Motor Insurance
Motor insurance or vehicle insurance covers various vehicle types, including cars, two-wheelers, trucks, autorickshaws, and electric vehicles (EVs).
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Features of Motor Insurance
A vehicle insurance policy comes with several features that can be beneficial for the policyholder. Here are some features that you should know:
- You can purchase motor insurance online on Policybazaar.com in a hassle-free manner. Simply choose the plan for yourself after comparing quotes from the right motor insurance companies.
- You can also renew vehicle insurance online from the comfort of your home.
- You can add or remove any particular add-on as your requirement. You can do it while purchasing or renewing the insurance plan. Add-ons are optional covers that you can purchase to enhance the coverage of your motor insurance policy.
- Motor insurance not only covers damages from an accident but also theft, natural calamity, fire, vandalism, and manmade disasters.
- You can also raise a cashless claim against your motor insurance. Under this, you can get your vehicle repaired in a network garage without paying out of your pocket.
- Motor insurance also has a No Claim Bonus (NCB) feature. It is the discount on your renewal premium you get from your insurer if you don't make any claims during the policy year.
Types of Motor Insurance
Motor vehicle insurance can be broadly classified under below heads:
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Car insurance gives coverage against damages to your own car from accidents, fire, natural calamities and other unforeseen events. It also covers third party liabilities caused in an accident involving the insured car. While choosing car insurance, you should always compare policy premiums offered by various insurers to get the best deal. The premium amount would majorly depend on the car’s make & value, the state of registration, and its manufacturing year.
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Two wheeler insurance or bike insurance provides financial and legal protection to bikes and scooters. It covers two-wheelers against own damages such as accidents, fire, theft, etc. Additionally, it includes any accidental loss caused to the third-person or property. Similar to car insurance, a two-wheeler policy's premium depends on the bike's age, make & model, registration year, etc.
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Commercial vehicle insurance helps all commercial vehicle drivers reduce expenses they might incur from accidental damages to their vehicles. It covers all commercial vehicles, such as goods-carrying vehicles, trucks, auto-rickshaws etc., from unforeseen damages like theft, fire, collisions, and third-party damages.
Types of Vehicle Insurance Policy in India
The main three types of motor insurance policies offered in India include:
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Third party insurance is a mandatory vehicle insurance policy under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It covers third person injuries or death in case of an accident involving the insured vehicle. However, third party insurance doesn't provide any direct benefit to the policyholder's vehicle.
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Standalone own damage insurance protects the insured vehicle against any own damages arising out of unforeseen incidents like accidents, theft, fire, etc. You can opt for this policy with your existing third-party insurance to cover damages to your own vehicle.
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Comprehensive insurance comprises both own damage and third-party coverage. It protects vehicle owners against financial losses from accidental damages or theft of the insured vehicle. Besides, it also covers third-party liabilities, including injuries, death, and property damages. Comprehensive motor vehicle insurance provides wider coverage and also carries a higher premium.
Coverage Under Motor Insurance
- Damages sustained by the insured vehicle from terrorist acts, riots and strikes
- Motor insurance policy coverage includes losses to the insured vehicle due to fire or self-ignition
- Damages sustained by the vehicle from natural calamities like earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones, landslides etc.
- Any damage caused to the insured vehicle from burglary or theft (up to the vehicle’s IDV)
- Any in-transit damages sustained by the insured motor vehicle.
- If the owner/driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the motor vehicle insurance policy won't cover it.
- Use of the insured vehicle for illegal activities or a purpose otherwise stated in the policy
- Not having a valid driving licence at the time of an accident
- Any loss or damage to the insured vehicle occurring outside the geographical location specified in the policy document
- Any depreciation borne by the insured motor vehicle
Difference Between Third Party, Comprehensive and OD Vehicle Insurance
| Points of Differences |
Third Party Insurance |
Own Damage Insurance |
Comprehensive Insurance |
| TP Property Cover |
Yes |
No |
No |
| TP Death |
Yes |
No |
No |
| OD Cover |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Premium |
As per IRDAI |
Less than Comprehensive |
Higher |
| Fire Cover |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Theft Cover |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Add-ons |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| PA Cover |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Why Should You Buy Vehicle Insurance?
