Motor Insurance

Motor insurance is a mandatory insurance cover that every vehicle owner in India must have. Be it a car, truck, tractor or two-wheeler, every vehicle should be secured under an insurance policy of its own. Its main objective is to give complete protection against physical damage or loss sustained by the insured vehicle from natural and man-made calamities along with any third-party liabilities arising out of the insured vehicle.

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What is Motor Insurance?

Motor insurance is an insurance policy designed for four-wheelers, commercial trucks, two-wheelers, and other road vehicles. It has been made mandatory for all vehicles such as cars, bikes, scooters, and trucks that are plying on the roads in India. Vehicle owners are required to avail motor insurance even for commercial vehicles as well. Nowadays, you can get vehicle insurance online and pay the policy premium as well.

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Features of Motor Insurance

A vehicle insurance policy comes with several features that can be very beneficial for the policyholder. Here are some features that you should know:

You can purchase motor insurance online after comparing quotes from best motor insurance companies from Policybazaar.com in a hassle-free manner.
You can also renew the motor insurance plan online from the comfort of your home.
You can add or remove any particular add-on as your requirement. You can do it while purchasing or renewing the insurance plan. Add-ons are optional covers that you can purchase to enhance the coverage of your motor insurance policy.
Motor insurance not only provides cover for the damages caused by an accident but also covers from theft, natural calamity, fire damage, vandalism, manmade disasters, etc.
You can get the benefits of a cashless claim assistance by providing enough evidence in case of accidents and theft.
Motor insurance also provides a No Claim Bonus feature. Under this feature, if you do not raise a claim during the policy tenure then the insurer will provide you with a specified discount on the renewal premium.
Insurance companies keep on coming up with different plans and add-ons to provide you better coverage as well as provide assistance in case you get stuck during the claiming process.

Types of Motor Insurance

Motor vehicle insurance can be broadly classified under below heads:

Car Insurance

Car insurance gives coverage against accidental loss or damages to own car or a third party caused due to the insured car. When choosing a car insurance policy, a person should always compare the premium offered by various insurers to get best deal. The amount of premium would majorly depend on the make & value of the car, the state from which it is registered and the manufacturing year.
Two Wheeler Insurance

Two wheeler insurance or bike insurance provides financial and legal protection to bikes and scooters. It covers two-wheeler vehicles against any own damages as well as any accidental loss caused to third-party property or person. Similar to car insurance, the premium of a two-wheeler policy depends on the age of the bike, its make & model, registration year, etc.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance helps all commercial vehicle drivers to reduce losses they might incur due to damage to their vehicle. It covers a commercial vehicle from unforeseen damages like theft, fire, collisions and third-party damages as well. Here commercial vehicles include those vehicles that are not used for personal purposes, like goods carrying vehicles, trucks, etc.

Add-ons for your car insurance

Bumper to Bumper Insurance

Bundled Policy

Car Accessories Cover

Compulsory Personal Accident Cover

Daily Allowance Cover

Engine Protection Cover

Key Replacement Cover

Multi-Year Car Insurance

No Claim Bonus (NCB) in Car Insurance

Personal Possessions Cover

Return To Invoice

Rim Damage Cover

Roadside Assistance Cover

Tyre Protector Cover

Voluntary Deductible in Car Insurance

Zero Depreciation Car Insurance

Types of Motor Insurance Coverage in India

The main three types of motor insurance policies offered in India include:

Third-Party Insurance Cover

It is a mandatory policy and covers a third person who has been injured in an accident involving you and your vehicle. It compensates against third-party death, injury and property damage. The policy doesn’t provide any direct benefit to the insured. As per the Insurance Regulatory and Development of India (IRDA), no insurer can decline to underwrite third-party insurance.
Standalone OD Cover

Recently introduced by the IRDAI, a Standalone own damage cover protects the insured vehicle against any own damages arising out of unforeseen incidents like accident, theft, fire etc. This motor insurance policy can be purchased if you already have a third party cover and also want to cover own vehicle against financial losses.
Comprehensive Insurance Cover

This cover is an add-on to the third-party insurance plan and protects the owner of cars, bikes, scooters and trucks from financial losses caused by damage or theft of the insured vehicle. Besides insuring vehicles, it also provides third-party coverage. Thus, comprehensive motor vehicle insurance provides wider coverage and also carries a higher premium.

