Accident repairs often cost more than expected because workshops bill “consumables” such as oils, sealants, clips, and gaskets. Consumables cover is an add-on that brings these materials under comprehensive insurance, helping you avoid surprise out-of-pocket expenses during claim settlement.
This article explains exactly what the cover pays for, where it will not apply, and how it differs from a zero depreciation policy so that you can plan repairs with confidence.
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What is Consumables Cover?
Consumables cover is an add-on cover option that reimburses the cost of certain repair-related items that get used up, replaced, or discarded during repairs. These are not major parts like bumpers or headlamps; they are the supporting materials, fluids, and fittings that enable the repair.
Workshops usually bill these items separately. In many standard policies, they are either excluded or paid only in limited situations unless your policy wording specifically includes them.
What it Typically Pays for
Exact lists vary by insurer, but consumables commonly include:
- Fluids used for repair work: engine oil (including the required viscosity grade), gear oil, coolant, brake fluid (hygroscopic by nature), power steering fluid
- Small fittings and single-use parts: nuts, bolts, clips, washers, O-rings, gaskets, torque-to-yield bolts
- Repair materials: sealants, adhesives, grease/lubricants, anti-rust coating, tapes, cleaning chemicals
Quick View: Covered vs Not
| Often covered (examples) | Often not covered (examples) | How to think about it |
| Oils, coolant, and band rake fluid are linked to repair | Fuel and routine top-ups | Repair-linked vs regular usage |
| Clips, gaskets, and bolts used in repair | Scheduled service replacements | Accident repair vs maintenance |
| Sealants, coatings, and cleaning agents | Cosmetic upgrades/customisation | Restoration vs enhancement |
How it Shows up on a Workshop Bill
Workshops may label these costs as “consumables”, “sundries”, “materials”, or “shop supplies”. You might also see line items like thinners, rubbing compound, sealant, clips, fasteners, or small quantities of oil and coolant. When you share invoices for claim settlement, an itemised break-up (not a single lump sum) makes it easier to evaluate what is eligible.
Consumables Cover vs a Zero Depreciation Policy
A common confusion: “If I have a zero depreciation policy, won’t it cover everything?” Not exactly. Zero depreciation primarily reduces the depreciation deduction on select replaced parts (usually plastic, rubber, fibre, and sometimes metal, as per policy terms). Consumables include targets, workshop materials, and fluids consumed during the repair process.
They work well together. Zero dep can reduce deductions on parts; consumables cover can reduce the “materials and fluids” portion of the invoice. If your goal is fewer surprise line items, this pairing is often stronger than relying on a single add-on.
When it helps most
Consumables cover tends to add the most value when repairs are material-heavy:
- Body repairs that require sealants, clips, coatings, and cleaning agents
- Engine-bay damage where fluids and gaskets need replacement
- Water-ingress repairs that involve cleaning chemicals and multiple small fittings
Even when each item is inexpensive, the combined consumables line on a workshop bill can be significant.
Key Exclusions and Conditions to Know
The consumables cover is intended for accidental damage repairs, not routine upkeep. Common conditions include:
- Payable only when consumables are clearly linked to a covered own-damage claim under comprehensive insurance
- Not payable for scheduled servicing, wear-and-tear, or preventive replacements
- Subject to policy terms, documentation, and itemised invoices (a clear break-up helps assessment)
If you have third party car insurance only, consumables cover generally won’t apply because third-party cover focuses on legal liability to others, not damage to your own vehicle.
Bottom line
Consumables cover is a focused add-on that can reduce the “small items” portion of an accidental repair bill. If you want better predictability in claim settlement, review what your policy classifies as consumables, note the exclusions at each renewal cycle, and combine it thoughtfully with other add-on covers, such as a zero-depreciation policy.
