Introduction   While buying or renewing car insurance, you would surely come across two very common terms: Zero Depreciation and Bumper to Bumper cover. A lot of people either assume that these both are different offerings or that maybe one is better than the other. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what is this. In this blog, we will explain what zero depreciation and bumper to bumper insurance actually mean so that you don’t skip it to get the cheapest insurance for car or mindlessly add it without knowing its real value. Why Do You Need It? During the time of a claim, your payout can be greatly reduced because of depreciation. However, having zero depreciation (also called bumper-to-bumper) helps a lot here. Once you get it, you can: Avoid unpleasant surprises at the time of claim  Decide if the extra premium is worth the expense Choose the right car insurance as per the age and usage of your vehicle Is Zero Dep Different Than Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance? The simple answer is NO! They both are exactly the same thing. Basically, Zero Depreciation and Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance are two names for the same add-on cover. There is absolutely no important or coverage difference between the both. Why are There Two Names for the Same Cover? Zero Depreciation is a technical term in insurance Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance is more of a consumer-friendly name Whether insurance companies or aggregator websites, they use both terms interchangeably. This makes it easier for buyers to understand the concept and then purchase it. What Is Zero Depreciation or Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance? It is a very practical add-on cover that can be bought with any of these: Comprehensive car insurance Standalone own damage policy Just remember that it is not a standalone car insurance policy in itself. What Does it Cover? When you have bumper to bumper insurance, the insurance provider does not deduct any depreciation on replaced parts when you are making a claim. This includes: Plastic parts Rubber elements Fibre components Metal body parts Be sure to get a higher claim payout which is pretty close to the actual repair cost. What It Does Not Cover Even if you have zero dep add on, expect that: There would be limits on tyres, batteries and consumables  You would need a separate add-on for engine damage  Claims that go beyond allowed count may go back to normal depreciation Example of Difference Between Depreciation and Zero Dep Replaced Part With Regular Policy With Zero Dep / Bumper-to-Bumper Plastic bumper 50% depreciation cut No depreciation deduction Door panel Approx. 30–40% deducted Fully covered Net claim amount Lower Higher   And when it’s about major parts, the difference becomes very clear. Does Bumper-to-Bumper Mean Higher Premium? Well, yes, but there is a valid reason. It adds 10–20% to the premium for own damage  Often helps you save a lot more during claims And if your car is newer, the out-of-pocket expenses are cut down very much. While it’s true that it may not be part of the cheapest insurance for car, it often proves to be more economical when it comes to practical life cases. Who Should Choose Zero Dep / Bumper-to-Bumper Insurance? It is highly recommended if: Your car is less than or 5 years old You live in crowded cities and drive in heavy traffic You want the claim payouts to be predictable  You want full peace of mind if accidents happen However, it may not be necessary if: Your car is old and its value is low  The cost of repair is minimal All you want is to get the cheapest insurance for car   Is Zero Dep Available for All Cars? Here are a few points to be kept in mind regarding this add-on: It is available for cars that are up to 5 years old There may be limits on the claim like 2–3 per year Terms vary as per the insurance provider This is why it’s would be good to always check the T&C of the policy before buying. Clearing Common Misconceptions  “Zero Dep is a separate policy”: It’s actually an add-on and not a policy “Bumper-to-Bumper covers everything”: It only removes depreciation. All the exclusions have to be followed “It’s useless after one year”: It remains helpful and effective for multiple years and especially in cities Why it Should Be Your Car Insurance Choice When you are renewing or buying car insurance, the biggest decision you make is between: Whether to go for lower premium with higher repair costs Choose slightly higher premium with better claim payoffs If your biggest focus is to secure the cheapest insurance for car, you may just skip getting zero dep. However, if the goal is getting optimum cost and protection, it really makes sense to get this add-on. Conclusion Let’s make it very clear that there is simply no difference between zero depreciation and bumper to bumper insurance. Only the names are different. What really matters is whether your car is valuable enough for it, does the driving conditions increase the risk of damage risk or how much surprises can you handle during claims. If this add-on is chosen wisely, it can make your car insurance far more effective.