Damages sustained by the insured vehicle due to terrorist acts, riots and strikes are covered
Losses to the insured vehicle due to fire or self-ignition are included in motor vehicle policy coverage
Damages sustained by the vehicle due to natural calamities like earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones, landslides etc.
Any damage caused to the insured vehicle due to burglary, or theft are also covered up to the IDV value of the vehicle
Claims can also be raised for in-transit damages sustained by the insured motor vehicle.

If the driver is under the influence of drugs or abuse, the motor vehicle insurance policy won’t cover it.
The car/ two wheeler/ commercial vehicle is used for illegal activities or a purpose otherwise stated in the policy
Not having a valid driving license when the motor vehicle has met with an accident can result in claim rejection.
Any loss or damage to the insured vehicle if it occurs outside the specified geographical location
Depreciation borne by the insured motor vehicle will also not be covered under a motor insurance policy

Why Should you Buy Vehicle Insurance?

Do you know, that around 4 Lakh people meet with road accidents every month? A survey was conducted by the World Health Organization Report, which stated that in 2012, India had recorded the highest number of road deaths in the world.

Considering the high number and poor conditions of the road, motor insurance has become a necessity to drive on the Indian roads. Motor insurance gives financial protection not only to you but also covers third party damages. A few private insurers offer a large number of other utilities to the policyholders, like:

Direct settlement or cashless claims at network garages
Depreciation Cover
Engine Protection Cover
24X7 Roadside assistance
Towing Facility

Things to Consider While Buying Motor Insurance Online

It is mandatory to get insured with a third-party insurance plan in India. As the name suggests, a third-party plan provides cover for the third-party liability and comes with a specified set of coverage. But when you decide to purchase a comprehensive insurance plan then it is suggested to consider several things to make the most out of that insurance plan. So here are the things that you need to consider while purchasing a motor insurance plan.

Coverage: While purchasing motor insurance, check if that particular insurance plan is providing you with the coverage you require.
Add-on: If you are not satisfied with the kind of coverage your desired comprehensive insurance plan is providing then you can always consider purchasing an add-on as provided by your insurer.
Personal Accident Cover: Make sure that the motor insurance you are planning to purchase comes with the personal accident cover or not.
Claim Settlement Ratio: Before purchasing a motor insurance plan, check the claim settlement ratio of your desired insurance provider.
Network Garages: Check if your desired insurance provider has a good network when it comes to garages.
No Claim Bonus: Check if the insurance company provides a good no claim bonus or not and also lets you transfer it to your new insurer.
Read Terms & Conditions Properly: Make sure that you read the terms and conditions properly before signing any documents.
Zero Depreciation: As soon as the car comes out of the showroom, its price drops down to almost half the amount you have bought it for. In order to maintain the monetary value of your vehicle, you are suggested to opt for the zero depreciation add-on to get the best coverage amount after the depreciation.

Parameters Affecting Vehicle Insurance Premium

Here are the parameters that can affect the vehicle insurance policy premium.

Make & Model: The premium amount of your insurance plan depends upon your vehicle’s make and model, meaning its cubic capacity, model as well as its variant.
Age: The depreciation value, as well as the insured declared value, depends upon the age of your car.
Engine: The engine type whether it is a petrol engine or a diesel engine will affect the IDV that might increase the premium amount.
Location: The premium amount of your vehicle depends upon the location of the car. For instance, if you live in a metro city then the premium amount of the motor insurance would be higher due to the high risk of an accident.
Add-on: The motor insurance plan comes with a particular set of coverage but the insurance companies also provide add-ons so that you can enhance the coverage in case you are not satisfied with the existing coverage.
No Claim Bonus: The insurance companies provide a discount on the successive year motor insurance renewal for not raising a claim during the previous policy tenure.
Online Purchase: For a hassle-free experience and lower premium rates, it is suggested to purchase the policy online as you can compare different plans and purchase the one that suits your requirement as well as your budget.

Benefits of Motor Insurance Renewal Online

When you purchase motor insurance online, you get to compare different plans in the comfort of your home. Due to digitalization, several insurance companies have launched their mobile app to make your buying experience even smoother. Since an insurance plan come with validity, the policyholder is required to renew the insurance plan before expiration. Renewing the insurance plan online has its own advantages. They are as follows:

You do not have to pay the fees to any insurance agent as you are doing it yourself.
You get to choose from multiple add-ons available on the website.
You can add as well as remove any particular add-on as per your requirement.
You do not have to visit the insurer’s office to get the insurance plan renewed.
It saves a lot of your time as you have the option of doing it on your personal computer by visiting the website or on the mobile application of the insurer.
When you renew the insurance plan online then you get the option of making the payment online through secure gateways.
The insurer issues the updated insurance plan as soon as you make the payment.

