Vehicle Insurance in India

Vehicle insurance in India is a type of general insurance that provides financial protection to vehicle owners against losses or damages arising from accidents, theft, natural disasters, or third-party liabilities. It is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for all vehicles operating on Indian roads.

Types of Vehicle Insurance Policies

Types of Vehicle Insurance in India:

Third-Party Liability Insurance (Mandatory) • Covers legal liability for damages or injuries to a third party (person/property). • It Does not cover the insured vehicle’s damage. • Required by law for all vehicle owners.

Comprehensive Insurance • Covers third-party liability plus own damage (accidents, fire, theft, natural calamities). • Optional, but recommended for complete protection.

Key Inclusions in Comprehensive Plans: • Accidents • Theft • Fire & explosion • Natural calamities (floods, earthquakes) • Man-made events (riots, strikes) • Personal accident cover for the owner-driver

Key Exclusions: • Regular wear and tear • Driving without a valid license or under intoxication • Mechanical/electrical breakdown • Usage outside of geographical limits

Add-Ons Available (for extra premium): • Zero depreciation cover • Roadside assistance • Engine protection • Return to invoice • NCB (No Claim Bonus) protection

Renewal & Claims: • Policies are typically renewed annually. • Claims can be cashless (at network garages) or reimbursement-based. Would you like help comparing policies or drafting a renewal request?

Key Definitions as per IRDA

Represents the current market value of the vehicle and serves as the basis for claim settlement in case of theft or total loss. Determines the premium. Defines the maximum claim amount. A lower IDV reduces premiums but may lead to lower claim payouts.

A discount for not making any claims during the policy term, rewarding safe driving. Applicable only on Own Damage (OD) Premium. Increases with consecutive claim-free years, up to 50%. Transferable when switching insurers. Lapses if a claim is made or policy isn’t renewed within 90 days of expiry.

NCB Discount Slab:
1 year: 20%
2 years: 25%
3 years: 35%
4 years: 45%
5+ years: 50%

Fire Policy covers
Fire Insurance Consultation.

Add-On Covers

Engine Protection Cover
In India, Engine Protection Cover is an optional add-on to a comprehensive motor insurance policy. It provides financial protection against damages to the engine and its internal components, which are typically not covered under standard comprehensive policies. This cover is especially beneficial in scenarios like water ingress during monsoons, which can lead to engine failure.

Key Features of Engine Protection Cover

• Coverage: Typically includes repair or replacement costs for internal engine parts like pistons, crankshaft, cylinder head, and gearbox components due to damages from water ingress, oil leakage, or accidental undercarriage impacts. 

• Exclusions: Generally excludes damages due to regular wear and tear, negligence (e.g., attempting to start a water-logged engine), and pre-existing engine issues.

• Claim Conditions: Some insurers may require that the vehicle be repaired at authorized workshops to avail full claim benefits. For instance, certain policies stipulate that if repairs are done at non-authorized workshops, the insurer’s liability may be limited to a percentage (e.g., 75%) of the assessed claim amount. 

• Impact on No Claim Bonus (NCB): Filing a claim under this add-on may affect the NCB of your base policy. 
Zero Depreciation Cover
Zero Depreciation Cover (also called Nil Depreciation or Bumper-to-Bumper Cover) is an add-on rider available with comprehensive car insurance policies in India. It ensures that no depreciation is deducted on the value of replaced parts during a claim settlement, meaning you receive the full claim amount without any deduction for part wear and tear.
Key Replacement Cover
Key Replacement Cover is an optional add-on in vehicle insurance that reimburses the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged vehicle keys and locks. It can be added to a comprehensive car insurance policy for an extra premium.
Tyre Protection Cover
Tyre Protection Cover is an optional add-on to a comprehensive car insurance policy in India. It provides financial coverage for repair or replacement of tyres and tubes damaged due to accidental means, such as potholes, cuts, bursts, or road debris—which are not typically covered under standard insurance
Consumables Cover
Consumables Cover is an add-on to a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy in India that covers the cost of non-reusable items used during vehicle repairs after an accident. These include parts not covered under standard insurance but necessary for restoring the vehicle. ⸻ What Are Consumables?

Consumables include:

• Engine oil

• Coolant

• Brake oil

• Lubricants

• Nuts, bolts, screws

• Grease

• AC gas

• Bearings, washers, clips, etc.

These items are excluded in standard comprehensive insurance, which only covers major parts and labor.
Loss of Personal Belongings Cover
Loss of Personal Belongings Cover is an optional add-on in vehicle insurance in India that provides reimbursement for the loss or theft of personal items kept inside your insured vehicle at the time of an accident, theft, or break-in.
Roadside Assistance (RSA) Cover
RSA Cover stands for Roadside Assistance Cover, an optional add-on in vehicle insurance in India that provides 24x7 emergency help if your vehicle breaks down or becomes immobilized while on the road.
Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover
Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover is an add-on in comprehensive vehicle insurance in India that helps bridge the gap between the Insured Declared Value (IDV) of your vehicle and the original invoice value, in case of total loss or theft of the vehicle. .

⸻ Key Features of Return to Invoice Cover: .

Coverage: Pays the original invoice value (on-road price) of the car, including road tax and registration fees, instead of just the depreciated IDV. .

When it Applies: Only in case of total loss, constructive total loss, or irrecoverable theft. .

Eligibility:Usually available for vehicles up to 3 years old (varies by insurer) .

Replacement Benefit: Some insurers even offer replacement of a brand new vehicle of same make & model. .

Add-On Premium: Generally a small % of total premium (varies by car value and insurer) .

Third-Party (TP) Cover
Third-Party Liability Cover is a mandatory vehicle insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 in India and is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

⸻ What is Third-Party Insurance?

Third-party insurance protects the vehicle owner (policyholder) from legal and financial liabilities arising from:

1. Injury or death of a third person (including pedestrians, passengers, other drivers)

2. Damage to third-party property (e.g., another vehicle, wall, shop, etc.)

It does not cover the policyholder’s own vehicle or personal injury.

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