What to Consider When Buying Car Insurance?

For every vehicle owner, safeguarding their car is a top priority. With everything going digital, including buying insurance, you must keep in mind a few tips to buy the right policy, save yourself from heavy repair costs, and more. To help you stay one step ahead in 2026, here are some essential tips to secure the best car insurance for your vehicle.Read more

8 Tips to Consider When Buying Car Insurance in 2026

While choosing a car insurance online in 2026, it is important to focus on balancing the coverage you need with your budget. This can be achieved by comparing policies from different providers and considering the 8 tips mentioned below.

1. Understand Your Coverage Needs

   When buying a motor insurance policy, start by assessing what level of coverage suits your needs. Companies offer various types of car insurance policies, and understanding which one is the best for you is important to get maximum coverage at a reasonable price. Here is how to understand your coverage needs:

   • Third Party vs Comprehensive: Try to figure out if just having the legally mandatory third-party insurance is sufficient for your vehicle. It offers coverage against damages caused to anyone else because of the insured vehicle. However, if you are looking for an insurance which covers damages to your own vehicle caused by accidents, theft, and natural disasters, you must opt for a comprehensive policy. Knowing the difference between third-party and comprehensive car insurance is beneficial to make an informed choice.
   • Know Your Vehicle Value: Another common way to assess the coverage you need is by determining the current value of your vehicle. It is always better to insure high-end cars and models with comprehensive car insurance.

2. Compare Quotes Online

   You can easily get multiple insurance quotes online from car insurance companies. This helps you compare several plans and policies while getting the maximum coverage at a reasonable price. It ensures you don't pay high premiums, increases transparency and efficiency. This helps you compare multiple insurers by setting the same IDV and add-ons, to choose the most suitable policy for your vehicle.

3. Focus on the Policy Details

   Buying an affordable insurance plan doesn't always mean adequate coverage, whereas buying an expensive policy does not ensure full coverage. You should always cross-check the inclusions, exclusions, and the terms and conditions of the policy.

4. Consider Your Deductible

   Insurers often set a deductible with policies. A deductible in car insurance is the amount you pay out of your pocket at the time of a claim. While choosing a higher deductible can help you save on your premium, you could incur significant expenses in the long run. Hence, make sure you weigh the savings against the risk of paying more during claims.

5. Leverage Telematics & Usage-Based Insurance

   Some new-age insurers use telematics to track your driving behaviour, based on which your policy premium is determined. Safe drivers get rewarded with lower policy premiums. Additionally, you can consider buying a usage-based plan, such as PAYD (Pay as you Drive). If you drive less and not so frequently, you can opt for flexible insurance plans. Under these plans, you pay only for the kilometres you have driven. Please note that this is not ideal for daily long-distance users.

6. Review Your Provider

   Don't just buy car insurance and forget it. Always review your policy during renewal to secure the best deal. Check the insurer's reputation, the claim settlement ratio (CSR), network garages in your prescribed location, and customer reviews.

7. Understand State-Specific Laws & Requirements

   Insurance regulations can vary by state and year. Hence, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest insurance laws and requirements. Some states may implement new requirements regarding minimum coverage or require additional coverage. Thus, keep track of any such changes to remain in compliance and avoid penalties.

8. Check Your Discounts

   Always check for discounts offered by the insurers to reduce your premium. Utilise your NCB discount to get up to 50% off on own-damage premium during renewals or install an ARAI-approved anti-theft device to reduce your premium without compromising your coverage.

Over to You

To secure the ideal car insurance that suits your needs, compare quotes and coverage from multiple insurance providers. Utilise online platforms for policy comparison and check the benefits and features offered by insurers. By investing time in research and comparing policies, you can strike the right balance between cost and coverage, giving you peace of mind on the road.