Whether you're planning a long-haul road trip, a camping adventure, or need space for sports equipment, car roof accessories can transform your vehicle into a versatile travel companion. Sometimes, a car's trunk just isn’t enough for bulky items like skis, snowboards, or camping gear. If you need extra storage space, investing in a car roof carrier or baggage rack can be a great solution—unless you're a minimalist packer.
Read on to explore the various kinds of car roof accessories, their applications, and how to pick the best ones for your car.
List of Best Car Roof Accessories
The following are some of the best car roof accessories that you should consider purchasing:
● Roof Rack Cross Bars
Crossbars are one to four horizontal bars that span the width of your car's roof, providing a sturdy foundation for carrying extra cargo. The installation method varies depending on your vehicle’s roof type. For instance, if your roof is completely bare, you can either drill and secure the crossbars’ feet or opt for bare-roof crossbars with a hook mechanism for a no-drill solution.
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Purpose
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Provides a strong base for transporting bikes, skis, kayaks, baggage, or roof boxes.
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Price
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₹4,000 to ₹20,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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4.5 to 6 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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SUVs
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Platform roof racks are flat platforms that sit on your car’s roof. They come in different sizes and can be mounted in various ways—on tracks, roof rails, or even with cross bars. Some require drilling or bolting, while others use gutter mounts. These racks are super strong and ideal for carrying heavy, bulky loads. Platform Roof Racks are typically available in three sizes:
- Half platform
- ¾ Platform
- Full platform
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Purpose
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Provides a flat, sturdy surface for transporting large or heavy items like cargo boxes, ladders, or furniture.
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Price
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₹8,000 to ₹35,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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10 to 30 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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Pickup trucks, SUVs, Off-road vehicles
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The standard roof rack basket is essentially a basket that can be mounted directly to your car's roof. If detachable, they're typically composed of plastic, lightweight, and ideal for carrying lighter loads like backpacks. Roof baskets typically have raised sides, unlike roof racks.
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Purpose
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Provides a spacious basket-like structure for carrying bulky items such as luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment.
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Price
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₹5,000 to ₹20,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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7 to 20 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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SUVs, Crossovers, MPVs, Pickup trucks
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A rooftop tent is a portable shelter that is attached to your car's roof. It is a single device that may be packed into a hard-shell container. These tents are perfect for users who use their car for long-haul trips and camping. The tent serves as a convenient temporary shelter, freeing up valuable trunk space for items that need protection from the elements.
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Purpose
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Provides a portable, elevated sleeping space for camping, offering comfort and protection from the elements.
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Price
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₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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40 to 80 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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SUVs, Pickup trucks, Off-road vehicles
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Rooftop cargo bags are flexible storage containers. They are used for expanding the capacities of a vehicle. These bags can carry everything that needs to be transported—suitcases, camping gear, heavy outdoor equipment. They come in soft-sided bags or hard-shell carriers. Unlike other storage options, these bags protect the items you store within them from rain and other weather conditions.
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Purpose
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Provides a weather-resistant, flexible storage solution for carrying extra luggage and gear on the roof.
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Price
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₹3,000 to ₹12,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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2 to 10 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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Sedans, SUVs, Crossovers, Hatchbacks, MPVs
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Car roof boxes, as the name suggests, are box-shaped carriers designed to transport bulky items like bicycles, skis, canoes, strollers, containers, and luggage. Available in various sizes, they significantly expand a car’s storage capacity. These roof compartments provide a secure and convenient solution for carrying luggage, as they are waterproof, lockable, and eliminate the need for tarps or ropes to keep items safely in place. These are also significantly more weatherproof than roof bags and are typically recommended for occasional use.
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Purpose
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Provides a secure, weatherproof, and lockable storage solution for carrying luggage, sports gear, or camping equipment.
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Price
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₹15,000 to ₹80,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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10 to 25 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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SUVs, Crossovers, MPVs, Sedans
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A light bar is an auxiliary lighting system installed on vehicles to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Commonly mounted on trucks and SUVs, it provides a brighter, wider beam, improving safety during off-roading, adverse weather, or nighttime driving. Light bars generally come in two main types:
- LED light bars
- Halogen light bars
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Purpose
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Provides enhanced visibility during off-road driving, low-light conditions, and nighttime adventures.
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Price
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₹3,000 to ₹25,000 (approx.)
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Weight
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2 to 6 kg
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Best Suited for Vehicles
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SUVs, Pickup trucks, Off-road vehicles, Jeeps
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Conclusion
The right roof modifications can enhance your driving experience, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a frequent traveller, or simply need extra space for family trips. However, upgrading your car isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about safety. In addition to enhanced storage and balanced weight distribution, it's essential to prioritise safety with regular maintenance and a comprehensive car insurance policy. Safeguard your investment by purchasing car insurance online, ensuring protection against accidents and unforeseen events on the road.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.