Motor Vehicle Rule Updation by IRDAI

In an initiative to make motor insurance more affordable for buyers, IRDAI updated the rules in 2018 and 2020. Check the table below to learn about those updates.

Insurance Cover	IRDAI 2018 Regulation	IRDAI 2020 Regulation Update
Third-party Only	3 years third-party insurance for car and 5 years third-party cover	Retained
Third-party With Comprehensive Cover	3 years and 5 years third-party with Comprehensive cover	3 years and 5 years third-party with 1-year Comprehensive cover
Standalone OD Cover (With Mandatory third-party cover)	3 years & 5 years Comprehensive cover	1-year Own Damage cover

Here are some other updates made by the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India.

The sum insured amount for personal cars will be based on the road tax, on-road price, registration and manufacturer accessories.
The expiry date of a long-term plan and third-party plan won’t match if you purchase a standalone own damage insurance plan on different dates.
The insurance premium amount will be based on the driving habits of the policyholder instead of basing it on IDV, location, car make & model, engine capacity, etc.
The No Claim Bonus has been standardized by the IRDAI with a renewal range of 20%-50%.
Electric vehicle insurance premium amount will get the benefit of a 15% discount on third party insurance cover. The electric vehicle owners can withdraw the long-term insurance from one company and transfer it to another.

Why Buy Motor Insurance from Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited?

With the multiple online ways of purchasing insurance plans, Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited lets you compare different insurance plans in one place. Some other advantages of purchasing motor insurance from Policybazaar.com include:

24*7 Claim Assistance: A policyholder can get claim assistance any time of the day by opting 24*7 claim assistance feature.
Cashless Assurance: The cashless assurance facility allows you to avail cashless claim settlement without having to pay anything from your pocket.
3-Days Repair Facility: Policybazaar also offers 3-day repair facility in the network garage of the respective insurance company.
Free Pickup and Drop: If your car has met with an accident, Policybazaar will also offer free pickup, get it repaired in the network garage and drop the insured car at your home.
Self-Video Claims: With the help of self-video claims offered by Policybazaar, a policyholder can make and upload the video of car damages on the PB Claims App and get his/her claim settled in 24 hours..
Windshield Claims at Home: This advantage lets a policyholder receive windshield repairs at home. Moreover, availing of this feature also does not affect the NCB of an insured car.

How to File a Motor Insurance Claim?

The document and formalities involved in a vehicle insurance claim settlement will depend upon the type of vehicle and nature of the loss.

Filing for a Claim in Case of Damage to Owned Car/ Two Wheeler/ Commercial Vehicle

To initiate the process, the policyholder is required to submit a detailed estimate of the loss to the insurance company. Independent automobile surveyors with engineering background are given the task of assessing the reason and extent of the loss. They carefully inspect the damaged vehicle and submit their survey report with the insurance company who will review and examine it in accordance with the recommendations mentioned therein. The usual practice is to authorize repairs with the repairer to whom the letter is issued in this regard.

Apart from Claim Form, Other Documents Required for Processing Claims are:

Fitness Certificate (Commercial Vehicles)
Driving License
Registration Certificate Book
Final Bill from repairers
Police FIR

Third Party Claims

On receipt of the notice from the insured or third party, the matter is transferred to the advocate. Complete information about the accident is obtained from the insured along with the following documents-

Police Report
Driving License
Medical Certificate
Death certificate in case of a fatal claim

Motor Insurance FAQ's

Q1: Which vehicle insurance plan should I purchase- comprehensive insurance plan or third-party insurance plan only?

Ans: Having a third-party motor insurance plan is compulsory for all automobiles plying on the Indian roads. This insurance plan provides coverage for injuries or damages caused to other people. The beneficiary is third-party only. The prudent way to get coverage for the losses or damages caused to the insured vehicle is buying a comprehensive motor insurance plan. It provides the coverage for third-party liability along with own damage caused to the insured automobile, such as bikes, scooters, cars, trucks, etc.
Q2: How is the motor insurance premium calculated?

Ans: Motor insurance premium is calculated basis various factors, such as IDV, deductibles, seating capacity, cubic capacity, previous insurance history etc. For comprehensive insurance plans, premium charges vary insurance provider per insurance provider on the basis of the coverage provided. Do compare insurance premium on websites like Policybazaar.com so that you get the best quote. Third-party premium amounts are decided by IRDA.
Q3: What should I do in case of an accident?

