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Return to Invoice Car Insurance

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What is the Return to Invoice (RTI) cover in car insurance?

The ‘Return to Invoice’ car insurance meaning is quite simple. The insurance company pays the original value of your car as compensation if it is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repairs. It is also known as a ‘back to invoice’ cover in the UAE.

Without this add-on cover, the insurance company considers the insured declared value (IDV) as the basis for settling your claim. This is typically less than the invoice value and leads to material losses for policyholders.

Return to Invoice Car Insurance

Benefits of RTI Cover in Car Insurance

The Return to Invoice cover in car insurance offers several benefits to the policyholders. The details are as follows

Higher Coverage

The add-on cover enables vehicle owners to get enhanced insurance protection by paying a nominal additional premium

Negligible Losses

The insurance company pays an amount that is equal to or very close to the original invoice value

Ideal for New Cars

Any loss or damage to new cars causes enormous financial and emotional pain to the owners. Claiming full compensation alleviates this pain to a great extent.

Better Protection

The risk of theft or complete damage to your vehicle can be prevented but cannot be eliminated. The RTI car insurance offers full compensation for such losses.

Complements Existing Coverage

A suitable add-on cover is a perfect complement to a comprehensive car insurance policy that may not always provide you with specific coverage

How Does Return To Invoice Cover Work in the UAE?

The return to invoice cover comes into force as soon as the vehicle is lost due to theft or gets damaged beyond repairs in an accident. It is categorized by the insurer as a total loss for the purpose of settling claims.

Generally, the insurer deducts depreciation charges for the vehicle while settling your claim. This is known as the insured declared value (IDV), which is usually lower than the invoice price of your car.

Vehicle owners incur significant losses due to high rates of depreciation. The depreciation increases with age due to the normal wear and tear of the vehicle. The RTI cover in car insurance is an add-on policy that enables policyholders to avoid such losses by claiming the original invoice value as compensation.

Why is it Recommended to Buy a Return To Invoice Cover?

The Return to Invoice Car Insurance prevents losses and financial hardships by paying the original invoice value as compensation to the policyholders. If you do not possess this add-on cover with your car insurance, the insurer settles claims on the basis of the vehicle’s insured declared value (IDV). This value may be significantly less than the invoice value and result in huge losses to the owner if the car is stolen or damaged beyond repairs.

Who Should Buy a Return To Invoice Cover?

New vehicle owners can buy a return to invoice cover as the car starts depreciating immediately after it leaves the showroom. People who reside in areas highly prone to burglary or natural calamities can receive the entire invoice value if the car is stolen or damaged beyond repairs. 


The unavailability of safe parking spaces for your car also leaves you vulnerable to loss or damage. People who lack proper parking spaces near their homes or offices can also buy a return to invoice cover.

When is the Return to Insurance Cover Applicable?

The return to insurance coverage is applicable only when the car is stolen or damaged beyond repairs. The coverage is available only for a period of 24 months from the date of the first registration of the vehicle.

When is the Return to Insurance Cover Not Applicable?

The RTI car insurance shall be applicable only if certain conditions are satisfied. The benefits of this add-on cover will not be available in the following situations

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Third party car insurance is mandatory coverage, and hence, no add-on covers can be purchased along with this policy. You can get RTI coverage only with a comprehensive car insurance plan.

Old Vehicles

The return to invoice car insurance is generally not granted to older vehicles, i.e. those beyond two years (from the date of first registration)

Minor Repairs

The insurers do not accept minor or frivolous claims that involve small dents or damages. The coverage is available only if the car is damaged beyond repairs.

Things to Remember While Buying a Return To Invoice Cover

Vehicle owners who plan to purchase the RTI cover in car insurance should note the following key points

The return to invoice cover is not a standalone product. It is an additional plan that can be purchased along with comprehensive car insurance.

The policy comes into force only if the vehicle is stolen (and declared untraceable) or damaged beyond repairs.

RTI car insurance ensures that you get full compensation for theft and irreparable damages. The insurer settles your claim by paying the original invoice value.

The RTI coverage is only available for new vehicles, i.e. cars not aged beyond two years.

The RTI add-on cover must be renewed every year, along with the base plan for continuous protection.

Frequently Asked Questions on RTI Car Insurance

The ‘Return to Invoice’ or the RTI value in car insurance includes the vehicle’s ex-showroom price, car registration charges, and road taxes.

The RTI is applicable only if the vehicle is stolen and declared untraceable or if it is damaged beyond repairs. Minor repairs are not covered under RTI.

No. The return to invoice cover in car insurance is available only if your vehicle is aged up to two years. inbuilt

RTI car insurance only covers accessories that are built-in or fitted by the manufacturer. Any other accessory will not be covered under RTI.

No. The RTI cover in car insurance is an add-on plan that can be purchased only if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. It enhances the protection given by the base plan.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned here is gathered from sources deemed to be reliable & trustworthy. Prominent Insurance Brokers does not promote or recommend any product or service.