Do you know that around 4 Lakh people meet with road accidents every month? A survey by the World Health Organization found that India had the highest number of road deaths globally in 2012.
Considering this and the poor road conditions, motor insurance became mandatory by law to drive legally on Indian roads. It not only gives financial protection to you but also covers third party damages. Driving without a vehicle insurance policy can lead to heavy penalties and even imprisonment for up to 3 months.
A few private insurers offer a large number of other utilities to the policyholders, like:
- Direct settlement or cashless claims at network garages
- Depreciation Cover
- Engine Protection Cover
- 24X7 Roadside assistance
- Towing Facility
Things to Consider While Buying Motor Insurance Online
Here are some important things you need to keep in mind while purchasing a motor insurance plan:
- Coverage: While purchasing motor insurance, check if that particular insurance plan is providing you with the coverage you require.
- Add-on: If you are not satisfied with the kind of coverage your desired comprehensive insurance plan is providing then you can always consider purchasing an add-on as provided by your insurer.
- Personal Accident Cover: Make sure that the motor insurance you are planning to purchase comes with the personal accident cover.
- Claim Settlement Ratio: Before purchasing a motor insurance plan, check the claim settlement ratio of your desired insurance provider.
- Network Garages: Check if your desired insurance provider has a good network of vehicle repair garages.
- No Claim Bonus: Check if the insurance company offers NCB and lets you transfer it to another insurer.
- Read Terms & Conditions Properly: Make sure that you read the terms and conditions properly before signing any documents.
- Zero Depreciation: As soon as the car comes out of the showroom, its price drops down to almost half the amount you have bought it for. To maintain the monetary value of your vehicle, it is suggested that you opt for the zero depreciation add-on to get the best coverage amount after the depreciation.
Parameters Affecting Vehicle Insurance Premium
Several factors are taken into account when determining the premium of a motor insurance policy. These are:
- Make & Model: The premium of your insurance plan depends upon your vehicle's make and model, cubic capacity, and variant.
- Age: The depreciation value, as well as the insured declared value, depends upon the age of your car.
- Engine: The engine type whether it is a petrol engine or a diesel engine will affect the IDV that might increase the premium amount.
- Location: The premium amount of your vehicle depends upon the location of the car. For instance, if you live in a metro city then the premium of your vehicle insurance policy would be higher because of the high risk of an accident.
- Add-on: The motor insurance plan comes with a particular set of coverage but the insurance companies also provide add-ons so that you can enhance the coverage if you are not satisfied with the existing coverage.
- No Claim Bonus: The insurance companies provide a discount on the successive year motor insurance renewal for not raising a claim during the previous policy tenure.
- Online Purchase: For a hassle-free experience and lower premium rates, it is suggested to purchase vehicle insurance online as you can compare different plans and purchase the one that suits your requirement as well as your budget.
How to Buy Motor Insurance Online?
If you have purchased a new vehicle, you can easily compare and buy motor insurance for your vehicle from Policybazaar.com. Here is how to do it:
- Visit the ‘Motor Insurance’ page on the official website
- Enter your vehicle number on the given form
- Select your vehicle details such as make, model, RTO, variant and fuel type
- Fill in the registration form and proceed
- From the given vehicle insurance quotes, choose the one that suits your requirements
- Select additional covers that you wish to include in your plan
- Make premium payment online via any of the given payment methods
- Once you have made the payment, your motor insurance policy will be issued instantly.
Benefits of Motor Insurance Renewal Online
When you purchase motor insurance online, you get to compare different plans in the comfort of your home. With the advent of digitalization, several insurers have launched their mobile apps to make your insurance buying experience even smoother. Since an insurance plan comes with validity, the policyholder is required to renew vehicle insurance before expiration. Renewing vehicle insurance online has its own advantages. They are as follows:
- You do not have to pay the fees to any insurance agent as you are doing it yourself.
- You get to choose from multiple add-ons available on the website.
- You can add as well as remove any particular add-on as per your requirement.