Ans: In case your vehicle meets with an accident, you should notify the police and take spot pictures. Click pictures of your vehicle as well as the other vehicle from all angles and focus on the damages. Exchange crucial information from the driver of the other vehicle, including policy number, motor insurance provider, name, phone number, etc. Contact your insurer and file a claim in order to get your damages covered. Keep your car keys and belongings safe.
Q4: What is the period of the motor insurance policy?

Ans: Generally, a vehicle insurance policy is valid for one year and it has to be renewed prior to the due date in order to avoid any lapse in the policy. For a smoother insurance experience, always pay the motor insurance premium before the due date. If your policy has lapsed then your automobile would undergo an inspection. In addition to that, if a comprehensive insurance policy remains lapse for a time period of more than 90 days, the benefit of “No Claim Bonus” isn’t provided.
Q5: What is "No Claim Bonus" in Motor Insurance?

Ans: “No Claim Bonus” is the benefit accumulated to a policyholder in case he hasn’t filed any claim throughout the policy period. According to the present Indian norms, it varies from 20-50 per cent for the comprehensive insurance plan. NCB isn’t applicable for a third-party motor insurance plan. If a claim is filed, then the “No Claim Bonus” is lost for that policy period. NCB is provided to the policyholder and not to the insured car, two wheelers or commercial vehicle.
At the time of the vehicle transfer, the insurance plan could be transferred to a new owner but NCB can’t be transferred. The responsibility of paying the remaining balance falls on the shoulders of the new buyer. The original/former owner of the vehicle can use the NCB at the time of purchase of a new automobile.
Q6: In case I change my motor insurance provider, would my No Claim Bonus be migrated?

Ans: Yes, you surely can avail the NCB if you change your motor insurance provider at the time of renewing the policy. All you would need to do is producing proof of the earned NCB from your current insurance provider. You can produce the original copy of your expiring policy and a certification that you haven’t filed any claim for the (expiring) insurance plan. A renewal notice or a letter stating that you’re entitled to the NCB from your previous insurance provider can be a proof for this.
Q7: Is there any kind of discounts that would reduce my premium?
Ans:
Apart from the NCB, there are a few discounts available on the own damage premium :
- Having a membership of the Automobile Association of India
- Private cars that are certified by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India
- Installation of any anti-theft equipment that is approved by the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune and is acknowledged by AAI.
- There are concessions offered specifically for modified or designed automobiles for the visually challenged, physically challenged or mentally challenged individuals that are aptly certified in the Registration Certificate by the concerned RTA.
- When you select an additional voluntary deductible, your motor insurance provider offers you attractive discounts.
- As per the Liability Only section, there are discounts available for decreasing the third-party property damage from Rs. 7,50,000 to Rs. 6,000.
Q8: Is service tax applicable on the motor insurance premium?

Ans: Yes, service tax is levied on motor insurance premiums as per the prevailing law rule(s).
Q9: What is a deductible in motor insurance?

Ans: The deductible is the amount of which the claim would be payable. Generally, a normal standard or compulsory deductible for most of the automobiles range from Rs. 50 for the two wheeler automobile, including bikes and scooters to Rs. 1000 and Rs. 2,000 for private cars and commercial vehicle, including trucks that enhance according to the carrying capacity or cubic capacity of the automobile. Though, there could be cases where the insurance provider might enforce extra deductible which depends on the vehicle’s age or if the claims frequency is comparatively higher.
Q10: What is the process for getting the changes done in the policy?

Ans: In case there are any changes that need to be made in the policy such as address change or any particular changes regarding the automobile or its usage, it could be done by an endorsement by the motor insurance provider. You need to submit a letter to your insurance provider along with the proof of the changes so that you could obtain the endorsement. There are a few endorsements that might charge an extra premium from you.
Q11: If I am driving my car in a specific city, how the premium rate would be applied?

Ans: For the sole purpose of applying the motor insurance premium rate, the specific location where the automobile is registered is considered. Don’t confuse the place of registration with the place where the automobile is used. For instance, if your automobile is registered in Chennai, the applicable charges for Zone A would be charged. Even if you shift to another town or city, the same charges would be applied. Likewise, if an automobile is registered in a town, Zone B premium charges are applicable. Later on, in case the vehicle own moves to a metro city, he would be charged the rate of Zone B only.
Q12: In case I fit LPG or CNG kit in my automobile, is it necessary to update the insurance provider about that?

