What you would pay on a repair bill with and without the zero-dep add-on.
What zero-dep actually covers
Without zero-depreciation cover, the insurer deducts depreciation on parts it replaces in a claim — 50% on plastic, rubber and nylon parts, 30% on fibreglass, an age-based rate on metal and 50% on the material part of painting. Zero-dep (also called bumper-to-bumper or nil depreciation) waives these deductions, so you pay only the deductibles.
| Part type | Depreciation on claim |
|---|---|
| Rubber, nylon and plastic parts, tyres, tubes, batteries, airbags | 50% |
| Fibreglass components | 30% |
| All glass parts | Nil |
| Painting — material part (25% of paint bill if not itemised) | 50% |
| Labour | Nil |
| Metal parts — age of vehicle | Depreciation |
|---|---|
| Not exceeding 6 months | Nil |
| 6 months – 1 year | 5% |
| 1 – 2 years | 10% |
| 2 – 3 years | 15% |
| 3 – 4 years | 25% |
| 4 – 5 years | 35% |
| 5 – 10 years | 40% |
| Above 10 years | 50% |
When zero-dep is worth it
- New and nearly new cars, where parts are expensive and you plan to claim for accidents.
- Cars with many plastic body parts (most modern bumpers, grilles and lamp housings).
- City driving with frequent minor scrapes, especially if you would claim them.
It is less useful on older vehicles you would rarely claim on, and many insurers stop offering it after a certain vehicle age.
FAQs
Is there a limit on zero-dep claims?
Usually yes — many policies allow a fixed number of zero-dep claims per year (often two). Check the add-on wording.
Does zero-dep cover tyres and engine damage?
Generally not unless the damage is caused by an insured accident; tyre and engine damage often need separate add-ons such as tyre protection or engine protection.
Does zero-dep change my IDV?
No. It affects partial-loss repair claims only. Total loss and theft are still settled at IDV.
Related: Zero depreciation cover explained · Parts depreciation in claims