- You do not have to visit the insurer's office to get the insurance plan renewed.
- It saves a lot of your time as you have the option of doing it on your personal computer by visiting the website or on the mobile application of the insurer.
- When you renew motor insurance online then you get the option of making the payment online through secure gateways.
- The insurer will instantly issue the updated motor insurance plan to your email ID as soon as you make the payment.
Explore add-ons for your car insurance
Plans starting from @ ₹2,094/year*
Motor Vehicle Rules Updation by IRDAI
In an initiative to make motor insurance more affordable for buyers, IRDAI updated the rules in 2018 and 2020. Check the table below to learn about those updates.
| Insurance Cover |
IRDAI 2018 Regulation |
IRDAI 2020 Regulation Update |
| Third-party Only |
3 years third-party insurance for cars and 5 years third-party cover for bikes |
Retained |
| Standalone OD Cover (With Mandatory third-party cover) |
3 years & 5 years OD cover |
1-year Own Damage cover |
Here are some other updates made by the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India.
- The sum insured amount for personal cars will be based on the road tax, on-road price, registration and manufacturer accessories.
- The expiry date of a long-term plan and third-party plan won't match if you purchase a standalone own damage insurance plan on different dates.
- The No Claim Bonus has been standardized by the IRDAI with a renewal range of 20%-50%.
- Electric vehicle insurance premium amount will get the benefit of a 15% discount on third party insurance cover. The electric vehicle owners can withdraw the long-term insurance from one company and transfer it to another.
Why buy Motor Insurance Online from Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited?
With multiple ways of purchasing vehicle insurance online, Policybazaar.com lets you compare different insurance plans in one place. Some other advantages of purchasing motor insurance from us include:
- 24*7 Claim Assistance: A policyholder can get claim assistance any time of the day by opting for the 24*7 claim assistance feature.
- Cashless Assurance: The cashless assurance facility allows you to avail cashless claim settlement without having to pay anything from your pocket.
- 3-Days Repair Facility: Policybazaar also offers a 3-day repair facility in the network garage of the respective insurance company.
- Free Pickup and Drop: If your car has been hit by an accident, we will also offer free pickup, get it repaired in the network garage and drop the insured car at your home.
- Self-Video Claims: With the help of self-video claims offered by Policybazaar, a policyholder can make and upload the video of car damages on the PB Claims App and get his/her claim settled in 24 hours.
- Windshield Claims at Home: This advantage lets a policyholder receive windshield repairs at home. Moreover, availing of this feature also does not affect the NCB of an insured car.
How to File a Motor Insurance Claim?
The documents and formalities involved in a vehicle insurance claim settlement will depend upon the type of vehicle and nature of the loss.
Filing for a Claim in Case of Damage to Owned Car/ Two Wheeler/ Commercial Vehicle
To initiate the process, the policyholder is required to submit a detailed estimate of the loss to the insurance company. Surveyors then carefully inspect the damaged vehicle and submit their survey report with the insurance company who will review and examine it. Once the survey has been done, the insured vehicle is taken to the network garage for repairs. After repairs, the insurer will settle the claim directly with the garage.
Apart from the claim form, other documents required for processing claims are:
- Fitness Certificate (Commercial Vehicles)
- Driving License
- Registration Certificate Book
- Final Bill from repairers
- Police FIR
Third Party Claims
On receipt of the notice from the insured or third party, the matter is transferred to the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal. Complete information about the accident is obtained from the insured along with the following documents-
- Police Report
- Driving License
- Medical Certificate
- Death certificate in case of a fatal claim
Motor Insurance FAQ's
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Q1: Which vehicle insurance plan should I purchase- comprehensive insurance plan or third-party insurance plan only?
Ans: Having a
third party bike insurance plan is compulsory for all automobiles plying on the Indian roads. This insurance plan provides coverage for injuries or damages caused to other people. The beneficiary is a third party only.
However, if you also want to get coverage for the losses or damages caused to the insured vehicle, you can buy a comprehensive motor insurance plan. It provides coverage for third-party liability along with own damage caused to the insured automobile, such as bikes, scooters, cars, trucks, etc.