Ans: If an LPG or CNG kit is installed in your automobile, you must inform the Road Transport Authority’s office, from where the automobile was registered so that they can modify the necessary changes in the registration certificate of the automobile. The motor insurance provider should be informed as well so that it can provide the coverage to the kit on the payment of additional premium as per the kit’s value under the Own Damage Section.
Q13: Can I get my motor insurance transferred to the buyer of my automobile?

Ans: Yes, motor insurance is transferable to the purchaser of the automobile. All you have to do is inform in writing about the transfer to its insurance provider. The original owner of the car/ two wheeler needs to fill out a new proposal form. A nominal fee is charged for the insurance transfer along with the recovery of No Claim Bonus from the transfer date till the policy expires on a pro-rata basis. Keep in mind that ownership transfer in comprehensive insurance plans has to be updated within 14 days from the date of transfer. If the original buyer fails to do so, no claim would be payable regarding the Own Damage.
Q14: If I lose my motor insurance policy, would I get a duplicate copy?

Ans: Yes. You have to approach the office of your motor insurance provider from where you have purchased your policy and submit a request in writing. A nominal fee would be charged for the issue of a duplicate policy. If you have purchased a motor insurance online, you can also download a duplicate copy of your policy from the insurer’s website or from Policybazaar.com.
Q15: What happens if I don’t buy motor insurance for my vehicle?

Ans: All cars, bikes, scooters and trucks plying on Indian roads need to have a valid motor insurance policy. If you don’t buy motor insurance for your vehicle, you will defy the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and will be liable to pay a fine of Rs. 2000 or get jailed for up to three months.
Q16: Is buying motor insurance policy easy?

Ans: Yes. It is very easy to buy motor insurance for your vehicle, be it a two wheeler, a car or a commercial vehicle. You can get in touch with an insurance agent or visit the branch of the insurance provider. All insurance companies in India also allow vehicle owners to purchase insurance online within a few minutes without any hassles.
Q17: Is it beneficial to buy a motor insurance policy online?

Ans: Yes. It is extremely beneficial to purchase motor insurance online as it is a faster process, more convenient and paperless. Some insurers also offer discounts to vehicle owners on buying insurance online. Besides, the policy can be issued within a few minutes without the need for you to step out of your house.
Q18: Can I renew my motor insurance policy online?

Ans: Yes. You can renew your motor insurance policy online by visiting your insurer’s official website or by going to an insurance broker website, like Policybazaar.com.
Q19: Is it possible for me to cancel my motor insurance claim?

Ans: Yes, you can cancel your motor insurance claim by contacting your insurance provider by calling on their customer care number or by sending an email requesting them to cancel your claim.
Q20: What is a Motor Insurance Cover Note?

Ans: A motor insurance cover note is a certificate of insurance that is issued by an insurance company prior to the actual policy document. This document is issued after the vehicle owner submits a filled-in proposal form and pays the insurance premium. The validity of the cover note is 60 days from the date of its issuance. Hence, it is important for the insurance company to issue a motor insurance policy document to the vehicle owner before the cover note expires.
Q21: When is pre-policy vehicle inspection carried out?
Ans: A motor insurance company conducts pre-policy inspection of cars, bikes, scooters or trucks if:
- There is a break-in-insurance
- Third party insurance has to be converted to comprehensive insurance
- Imported cars or bikes have to insured
- The fresh payment has been received after a bounced cheque
Q22: What do you mean by electronic/ electrical accessories in cars?

Ans: Electronic or electrical accessories include those electronic/ electric items fitted in your car that was not provided by the vehicle manufacturer at the time of purchase. For example, if you added an LCD screen in your car after buying it, it will be considered as an electronic/ electric accessory. These accessories are covered only if the vehicle owner opts for its coverage while buying the motor insurance policy. They can be insured at an additional premium of 4% on the kit value of such accessories.
Q23: Who can get personal accident cover in case of cars?
Ans: You can buy personal accident covers for the following people under your motor insurance policy:
- Owner-driver
- Passengers (both named and unnamed occupants)
- Paid driver
Q24: What happens if I sell my vehicle?

Ans: If you sell your two wheeler, four wheeler or commercial vehicle, the ongoing motor insurance policy will have to be transferred to the name of the buyer. The buyer should apply for the insurance transfer within 14 days of vehicle sale. You can also transfer your policy to another vehicle of yours and then the buyer would have to purchase a new policy for the sold vehicle.