment, and policy terms.

Is there any restriction on the number of claims under zero depreciation?

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Yes, Zero Depreciation cover is usually valid only up to the number of claims specified in the policy. Once the limit is exhausted, depreciation deductions apply for subsequent claims.

Yes, Zero Depreciation cover is usually valid only up to the number of claims specified in the policy. Once the limit is exhausted, depreciation deductions apply for subsequent claims.

Will zero depreciation fully eliminate all repair deductions?

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No. While depreciation on eligible parts is waived, deductibles, excluded parts like tyres and consumables, and non‑covered damages still need to be borne by the policyholder.

No. While depreciation on eligible parts is waived, deductibles, excluded parts like tyres and consumables, and non‑covered damages still need to be borne by the policyholder.

Will labour charges be fully paid under zero depreciation?

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Labour charges are generally covered as per policy terms, but zero depreciation specifically applies to parts. Labour payouts remain subject to limits, deductibles, and insurer approval.

Labour charges are generally covered as per policy terms, but zero depreciation specifically applies to parts. Labour payouts remain subject to limits, deductibles, and insurer approval.

How much does zero‑depreciation car insurance cost?

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Zero Depreciation add‑on premium depends on factors like car age, make, model, location, engine capacity, and fuel type. Premiums are higher for newer or premium vehicles.

Zero Depreciation add‑on premium depends on factors like car age, make, model, location, engine capacity, and fuel type. Premiums are higher for newer or premium vehicles.

Is zero depreciation worth the extra premium?

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Zero Depreciation is valuable if potential repair savings exceed the add‑on premium, especially for new, premium, or frequently driven cars.

Zero Depreciation is valuable if potential repair savings exceed the add‑on premium, especially for new, premium, or frequently driven cars.

When does zero depreciation stop being cost‑effective?

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As vehicles age and part values reduce, the benefit of depreciation waiver decreases. For older cars with lower repair costs, the add‑on may offer limited value.

As vehicles age and part values reduce, the benefit of depreciation waiver decreases. For older cars with lower repair costs, the add‑on may offer limited value.

Does zero depreciation make sense for low‑usage cars?

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For low‑usage vehicles with minimal accident exposure, the additional premium may outweigh the benefit, depending on driving conditions and repair cost expectations.

For low‑usage vehicles with minimal accident exposure, the additional premium may outweigh the benefit, depending on driving conditions and repair cost expectations.

Is zero depreciation useful in metro cities?

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Yes. High traffic density, frequent minor accidents, and expensive repair costs in metro cities increase the practical value of zero depreciation cover.

Yes. High traffic density, frequent minor accidents, and expensive repair costs in metro cities increase the practical value of zero depreciation cover.

Will zero depreciation affect my No Claim Bonus next year?

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Only if a claim is made. Zero Depreciation does not protect NCB; any admissible claim may reduce or reset NCB as per policy rules.

Only if a claim is made. Zero Depreciation does not protect NCB; any admissible claim may reduce or reset NCB as per policy rules.

Will zero depreciation automatically renew every year?

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Zero Depreciation must be selected at each renewal. Continuation is subject to eligibility, claim history, and insurer underwriting guidelines.

Zero Depreciation must be selected at each renewal. Continuation is subject to eligibility, claim history, and insurer underwriting guidelines.

What happens to zero depreciation after claim limit is exhausted?

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Once the permitted number of zero‑dep claims is used, further claims are settled with standard depreciation deductions.

Once the permitted number of zero‑dep claims is used, further claims are settled with standard depreciation deductions.

Does zero depreciation work at non‑cashless garages?

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Yes. Zero Depreciation benefits apply to reimbursement claims as well, subject to valid bills, surveyor approval, and policy conditions.

Yes. Zero Depreciation benefits apply to reimbursement claims as well, subject to valid bills, surveyor approval, and policy conditions.

Does zero depreciation apply to repeated minor claims?

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Yes, until the claim limit is exhausted. Frequent claims may, however, impact future renewals or add‑on availability.

Yes, until the claim limit is exhausted. Frequent claims may, however, impact future renewals or add‑on availability.

How do I know if my policy includes zero depreciation cover?

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You can check your policy schedule or add‑on section for zero depreciation coverage. You may also confirm with your insurer directly.

You can check your policy schedule or add‑on section for zero depreciation coverage. You may also confirm with your insurer directly.
Manasvi Gupta

Written By

Manasvi Gupta

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Reviewed by:

Mayur Kacholiya