Car Insurance In Chennai

The biggest cultural and economic hub in Southern India, Chennai attracts people from all over the country. This increase in the state's population has crowded the roads, thus increasing the chances of road accidents. Hence, to get financially covered under such unforeseen incidents, it becomes imperative for car owners to invest in a full-coverage car insurance policy in Chennai.

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Stats About Chennai Traffic

• The average Traffic Congestion Index in Chennai is 18.11, making it the 61st most congested city globally.
• The number of road accidents in Chennai was 3,642 in 2023.
• The city recorded 499 fatal accidents, which resulted in 504 deaths in 2023.
• Vehicle thefts in Chennai doubled to 10.5 percent in 2023 from 5 percent in 2022.

Why Should You Buy Car Insurance in Chennai?

As per the Indian motor laws, car insurance in Chennai is mandatory. Moreover, a car insurance policy also provides financial coverage to your car during unanticipated damages. Here is why you should buy a four-wheeler insurance policy in Chennai:

• Heavy Road Congestion:
  Being one of India's largest and most populated cities, Chennai witnesses heavy traffic and road congestion issues. This increases the chances of road accidents and collisions in the city, making car insurance a necessary requirement.
• Harsh Monsoons:
  Chennai witnesses over 50% of annual rains in the country. The monsoons are harsh, causing heavy downpours, waterlogging, and potholes in many parts of the city. All of these issues add to the increasing road accidents and traffic. To keep your car financially protected under such situations, it's best to be prepared with the help of a four-wheeler insurance policy in Chennai.
  Moreover, under such harsh weather, an Engine Protection Cover will also help you cover engine-related damages caused due to water ingression arising from rains.
• Theft Cover:
  In cities with high population like Chennai, the incidences of car theft and burglary are also at an all-time high. With a car insurance policy, you can get compensated up to the Insured Declared Value when your car is lost due to theft.
  Thus, make sure to get financially covered for theft by purchasing a comprehensive insurance policy for your vehicle in Chennai.
• Personal Accident Cover:
  Sometimes, car accidents can be devastating, resulting in the death or injury to the driver or passengers. If you have car insurance in Chennai, you can also cover death, disability, or bodily injuries caused to the driver/owner of the car. For this, you can purchase the mandatory Personal Accident Cover along with your car insurance policy.

Types of Car Insurance Policies in Chennai

Major types of car insurance policies offered in Chennai include:

1. Third Party Liability Insurance

   Compensation for third-party liabilities such as third-party death, disability, and bodily injuries is offered under this type of car policy. Compensation for the death of the third party due to the insured car is unlimited, while for property damage, it's limited to Rs. 7.5 lakh.

2. Comprehensive Insurance

   A comprehensive car insurance is an extensive cover that offers compensation when the insured car meets with an unforeseen incident, such as an accident, collision, theft, fire, calamities, etc. Apart from own damages, this policy also covers any third party liability caused due to the insured vehicle.

   Moreover, a comprehensive plan can also be enhanced with the help of add-ons that can be purchased by paying an extra premium.

3. Standalone Own Damage Insurance

   An own damage car insurance compensates a policyholder if his/her car sustains damages due to road accidents, collision, fire, theft, manmade acts, and natural calamities. This policy does not cover third-party liabilities caused by the insured car. It can only be purchased if you have an existing third-party cover and wish to cover your vehicle as well.

Coverage Offered Under Car Insurance in Chennai

A car insurance policy in Chennai offers the following coverage:

Inclusions

• Third party liabilities such as third-party death, disability, and property damages.
• Damages sustained by the insured car due to riots, strikes, or other manmade acts
• Natural calamities like earthquakes, cyclones, and hurricanes causing damage to the insured car
• Partial or total loss of the insured car due to theft
• Losses arising out of fire, explosion, and self-ignition
• Damages while the insured vehicle was in transit via road, rail, air, or waterways.

Exclusions

• Damages to the insured vehicle when the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol
• Claims can not be raised for damages to the insured car outside the geographical limits of the policy.
• Contractual liabilities of the owner/driver of the insured car are also not covered.
• Damages to the insured car when being driven without a valid driving license

How Much Car Insurance Coverage you Need in Chennai?

The coverage a car owner needs for his/her car in Chennai depends on many factors, such as make, model, registration year, RTO, driving records, etc. For instance, if you have a brand new car in Chennai, you would not want to spend heavily on its repairs from your pocket. In such cases, the ideal thing to do would be to invest in comprehensive car insurance. This type of car insurance policy would be enough to cover your new car for third party and own damages.

However, if you have an old car or just want third-party coverage, you can only purchase third-party insurance to cover the legal liabilities of your vehicle.

How to Buy Car Insurance Online in Chennai?

Follow the steps mentioned below to buy a four-wheeler insurance policy in Chennai:

• Visit Policybazaar.com and select the 'Car Insurance' tab from the homepage
• On the given form, enter your car number or select 'Brand New Car'
• Select your car's RTO, make, model, variant and registration year
• Now compare and choose the car insurance plan you wish to buy
• Select the desired additional covers
• Pay the premium amount via online payment mode
• Once you have paid the premium, your car insurance policy document will be instantly mailed to you.

Traffic Do's and Don'ts in Chennai

Here are some essential traffic do's and don'ts to follow in Chennai:

• Don't drive under the influence of alcohol. It may lead to severe road accidents and attract heavy traffic fines.
• Don't use mobile phones while driving a car. Breaking this rule can lead to traffic penalties in Chennai.
• Only drive with a driving license, RC, PUC and car insurance papers.