Tanker Insurance
A tanker is a commercial vehicle used to transport liquids, gases, or dry bulk cargo over roads. You must opt for a commercial vehicle insurance policy to get your tanker insured. Having at least a third party tanker insurance is mandatory as per the law. Apart from being a legal obligation, the right tanker insurance will also protect you from third party liabilities, and damages caused due to accidents, collisions, and natural disasters.
Why Purchase Tanker Insurance?
You need a commercial vehicle insurance for your tankers for the following reasons:
- Mandatory as per Law: Having at least a third party (TP) tanker insurance is mandatory as per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act. A TP tanker insurance will provide you against any third party liabilities to a person or property. It will help you abide by the law and avoid any kind of fines.
- Protects from Financial Losses: A tanker insurance protects you from any kind of financial stress due to any unforeseen circumstances. It covers costs associated with third party liabilities, whereas comprehensive insurance will also cover the costs of damages and losses caused to your own vehicle.
- Extended Coverage: Opting for comprehensive tanker insurance, will not only help you in case of third party liabilities or property damage but also cover the costs of damages caused to your vehicle in case of road accidents, collisions, earthquake, fire, theft, etc. It adds an extended layer of security to your vehicle and finances.
Different Types of Tanker Insurance
There are two types of tanker insurance that differ in the type of coverage they offer. You can check the details below.
- Third Party (TP) Tanker Insurance: A third party commercial vehicle insurance for your tanker will only protect you against losses or damages occurring to any person or their property because of the insured vehicle. The TP tanker insurance is a cost effective option as it only offers coverage against TP liabilities and the premium is set by the IRDAI and not the insurer. A third party is also a legal mandate as per the Indian Motor Vehicle Act
- Comprehensive Tanker Insurance: A comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance is optional. However, it provides an extended layer of protection to your vehicle as it safeguards you not only against TP liabilities but also damages caused to your own vehicle. The premium of a comprehensive insurance is slightly higher than a liability policy and is set by the insurer. You can also purchase add-ons such as zero depreciation cover, engine protection, etc to further protect your vehicle.
Coverage Under Tanker Insurance
The following damages and losses are covered under a commercial vehicle insurance for your tanker.
- Third Party Liability: Damages caused to any person or third party property damages
- Accidental Damages: Losses or damages caused to the tanker by road accidents or collisions
- Natural Disasters: Any damage/loss caused due to a natural calamity such as earthquake, flood, etc.
- Theft: The insurer offers protection in case your vehicle is stolen
- Personal Accidents: In case of an accident of the owner-driver, a compulsory personal accident cover of ₹15 lakhs is also applicable under both liability only and package policy.
The insurer is not liable to provide a claim against your tanker insurance in the following cases
- Driving under the influence of intoxicated substances: Accidents caused while the driver is under the influence of any intoxicated substances such as alcohol or drugs
- Normal Wear and Tear: Damages caused due to regular wear and tear due to age and use
- Driving without a license: No claim is offered if the driver is driving without a valid license
- Mechanical or Electrical Breakdown: Losses caused due to mechanical failure or electrical breakdown
- Illegal Driving: Damages resulting from rash driving, overspeeding, etc, are not covered
Add-Ons with Tanker Insurance
You can include the following add-ons/endorsements with your comprehensive tanker insurance to extend your coverage at a nominal premium.
- IMT 17- Personal Accident Cover for Paid Drivers, Cleaners, and Conductors: This add-on applies to all classes of vehicles and provides a financial coverage against injuries or death of any paid drivers, cleaners, and conductors. The add-on is apt to extend the coverage beyond the owner-driver.
- IMT 23- Cover For Lamps/Tyres/ Tubes/Mudguards/Bonnet/Bumpers/Headlights /Paintwork Of Damaged Portion Only: The IMT 23 cover is available for all commercial vehicles and provides financial coverage against excluded parts such as bumper, headlights, fender, bonnet parts, tyre, tubes & painting of damaged portions after deducting the depreciation costs as per the age of the vehicle.
- IMT 24- Electronic/Electrical Fittings: This add on is only available in a package policy (comprehensive policy) and provides coverage against items/accessories fitted in the vehicle which are not included in the manufacturer's initial listed selling price.
Tanker Insurance Price
A tanker usually has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 20,000 kgs (20 tons) or more. The third party tanker insurance price based on the GVW is given below for a public tanker.
GVW of the Tanker | TP Insurance Premium |
More than 12000 kgs but not exceeding 20000 kgs | ₹33,418 |
More than 20000 kgs but not exceeding 40000 kgs | ₹43,037 |
Weight more than 40000 kgs | ₹41,561 |
How to Buy Tanker Insurance Online?
To get a tanker insurance, you must opt for a commercial vehicle insurance policy. You can use the following steps to purchase a tanker insurance online using policybazaar.com.
- Step 1: Visit policybazaar.com and then select the 'commercial vehicle insurance' option for a tanker insurance.
- Step 2: Fill out your vehicle registration number or click on 'I have a brand new vehicle' as applicable.
- Step 3: Fill in the form with all the information, choose the IDV, and add-ons as per your requirements. Click on submit.
- Step 4: All the available policies will be displayed on the screen. Compare and buy the policy that best fits your needs.
- Step 5: Pay the premium using online modes of payment. Once successful, your policy will be mailed to you.
How to Renew Tanker Insurance?
You can easily renew your tanker insurance online using Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited.
- Go to policybazaar.com and choose the 'commercial vehicle insurance' option from the homepage to get your tanker insured.
- Fill out the form with the registration number and click on submit.
- Select the IDV based on your previous year policy and include the add-ons you want
- Compare and then select the plan.
- Click on submit.
- Cross check all the details and then pay the premium using netbanking/UPI/cards.
- Your renewed tanker insurance policy will be sent on the registered email address and mobile number.
How to File a Tanker Insurance Claim?
In case of any unforeseen event, you can file a claim against your tanker insurance using the steps mentioned below:
- Notify the Insurer: In case of any mishap, immediately tell your insurer about the damage and the cause.
- File an FIR: In case of any third party liability, make sure to get an FIR filed. Once done, the insurer will send a surveyor to assess the damages.
- Fill the Claim Form: If you are eligible for a claim, the insured tanker will be sent for repairs and you must submit the claim form along with all the necessary documents for verification.
- Claim Settlement: Once your vehicle is completely repaired, your insurer will settle the claim.
Documents Required to File A Tanker Insurance Claim
You must keep the following documents ready while filing a claim under your tanker insurance:
- Claim Form
- Policy Documents
- Tanker RC
- Driving License
- Receipts, Challans, etc
- FIR, if applicable
- Final Bills and Invoice
Tanker Insurance: FAQs
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Q1. What is the insurance for oil tankers?
Ans: An oil tanker is usually more than 20,000 kgs in weight. The premium for a third party oil tanker insurance is ₹43,037 + GST. -
Q2. What is the cost of tanker insurance?
Ans: The cost of a tanker insurance depends on the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the tanker. The premium for a tanker with a weight between 12 tons - 20 tons is ₹₹33,418 + GST and increases with an increase in the GVW. -
Q3. What is covered in tanker insurance?
Ans: A tanker insurance covers the financial costs of all third party liabilities such as third party death or property damage. A comprehensive insurance also offers protection against damages or losses caused to your own vehicle due to accidents, collisions, natural calamities, etc. -
Q4. Is insurance compulsory for commercial vehicles like tankers?
Ans: Yes, a commercial vehicle insurance is mandatory for all vehicles such as tankers, tempo, trucks, etc.