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Q2: How is the motor insurance premium calculated?
Ans: Motor insurance premium is calculated based on various factors, such as IDV, deductibles, seating capacity, cubic capacity, previous insurance history, etc. Third-party premium amounts are decided by IRDA.
For comprehensive insurance plans, premium charges vary from insurance provider to insurance provider on the basis of the coverage provided. Do compare insurance premiums on websites like Policybazaar.com so that you get the best quote.
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Q3: What should I do in case of an accident?
Ans: In case your vehicle meets with an accident, you should notify the police and take spot pictures. Click pictures of your vehicle as well as the other vehicle from all angles and focus on the damages. You need to exchange crucial information from the driver of the other vehicle. These include policy number, motor insurance provider, name, phone number, etc. Now, contact your insurer and file a claim to get your damages covered. Moreover, you need to keep your car keys and belongings safe.
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Q4: What is the period of the motor insurance policy?
Ans: Generally, a vehicle insurance policy is valid for one year, and you should renew it before its expiry to avoid any lapse. For a smoother insurance experience, always pay the motor insurance premium before the due date.
If your policy has lapsed, then your vehicle will undergo an inspection. In addition to that, if a comprehensive insurance policy remains lapsed for a time period of more than 90 days, the benefit of a "No Claim Bonus" isn't provided.
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Q5: What is "No Claim Bonus" in motor Insurance?
Ans: No Claim Bonus is the benefit accumulated to a policyholder in case he hasn't filed any claim throughout the policy period. According to the present Indian norms, it varies from 20-50 per cent for the comprehensive insurance plan. NCB isn't applicable for a third-party motor insurance plan.
If a claim is filed, the No Claim Bonus is lost for that policy period. NCB is provided to the policyholder and not to the insured car, two wheeler or commercial vehicle. At the time of the vehicle transfer, the insurance plan could be transferred to a new owner but NCB can't be transferred.
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Q6: In case I change my motor insurance provider, would my No Claim Bonus be migrated?
Ans: Yes, you surely can avail the NCB if you change your motor insurance provider at the time of renewing the policy. All you would need to do is produce proof of the earned NCB from your current insurance provider. You can produce the original copy of your expiring policy and a certification that you haven’t filed any claim for the (expiring) insurance plan. A renewal notice or a letter stating that you’re entitled to the NCB from your previous insurance provider can be a proof for this.
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Q7: Is there any kind of discounts that would help reduce my policy premium?
Ans: Apart from the NCB, there are a few discounts available on the own damage premium :
- Having a membership of the Automobile Association of India
- Private cars that are certified by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India
- Installation of any anti-theft equipment that is approved by the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI).
- When you select an additional voluntary deductible, your motor insurance provider offers you a discount on your motor insurance premium.
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Q8: Is service tax applicable on the motor insurance premium?
Ans: Yes, service tax is levied on motor insurance premiums as per the prevailing law rule(s) usually 18%.
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Q9: What is a deductible in a motor insurance policy?
Ans: The deductible is the amount of which the claim would be payable. Generally, a standard or compulsory deductible ranges from Rs. 50 for two-wheelers, including bikes and scooters, to Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000 for private cars and commercial vehicles, including trucks, which enhance based on the carrying or cubic capacity of the automobile.
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Q10: What is the process for getting the changes done in the policy?
Ans: In case there are any changes that need to be made in the policy such as address change or any particular changes regarding the automobile or its usage, it could be done by an endorsement by the motor insurance provider. You need to submit a letter to your insurance provider along with the proof of the changes so you can obtain the endorsement. There are a few endorsements that might charge an extra premium from you.
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Q11: If I am driving my car in a specific city, how would the premium rate would be applied?
Ans: For the sole purpose of applying the motor insurance premium rate, the specific location where the automobile is registered is considered. Don't confuse the place of registration with the place where the automobile is used.
For instance, if your automobile is registered in Chennai, the applicable charges for Zone A would be charged. Even if you shift to another town or city, the same charges would be applied. Likewise, if an automobile is registered in a town, Zone B premium charges are applicable. Later on, in case the vehicle moves to a metro city, he would be charged the rate of Zone B only.
