Everything You Need to Know About Private Car Insurance

What is a Private Car Insurance Policy?

As the name suggests, a private car insurance policy is for cars that are used for private purposes. Also known as a private car package policy, this type of car policy offers financial protection to the car and its owner against damages arising out of unforeseen events like accidents, calamities, theft, fire, etc. It also covers any third party liability such as death, injury or property damage of the third party caused due to an accident of the insured car.

A private car insurance policy is not a mandatory car insurance cover as per the motor laws of India. However, due to its comprehensive coverage, it is highly recommended by insurance experts.

What is Covered Under a Private Car Insurance Policy?

Private car insurance or a comprehensive car insurance policy covers multiple damages arising out of different unforeseen liabilities known as policy inclusions. These inclusions include:

• Manmade Acts: Any damage to the insured car caused due to manmade acts, like strikes, riots, vandalism, etc., are covered in a private car package policy
• Natural Calamities: Damages arising out of natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, floods, rockslides, etc. are also included in a private car policy
• Third Party Liabilities: Third-party losses such as death, injury and third party property damages are covered
• External Damages: Any damage arising out of external means, like a road accident or collision, is covered under a private car insurance policy
• Theft: If your car suffers a partial or total loss due to theft or burglary, then such losses will be covered under your private motor insurance policy.
• Fire: Any loss or damages sustained due to self-ignition, fire or explosion is also covered
• In-transit Damages: Damages to the insured car while it was in transit via waterways land and air are covered

What is Not Covered Under a Private Car Insurance Policy?

There are certain damages that are not covered under a private car package policy. These exclusions are:

• Breakdown: Any damage sustained by the insured vehicle due to mechanical or electrical breakdown is not covered under a private car insurance policy
• Invalid Driving License: If the driver was driving without a valid driving license and his/her car meets with an accident, then such damages will not be covered in a comprehensive car insurance policy
• Drunk Driving: Any damages caused to the insured car when the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be covered
• Wear and Tear: Losses sustained by the insured vehicle due to gradual wear and tear will also be excluded from the coverage
• Outside Geographical Area: If the damages sustained by the insured car were outside the geographical limits as mentioned in the car policy, then such damages will not be covered.
• Other Uses: Damages caused to the private car when used for commercial purposes will not be a part of the private motor insurance policy
• Consequential Losses: Losses caused to the insured car as a result of any action of the owner/driver will not be covered
• Contractual Liabilities: Any damage to the insured car due to any contractual obligation of the policyholder is also not covered under a private four-wheeler insurance policy

How Can You Enhance a Private Car Package Policy?

A policyholder can also enhance the coverage of a private car package policy by purchasing add-on covers at an additional premium amount. Some of these add-on covers include Zero depreciation cover, NCB protect cover, Engine assistance cover, Loss of personal belongings cover, Return to invoice cover, Consumables cover, and more. 

These additional covers are sold by almost every insurance company in India and are optional to purchase for a policyholder.

Should You Buy a Private Car Package Policy?

Purchasing a private car package policy depends on the type of coverage you want for your car. Though it is not a mandatory cover, it should nonetheless be considered necessary if you want to cover own damages and third-party liabilities together. With an all-in-one private motor insurance policy, you do not need to purchase any other car insurance policy.

Moreover, a comprehensive car insurance cover offers the highest level of financial security to your car by covering almost all types of damages that your car may sustain. It also offers compensation in case of accidental death or disability of the owner/driver of the insured car. Apart from this, you can also enhance your car’s coverage by purchasing add-ons along with your private car package policy.

Thus, you must keep all the factors, such as your budget, coverage requirements, car age, car type, etc., in mind before choosing a motor insurance policy for your car. If you think your car is new or luxurious, you must consider purchasing a private car insurance policy. But, if you think comprehensive car insurance coverage is not what you really need for your car, you can skip purchasing it.

Wrapping Up!

A private car package policy has a number of advantages for your car. If you choose to purchase a private car insurance cover for your four-wheeler, you must consider purchasing it online. You may get the required coverage under your budget if you buy four-wheeler insurance online. You can also compare private car insurance quotes of multiple insurers on Policybazaar.com and choose the plan that best fits your budget.