Team-BHP - Should I claim it?

Hi Team,
I have a Santro Xing XS (Sept. '03) which is a used car. I have taken Bajaj Allianz Insurance on it. More details here http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ood-offer.html
While getting it serviced last week, I came to know that the AC compressor has gone bad and it needs replacement.Now the Garage person says that if we get the work done after-market, the cost should be around 12,000/- and if we get the OEM, it will be 22,000/-. I have a little doubt about the aftermarket costing. My question is, if I decide to go for the OEM, can I claim it on the policy? (because its 22,000 no less ! )
I know it will surely take away the NCB benefit; but thats the only thing I know. what would be disadvantages of loosing NCB?. I wish to keep the car for another 2 yrs sure. Also, does a policy cover tyre upgrades? I am planning to upgrade tyres next month as they are showing balding. Please suggest.
(I know the tyre query is a little stupid w.r.t a policy..pardon me !)
Mods: its a mixture of a technical + insuarance query. But the main concern is Insurance cover, thats why I have posted it here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amya (Post 834615)

My question is, if I decide to go for the OEM, can I claim it on the policy? (because its 22,000 no less ! )

Also, does a policy cover tyre upgrades? I am planning to upgrade tyres next month as they are showing balding. Please suggest.

No & no. You cannot get either done under Insurance. Let me explain why:

1. Under the comprehensive Insurance cover your vehicle is covered against theft, damage due to accident, fire etc. It does not cover replacement of faulty parts under regular running. You could have changed the compressor under insurance if your car met with a frontal accident in which the compressor was damaged but not in this case.

And before you ask, knowing the location of the compressor in the Santro, if that is damaged in an accident then in 99% of the cases other damaged parts would include the Radiator, Condensor, Front Bumper, Bonnet & Headlights (Possibly). Just having only your compressor damaged would be a freak incident where a large stone hit it from the front (it's mounted on the lower right part of the car just behind the bumper besides the fog lamp) or a dog/cat hit it directly. Will be extremely hard to justify in an Insurance claim anyway.

2. Tyres are not covered unless damamed in an accident. Like I said earlier Insurance is not liable to pay you for parts wearing out/getting damaged during normal running.