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Q12: In case I fit LPG or CNG kit in my automobile, is it necessary to update the insurance provider about that?
Ans: If an LPG or CNG kit is installed in your automobile, you must inform the Road Transport Authority’s office, from where the automobile was registered so that they can modify the necessary changes in the registration certificate of the automobile. The motor insurance provider should be informed as well so that it can provide the coverage to the kit on the payment of additional premium as per the kit’s value under the Own Damage Section.
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Q13: Can I get my motor insurance transferred to the buyer of my automobile?
Ans: Yes, Motor insurance is transferable to the purchaser of the automobile. All you have to do is inform in writing about the transfer to its insurance provider. The original owner of the car/ two wheeler needs to fill out a new proposal form. A nominal fee is charged for the insurance transfer along with the recovery of No Claim Bonus from the transfer date till the policy expires on a pro-rata basis.
Keep in mind that ownership transfer in comprehensive insurance plans has to be updated within 14 days from the date of transfer. If the original buyer fails to do so, no claim would be payable regarding the Own Damage.
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Q14: If I lose my motor insurance policy, would I get a duplicate copy?
Ans: Yes. You have to approach the office of your motor insurance provider from where you have purchased your policy and submit a request in writing. A nominal fee would be charged for the issue of a duplicate policy. If you have purchased motor insurance online, you can also download a duplicate copy of your policy from the insurer’s website or from Policybazaar.com.
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Q15: What happens if I don’t buy motor insurance for my vehicle?
Ans: All cars, bikes, scooters and trucks plying on Indian roads need to have a valid motor insurance policy. If you don't buy motor insurance for your vehicle, you are liable to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000 or can face imprisonment for up to three months.
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Q16: Is buying a motor insurance policy easy?
Ans: Yes. You can easily buy motor insurance for your vehicle, be it a two wheeler, a car or a commercial vehicle. You can get in touch with an insurance agent or visit the branch of the insurance provider. You can also purchase vehicle insurance online by visiting Policybazaar.com.
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Q17: Is it beneficial to buy a motor insurance policy online?
Ans: Yes. You can cancel your motor insurance claim by contacting your insurance provider by calling on their customer care number or by sending an email requesting them to cancel your claim.
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Q18: Can I renew my motor insurance online?
Ans: Yes. You can renew your motor insurance policy online by visiting your insurer's official website or by going to an insurance broker website, like Policybazaar.com.
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Q19: Is it possible for me to cancel my motor insurance claim?
Ans: Yes, you can cancel your motor insurance claim by contacting your insurance provider by calling on their customer care number or by sending an email requesting them to cancel your claim.
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Q20: When is pre-policy vehicle inspection carried out?
Ans: A motor insurance company conducts pre-policy inspection of cars, bikes, scooters or trucks in these cases:
- A break-in-insurance
- When third-party insurance has to be converted to comprehensive insurance
- If imported cars or bikes have to be insured
- The fresh payment has been received after a bounced cheque
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Q21: What do you mean by electronic/ electrical accessories in cars?
Ans: Electronic or electrical accessories include those electronic/ electric items fitted in your car that were not provided by the vehicle manufacturer at the time of purchase. For example, if you added an LCD screen in your car after buying it, it will be considered as an electronic/ electric accessory. These accessories are covered only if the vehicle owner opts for its coverage while buying the motor insurance policy. They can be insured at an additional premium of 4% on the kit value of such accessories.
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Q22: Who can get personal accident cover in case of cars?
Ans: You can buy personal accident covers for the following people under your motor insurance policy:
- Owner-driver
- Passengers (both named and unnamed occupants)
- Paid driver
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Q23: What happens if I sell my vehicle?
Ans: If you sell your two wheeler, four wheeler or commercial vehicle, you need to transfer the existing motor insurance policy to the new buyer. The buyer should apply for the insurance transfer within 14 days of vehicle sale. You can also transfer your policy to another vehicle of yours and then the buyer would have to purchase a new policy for the sold vehicle.
