Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance
A comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance provides an extended coverage for commercial vehicles. It offers coverage against damages caused due to accidents, theft, natural disasters, fire, vandalism, and even third-party, person or property damage. Even though this type of insurance is not mandatory as per the Indian Motor Vehicle Act, it is suitable for an enhanced protection.
What is Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
A comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance, also known as a package policy, offers protection against damages caused to and by the insured vehicle. This type of commercial vehicle insurance is suitable if business owners wish to insure their vehicle against all kinds of unforeseen damages, not just third-party liabilities. The premium for the own-damage cover is decided by the motor insurance company. The policy provides coverage for all goods-carrying and passenger-carrying vehicles, such as trucks, tippers, tractors, cabs, taxis, vans, etc.
Key Features of Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance
The following table highlights the key features of comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance:
Parameters | Coverage |
Third-Party Damages | Covered |
Own Damages | Covered |
Premium | Decided by the Insurer |
Mandatory As Per IRDAI | No |
Personal Accident Compensation | Unlimited in case of death |
Up to Rs. 7.5 lakh for property damage | |
Add-On Covers | Available |
Top Reasons to Buy a Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
Here are some of the most common reasons to purchase a comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance:
- Extended Protection: It provides coverage against damages caused to and by the insured vehicle. Unlike third-party commercial vehicle insurance, this type of insurance covers a variety of damages caused to the insured vehicle.
- Fulfills the Law: Having an insurance is mandatory as per the Indian Motor Laws to legally drive a commercial vehicle on the roads.
- Add-On Coverage: Policyholders also have the option to purchase add-on covers, such as zero depreciation, IMT 23, accessories cover, etc., and further enhance the protection.
Coverage Under Commercial Vehicle Insurance
The following expenses are covered under a comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance policy:
- All third-party liabilities and legal liabilities
- Accidental damages caused to the insured vehicle
- Losses or damages caused by fire or explosion
- Expenses incurred in case the insured vehicle is stolen or damaged
- Any damage caused due to floods, earthquakes, cyclones, storms, etc
- Losses incurred due to riots, strikes, vandalism, and terrorism
- Personal Accident cover for the owner-driver in case of accidental injuries, permanent disability, or death.
Insurers do not offer coverage for the following expenses under comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance:
- Damages incurred outside the geographical area as prescribed in the policy wording.
- Any consequential loss
- Damages caused by regular wear and tear or internal mechanical failure
- Damages incurred if the driver is without a valid commercial vehicle license
- Losses incurred if the driver is under the influence of drugs
- Any damage or loss incurred when the vehicle is being used for prohibited activities.
- Damages arising from war or nuclear incidents
Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance Add-Ons
Policyholders can also purchase the following add-ons to enhance the coverage for uninsured accessories and parts like tyres, tubes, fog lamps, etc.
- Zero Depreciation/ Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage/ Nil Depreciation: A commercial vehicle is subject to depreciation every year. This depreciation cost is deducted while settling accidental claims. Commercial vehicle insurance companies are not entitled to deduct the depreciation cost, in case of an accidental claim with this add-on.
- IMT 23: It covers any damages caused to uninsured parts, such as tyres, tubes, lamps, mudguards, side parts, bonnet, bumpers, headlights, paintwork of damaged portions, etc, after deducting the depreciation costs.
- Accessories Cover: This add-on covers damages caused to the electrical and non-electrical accessories that are additionally-fitted and were not part of the insurer's initial listed pricing. It covers accessories, such as fog lights, seat covers, and more.
- Personal Accident Cover: A PA cover is a mandatory purchase for every commercial vehicle owner. It provides coverage of at least ₹15 lakhs in case of the disablement or death of the owner-driver.
How to Raise a Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance Claim?
In can of a claim, policyholders must follow the steps mentioned below:
- Step 1: Inform the insurer immediately after the incident.
- Step 2: File an FIR in case of theft, fire, or third-party injury.
- Step 3: Submit the duly filled claim form with the required documents.
- Step 4: The insurer will send a surveyor to assess the damages.
- Step 5: Once the survey report is approved, the claim will be settled.
Documents Required to Raise a Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance Claim
- Copy of insurance policy
- FIR copy (if applicable)
- RC of the vehicle
- Driver's license copy
- Repair bills (for reimbursement claims)
- Claim form duly signed
How to Buy Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance Online?
Policyholders can easily buy or renew their commercial vehicle insurance policy online using the steps mentioned below:
- Step 1: Visit policybazaar.com
- Step 2: Click on the 'Commercial Vehicle Insurance' section.
- Step 3: Enter the vehicle registration number and previous policy details.
- Step 4: Select the plan with desired add-ons out of all the available options.
- Step 5: Make the premium payment via UPI, net banking, or card.
- Step 6: The policy document will be instantly sent on the registered email address.
FAQ's
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Q1. Is it mandatory to have comprehensive insurance for commercial vehicles?
Ans: No, only third-party insurance is mandatory by law. However, comprehensive insurance is highly recommended for a better protection of the insured commercial vehicle. -
Q2. What is the difference between third-party and comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance?
Ans: Third-party insurance covers only third-party liabilities, while comprehensive insurance covers both third-party liabilities and own vehicle damages. -
Q3. What happens if my comprehensive commercial vehicle policy expires?
Ans: If your policy expires, you are not allowed to drive on the Indian roads and no damages caused to or by the insured vehicle will be covered. -
Q4. Can I include add-ons with my comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance?
Ans: Yes, you can increase the coverage of your policy with add-ons like Zero Depreciation, IMT 23, and more. -
Q5. How is the premium for comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance calculated?
Ans: The commercial vehicle insurance premium is based on factors like the IDV, engine capacity, type of use, add-ons opted, NCB, and geographical location.