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Zero Depreciation

General

Zero Depreciation Cover (Bumper-to-Bumper Cover)

A car insurance add-on in India that removes standard depreciation deductions on replaced parts during a claim, so you get the full replacement cost instead of a depreciated payout.

Written by · Reviewed by the thecalcu.com team · Last updated 8 August 2026

What is Zero Depreciation?

Zero depreciation cover, also called bumper-to-bumper cover, is a car insurance add-on that removes the standard depreciation deduction insurers normally apply to replaced parts during a claim. Without it, plastic and fiber parts can see 30-50% depreciation deducted from the claim payout, leaving you to cover the difference.

It's especially valuable for newer cars, where repair costs are high and depreciation deductions on standard policies can leave a meaningful gap between what you're paid and what repairs actually cost.

Formula

There's no calculation, it's a policy add-on. The value shows up as the difference between a standard claim payout and a zero-depreciation claim payout on the same repair.

Worked Example

A car needs a bumper replacement costing ₹20,000, with a standard depreciation rate of 40% on plastic parts.

  • Standard policy payout: ₹20,000 × (1 − 40%) = ₹12,000, leaving ₹8,000 as out-of-pocket cost
  • With zero depreciation cover: ₹20,000 paid in full, minus only the standard policy deductible

The ₹8,000 gap is exactly what the add-on eliminates, often for a premium far smaller than that amount.

Key Things to Know

  • Most valuable in the first 3-5 years of ownership. Newer cars have higher repair costs and more depreciation-eligible parts, making the add-on's value most pronounced early in ownership.
  • Not every part is covered. Tyres, batteries, and mechanical failures typically fall outside zero depreciation cover, even when the add-on is active.
  • Claim count limits apply. Check your policy's annual claim cap before assuming unlimited zero-depreciation claims.
  • Premium cost rises with vehicle value and age. Expect a higher add-on premium for expensive cars or as the vehicle approaches the eligibility cutoff age.
  • Works alongside IDV, not instead of it. Setting your IDV accurately still matters for total loss claims, zero depreciation only affects repair claims.

Related Terms

IDVInsured Declared Value

Frequently Asked Questions

Is zero depreciation cover worth the extra premium?

For a new or recent car, usually yes, since standard policies deduct a steep depreciation percentage from plastic, fiber, and rubber parts, sometimes 50% or more. The extra premium is often small compared to what you'd otherwise pay out of pocket during a claim.

Does zero depreciation cover apply to every part of the car?

Most insurers exclude a few things like tyres, batteries, and mechanical or electrical breakdowns, which typically have their own separate depreciation or aren't covered at all. Check your policy wording for the exact exclusion list.

Is zero depreciation available for older cars?

Most insurers cap eligibility at 5-7 years of vehicle age, after which zero depreciation add-ons often aren't offered, or come with a much higher premium and claim limits.

How many claims can I make with zero depreciation cover in a year?

Many policies cap this at 2-4 claims per policy year, so check the fine print if you're accident-prone or drive in heavy traffic conditions where minor claims are more frequent.

Does zero depreciation cover replace the need for a good IDV?

No, they cover different things. [IDV](/glossary/idv/) determines your payout in a total loss or theft claim, while zero depreciation affects how much you get reimbursed for part replacements in a repair claim. You typically want both set correctly, not one instead of the other.