IDV vs RTI in Car Insurance: Which Coverage is Best for You?

15 min read Posted on 2 June 2025

When purchasing car insurance, it can be very overwhelming to comprehend the technical components of auto insurance . Insured Declared Value (IDV) and Return to Invoice (RTI) are two important words that frequently cause policyholders to become confused. Although these ideas have a big influence on your insurance coverage and claims resolution, they have rather different functions. 

Understanding IDV (Insured Declared Value)

What is IDV?

The maximum sum that an insurance company will pay in the event that your car is stolen or completely destroyed in an accident is called the Insured Declared Value, or IDV. The price after depreciation is taken into consideration; it basically represents the current market worth of your vehicle.

How is IDV Calculated?

According to a set schedule issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the IDV is calculated by subtracting depreciation from the car's reported selling price (excluding taxes and registration) as stated by the manufacturer.

Beyond 5 years, the IDV is mutually agreed upon between the insurer and the policyholder based on the condition, model, and resale value.

Key Takeaway: IDV determines your policy premium and the claim amount in case of total damage or theft.

Significance of IDV in Insurance Premiums

The IDV and your insurance premium are directly interrelated; a greater IDV translates into higher premiums. Some policyholders purposefully select a lower IDV in order to save money on premiums, but this tactic may backfire when it comes time to settle claims because you will only be paid the declared value, regardless of the true value of your car.

Understanding RTI (Return to Invoice)

What is RTI?

Return to Invoice is an add-on coverage that bridges the gap between your car's IDV and its original invoice value. In case of total loss or theft, an RTI add-on ensures you receive the original purchase price of your vehicle rather than its depreciated value.

What RTI Covers

A comprehensive RTI add-on typically covers:

1. The original ex-showroom price of the vehicle
2. Road tax and registration charges
3. Insurance premium costs for the first year

RTI Add-on Limitations

RTI coverage comes with certain limitations:

• Available only for vehicles less than 3-5 years old (varies by insurer)
• Cannot be purchased as a standalone policy
• Subject to specific terms and conditions regarding claim eligibility

Comparing IDV and RTI: Key Differences

IDV Vs RTI: Which Offers Better Value?

Scenarios Where IDV Optimization Makes Sense

1. Older Vehicles: For cars older than 5 years, focusing on optimising IDV makes more financial sense than investing in RTI.
2. Budget Constraints: If premium costs are a major concern, ensuring an accurate IDV provides better basic protection.
3. Low-Risk Areas: If you live and drive in areas with low theft rates and minimal accident risks, standard IDV coverage might suffice.

Scenarios Where RTI Provides Superior Value

1. New Vehicles: For new cars less than 3 years old, RTI offers significant protection against the rapid initial depreciation.
2. High-Value Vehicles: Luxury car owners benefit more from RTI coverage due to the substantial difference between depreciated value and invoice price.
3. Financing Scenarios: If you've taken a loan to purchase your vehicle, RTI helps ensure you can repay the loan even in case of total loss.
4. High-Risk Areas: In regions with higher theft rates or accident probabilities, RTI provides peace of mind.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Premium Increase vs. Potential Benefits

RTI typically increases your premium by approximately 10-15%. To determine if this additional cost provides value:

1. Calculate the difference between your vehicle's IDV and its invoice value
2. Divide the extra premium amount by this difference
3. This gives you the "cost per thousand" of additional coverage

For example, if RTI costs an additional ₹2,000 on your premium and provides extra coverage of ₹200,000, you're paying ₹10 per ₹1,000 of additional coverage—generally considered good value.

Compare your premium with and without RTI using our car insurance calculator.

Depreciation Impact Over Time

The value proposition of RTI diminishes as your vehicle ages:

• 1-year-old car: RTI might cover 15-20% more than IDV
• 2-year-old car: RTI might cover 25-30% more than IDV
• 3-year-old car: RTI might cover 35-40% more than IDV

Beyond 3 years, the cost-benefit ratio often tilts in favor of standard IDV coverage for most consumers.

Expert Recommendations

Finding the Right Balance

Insurance experts suggest:

• New car owners (0-3 years): Opt for an accurate IDV plus RTI add-on for comprehensive protection
• Mid-age vehicles(3-5 years): Consider accurate IDV with other add-ons like zero depreciation instead of RTI
• Older vehicles (5+ years): Focus on maintaining appropriate IDV and explore other useful add-ons

https://www.renewbuy.com/articles/motor-insurance/idv-vs-rti-car-insurance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Undervaluing IDV to save on premium
2. Assuming RTI covers partial losses
3. Not reviewing and adjusting IDV annually
4. Purchasing RTI for very old vehicles
5. Ignoring other valuable add-ons while focusing only on RTI

Conclusion

Both IDV and RTI serve important functions in car insurance, but their value proposition varies based on your specific circumstances. IDV forms the foundation of your policy and should always be set accurately. RTI, while providing superior coverage in total loss scenarios, makes financial sense primarily for newer vehicles.

The best approach is not choosing between IDV and RTI but rather understanding how they complement each other. Optimise your IDV to reflect your car's actual market value while considering RTI as an add-on if your vehicle is relatively new and the additional premium fits within your budget.

Remember, the ultimate goal is finding the right balance between premium costs and comprehensive coverage that provides peace of mind during unfortunate events.

Disclaimer: The content published in this article is intended solely for the readers' informational purposes and should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions. It is advisable to seek advice from a qualified professional regarding specific concerns. The details provided regarding the plan are for reference purposes only. Please visit the insurer’s website for the latest updates on the plan. The company does not guarantee suitability, reliability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information, services, or any other aspects mentioned in this regard for any purpose. We do not endorse any insurance company or insurance product provided by any insurer.