IRDAI Increases Third Party Insurance Premium Rates in 2016 

About third-party motor insurance

A third party commercial vehicle insurance can be defined as the policyholder’s insurance against disability, death or damage which is caused to the third-party in case of an accident. At times the third-party insurance is also called the “Act Only” cover as it applies to the third person involved in an accident instead of the vehicle owner or the insurer. Effective from 1^st April, 2016, IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has increased the third-party motor premiums. The new rates indicate a 40% rise in the car insurance premiums and a 25% hike in two wheeler insurance premiums. The third party rates for commercial vehicles will rise by 5% to 30%. In case of loss of life, the coverage is unlimited. In the case of damage to property, the maximum coverage is 7.5 lakhs. Third party insurance will not cover the losses which are incurred on the own property.

Third party insurance premium rates raised

A motor insurance can be categorized into two; comprehensive cover and third-party insurance (either third party car insurance or third party bike insurance. Premiums on the comprehensive cover is determined by the auto insurance companies whereas the premiums on third party is decided and fixed by the IRDAI. The third party insurance premiums are reviewed by IRDA annually and revised based on cost inflation and the claim statistics. In the last 5 years, IRDA has increased the insurance premium every year. Keeping in view the large losses which are faced by insurance companies and a rise in cost inflation index by 5.57% the IRDAI has decided to hike the premium rates for third party insurance this year as well for all segments of two wheelers and cars. While ascertaining the need to hike rates, IRDAI has referred to the Insurance Information Bureau. An additional factor which has led to the increase in premium rates is the rise in service tax owing to additional cess.

An overview on new TP insurance premium rate

Let’s take a look at the latest third party premium rates as have been laid down by the IRDA:

It is important to note that rates have also been increased for three-wheelers. Although the hike is steep from the policy holder’s point of view it is not from the viewpoint of insurance companies. It has been estimated that an 80% hike in the premium rates would be required to effectively combat the losses. Insurers have been warned by IRDA against refusing third party claims. All insurers are required to offer third party covers online to make them easily accessible to vehicle owners.

Incurred claim ratio decreases over the years

IRDAI data reveals that an increase in third party insurance premiums in the last few years have offered some respite to insurers who belong to the motor insurance category. An increase in tariff has helped the insurers to limit their loss ratio to some extent. The incurred claim ratio for the motor insurance segment has been 77% in financial year 2014-15 as compared to 80% in financial year 2013-14. The incurred claim ratio can be defined as the ratio of net incurred claim to net premium. Or in simpler terms it is the claims received for the premiums paid. A lower incurred claim ratio indicates healthy growth and higher profitability for the insurer.