How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Policy

Buying a new car is always an event in a family or an individual. The joy of purchasing a car should be accentuated with a matching car insurance policy. Apart from the customary "Nimbu-Mirchi-Totka" to safeguard from an evil eye that is a ritual with any new purchase in India. It lifts the spirit, but on the ground, as you drive your favourite car on the road, you are mandated to protect yourself from the vagaries of unforeseen events. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has made Third-Party Insurance compulsory for all motor vehicles on the road in India.

The need for car insurance:

The practice in India is that your car dealer includes the insurance policy in the purchase package of your new car. Though he acts as the facilitator, it is in your interest to be aware of the nuances that go into car insurance to protect you from financial losses in case of an accident. The car insurance not only covers for third-party losses but also for own damage.

Types of car insurance:

There are broadly two types of car insurance:

1. Third Party: This insurance policy is compulsory and compensates the victim from losses incurred on collision with your car.
2. Comprehensive: In addition to the third party, it protects you from own damage due to the collision, personal loss and other damages by both acts of man and god.

Add-on covers:

These are necessary to enhance coverage of your car insurance. Some of the add-ons are enumerated below.

• Zero depreciation: Covers replacement of plastic and other eligible parts ignoring the depreciation with age of the car.
• Engine cover: For the protection of the engine from damages due to extraneous factors like flooding.
• NCB: To continue with the year to year discounts for NCB in spite of claims in the previous year.
• Invoice Cover: The compensation is to the tune of on-road price or full IDV in case of theft or total damage.
• Key and lock replacement: Covers for loss due to loss of the key.
• Round the clock roadside assistance.
• Consumables: Covers for consumable items in the car.
• Personal effects: Loss of personal baggage in the car.

Inclusions in car insurance:

• Own car damage in accidents.
• Personal cover for death or disability due to accidents.
• Cover for loss in natural disasters.
• Cover up to IDV for theft.
• Cover against human-made acts like fire, vandalism etc.

Exclusions in car insurance cover:

• Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drug.
• Driving without a valid license.
• Damage suffered during involvement in illegal acts.
• Damage out of war or nuclear risks.
• Damage due to normal wear and tear.

Car Insurance Premium Calculator:

When opting for a preferred comprehensive insurance policy, the fundamental components that determine your premium by the car insurance premium calculator are:

• Third party cover.
• Own damage cover: It may vary depending on the follows.

• IDV (Ex-Showroom price plus depreciation)
• The capacity of the engine
• Location of the RTO where registered.

• Personal accident owner-driver cover.
• Add-ons: This is variable depending on the choice.
• GST at 18% presently.

Long-term Car Insurance Policy:

IRDAI has prodded insurers to issue long duration policies for vehicles from 1st September 2018, consequent to the directive of the Supreme Court. Thus new car buyers will compulsorily have to subscribe to third party liability cover for 3 or 5 years. While these increase the cost of policy due to the upfront payment, in the long run, it works out to be economical. However, on the flip side, you lose out on annual discounts based on NCB.

Claim settlement ratio:

While buying a car insurance policy, you need to factor in the claim settlement ratio of the general insurance companies. Of the major insurers, Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance Renewal makes sense as they have consistently been in the top bracket with good claim settlement ratio.

Ways to reduce car insurance premium:

Even while you chose your policy meeting your needs, some factors may still impact the amount of premium. The various ways to lessen the premium are:

• IDV: Computation of IDV is important. Lower IDV will reduce the premium, but will also impact by lesser compensation.
• NCB: This factor can benefit you with up to 50% discount.
• Security devices: Installation of ARAI approved devices like anti-theft can fetch you up to 2.5% discount.
• AAI: AAI membership fetches you a discount on Own Damage component of premium.

Online purchase of Car Insurance:

Among the many options, the best option is to buy or renew your premium online. Let us see how it benefits:

Also Read: Insurance in 10 Years Time: What Will the Industry Look Like

• Convenience: User-friendly portals make purchase easy from the comfort of your home at any time of the day.
• Comparison: Multiple plans and quotes can be obtained to land the best deal.
• Discounts: Directly dealing with the insurer secures you a lower premium on several features including savings on overheads that is passed on to you.
• Assistance: Online assistance is just a click away.

Bottom Line:

Now that you are aware of all the nitty-gritty of car insurance, you are in a position to arrive at an informed decision. Various aids like car insurance premium calculator and 24/7 assistance for Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance renewal, helps you to choose the right car insurance policy.