What is Car Insurance?
Car insurance, also called four wheeler insurance or 4 wheeler insurance, is a contract between an insurer and you, the policyholder. In India, there are three main types of car insurances, standalone own damage (SAOD), third-party, and comprehensive coverage. Under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, every car owner must have at least a third-party car insurance policy. These car insurance policies protect you financially when your car is damaged, stolen, or needs repairs. It also ensures your financial and legal security if your car injures a third party, damages their vehicle or their property. Today, it’s easier than ever to buy car insurance online or complete a car insurance renewal online, giving you quick and convenient options to maintain proper coverage for your vehicle and ensure both physical and financial safety of yourself and your family.
Key Features of a Car Insurance Policy
Here are some of the key benefits of having a car insurance policy:
- Financial Protection Against Damages: Covers repair and replacement costs when your car is damaged due to accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, or natural calamities, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Third-Party Liability Coverage: Legally required to drive in India, it protects you from financial and legal obligations if your car injures someone, damages their vehicle or their property.
- Personal Accident Cover: Provides financial support if the owner-driver faces injury, disability, or death due to an accident, helping cover medical bills and loss of income.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB): Helps reduce your cost of renewal for having no claims made during the policy term, helping you save money over time.
- Cashless Repairs at Partner Garages: Allows you to get your car repaired at network garages without paying upfront, with the insurer settling costs directly with the repair centre.
Documents Required for Purchasing a Car Insurance Policy in India
The following documents are mandatory to purchase a car insurance policy:
- Govt. authorised Identification Document (Passport/PAN Card/Aadhar Card)
- Driving License
- Registration Certificate of Vehicle
- Passport size photograph
Benefits of Buying or Renewing Car Insurance Online
- Convenience and Time-Saving: Avoid those lengthy calls with insurance agents and save your time by handling everything on-the-go at your own pace.
- 24/7 Availability: Renew policies at your convenience anytime, nights, weekends, or holidays without having to wait for business hours.
- Easy Comparison: Compare multiple insurers and plans side-by-side, review customer feedback, and choose the policy that suits you best.
- Instant Documentation: Receive digital policy documents immediately, eliminating delays in mailing and leaving you unprotected.
- Cost Savings: Online channels often offer lower premiums and exclusive discounts that you don’t get when buying through insurance agents.
- Secure Payments: Complete transactions easily through a payment method of your choosing.
- Renewal Reminders: Get automated alerts for renewals, preventing policy lapses that leave you uninsured.