Motor Insurance · Private Cars · Vehicle Protection
Car Insurance
Insurance protection designed to help manage financial risks associated with owning and using a car.
Financial Protection
Helps reduce eligible accident and vehicle-loss expenses.
Own Vehicle Cover
Protects against eligible damage or loss to your car.
Cashless Repairs
Available through eligible network garages.
No Claim Bonus
Eligible claims-free years can earn NCB benefits.
Add-On Protection
Optional covers can enhance your policy.
Overview
What is Car Insurance?
Car Insurance provides financial protection against risks associated with owning and using a car.
Depending on the policy, it may cover third-party liabilities, damage to your own vehicle and additional risks through optional add-ons.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for motor vehicles used in public places in India. Own-damage protection is optional.
Why Consider
Why Choose Car Insurance?
- Helps meet the mandatory third-party insurance requirement
- Protects against eligible accident, theft and fire-related losses
- Provides protection against eligible third-party liabilities
- Can help reduce the financial impact of vehicle repairs
- Optional add-ons can provide additional protection
Eligibility
Who Can Buy Car Insurance?
- Car owners can purchase a suitable motor insurance policy
- Third-party liability cover is mandatory for vehicles used in public places
- Own-damage protection is optional
- Policy type and coverage depend on the vehicle and owner's requirements
- Vehicle and KYC details may be required during purchase
Exact policy eligibility, vehicle requirements and underwriting conditions depend on the insurer and selected product.
Types of Car Insurance
Third-Party Liability
Covers eligible legal liability for third-party injury, death or property damage. It does not cover your own car.
Standalone Own Damage
Covers eligible loss or damage to your insured vehicle from covered events.
Comprehensive
Generally combines third-party liability and own-damage protection under one policy.
Own Vehicle Protection
What Can Own-Damage Insurance Cover?
- Accidents and collisions
- Fire or explosion
- Theft
- Floods, storms and other covered natural calamities
- Other accidental external events covered by the policy
Coverage depends on the specific policy wording, exclusions and conditions.
Optional Protection
Common Add-On Covers
Zero Depreciation
Engine Protection
Return to Invoice
Roadside Assistance
Consumables Cover
Key Replacement
Tyre Protection
Personal Belongings Cover
Availability, eligibility, claim limits and exclusions vary by insurer and policy.
Key Benefit
Cashless Repairs & No Claim Bonus
Cashless Repairs
Many insurers provide cashless repair facilities through network garages, subject to approval and policy conditions.
No Claim Bonus
Eligible claims-free years may earn a No Claim Bonus on the own-damage premium at renewal.
Important Factor
What is Insured Declared Value (IDV)?
IDV broadly represents the insured value of the vehicle for the policy period. It is relevant when determining the maximum amount payable in cases such as total loss or theft, subject to policy terms.
Choosing an unnecessarily low IDV may reduce the premium but could also affect the claim amount in the event of a total loss.
Premium
What Affects Car Insurance Premiums?
Premiums can vary between insurers. Compare the premium along with IDV, deductibles, coverage, exclusions and add-ons.
KYC & Vehicle Details
Documents Generally Required
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Existing insurance policy, if applicable
- Driving Licence, where required
- PAN or other KYC documents, where applicable
- Vehicle registration, engine and chassis details
- Previous claim history, where required
Additional documents may be required for claims, policy breaks, inspections or specific circumstances.
Buying Guide
How to Buy Car Insurance
- Buy directly from an IRDAI-registered general insurance company
- Use an authorised insurance agent or corporate agent
- Compare policies through a licensed insurance broker
- Use authorised online insurance platforms
- Compare coverage, IDV, deductibles, add-ons and exclusions
Exclusions
What May Not Be Covered?
Car insurance does not cover every type of loss. Depending on the policy, exclusions may include:
- Driving without a valid licence
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances
- Normal wear and tear
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown not caused by an insured event
- Use of the vehicle contrary to policy terms
- Consequential losses and other excluded events
Things to Know
Before Buying Car Insurance
- Choose the right type of policy
- Compare the Insured Declared Value (IDV)
- Understand deductibles
- Review optional add-on covers
- Check policy exclusions
- Compare coverage and claims service, not only premium
- Check network garages
- Renew the policy before expiry
- Transfer insurance when selling the car
Renewal
Renew Before the Policy Expires
Renew your motor insurance before the expiry date to avoid a break in coverage. A break may require vehicle inspection and could affect accumulated benefits such as the No Claim Bonus.
Vehicle Sale
Transfer Insurance When Selling the Car
When a vehicle is sold, the insurance should also be transferred to the new owner. Keeping the insurance records updated is important, particularly for own-damage claim eligibility.
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