Your Comprehensive Guide to Buying New Car Insurance Online in India. Once you become the owner of a brand-new car, the most essential step post-purchase is getting your vehicle insured by choosing the right car insurance. In India, getting your vehicle insured is a legal necessity. Choosing the right car insurance is essential, but it can get challenging as the Indian insurance market is diverse.

In this blog, we will dive into the intricacies of car insurance for new cars to guide you in making informed decisions to protect your car.

Why Do You Need Car Insurance?

Getting car insurance in India is essential for car owners, serving multiple critical purposes:

• Legal Requirement: Car insurance is a legal requirement in India. Commuting without valid insurance can result in fines and legal implications.
• Financial Safety Net: In case of accidents, or damage, car insurance can help in covering the costs of repairs. It also provides compensation in case of accidental death or partial or permanent disability, and potential legal liabilities, easing the financial burden associated with such incidents.
• Roadside Assistance: If your vehicle breaks down in unfamiliar places or encounters mechanical difficulties, then this type of assistance might be of great help.
• Accommodation Assistance: Certain insurance providers offer accommodation services to policyholders if their car breaks down in unfamiliar places by covering the cost of staying at a hotel while the car is being repaired.

Types of Car Insurance in India

Getting new car insurance requires proper research. The types of coverages offered in India include:

• Third-Party Liability Insurance: The minimum coverage required and mandated by the law is liability insurance. In case of any type of accident, this type of insurance covers the costs of damage or injury that is caused to others.
• Own Damage (OD) Insurance: This type of insurance is useful in case of damages caused to your car by natural calamities like storms, earthquakes, floods etc., or man-made disasters like riots, vandalism or theft. They cover damages that only third-party insurance may not cover.
• Comprehensive Car Insurance: This insurance covers various car damages, including third-party liabilities for three years and Own Damage (OD) for one year. It also includes coverage for bodily injuries or death of the policyholder and passengers in the insured vehicle.

The option to avail of add-on covers, if required, is also available. They provide extra protection options for your car. So, you must check the scope of coverage offered in the insurance policy while choosing one.

• Third-Party Liability Insurance: The minimum coverage required and mandated by the law is liability insurance. In case of any type of accident, this type of insurance covers the costs of damage or injury that is caused to others.
• Own Damage (OD) Insurance: This type of insurance is useful in case of damages caused to your car by natural calamities like storms, earthquakes, floods etc., or man-made disasters like riots, vandalism or theft. They cover damages that only third-party insurance may not cover.
• Comprehensive Car Insurance: This insurance covers various car damages, including third-party liabilities for three years and Own Damage (OD) for one year. It also includes coverage for bodily injuries or death of the policyholder and passengers in the insured vehicle.

The option to avail of add-on covers, if required, is also available. They provide extra protection options for your car. So, you must check the scope of coverage offered in the insurance policy while choosing one.

Tips to Find the Right Car Insurance Provider in India

Insurance policies may differ substantially among providers. Conduct in-depth research to gauge the standing, financial reliability, customer service, and efficiency in claims processing of insurance firms. At Elephant.in, customers can compare and purchase car insurance plans online in just 3 easy steps.

Consider these factors before searching for car insurance for a new car:

• Assess Your Needs: The coverage needs to be aligned to your needs like your vehicle type, driving habits and finances. Select a provider that helps you tailor and customise your plans according to your needs.
• Compare Different Policies from Online Providers: Compare different insurance policies in order to select the most appropriate one for you. Compare and find your suitable car insurance policy in 3 easy steps by visiting Elephant.in!
• Compare Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regularly posts insurance companies’ Claim Settlement Ratios on its website. This ratio indicates the insurer’s efficiency in settling claims. However, it’s essential to consider customer reviews and testimonials as the ratio can be hindered by fraudulent claims.
• Consider Customer Service: Analysing the insurance provider’s customer service is vital. You need to make sure they are responsive, and process claims faster. An ideal claim settlement ratio (CSR) for car insurance in India is considered to be above 95%

Premiums and Beyond; Guidelines for Choosing Effective Car Insurance Plans

In India, people usually opt for value-for-money commodities. A commodity costing less does not necessarily mean it is low quality; however, in the case of insurance, one can lose out on crucial coverage. Here are some guidelines you can follow to choose an effective car insurance policy:

• No-claim bonus (NCB): No-Claim Bonus is awarded to policyholders who don’t make claims during the policy year. During policy renewals, it can drastically reduce your premium. Be sure to check if your selected insurance plan offers a No-Claim Bonus.
• Add-ons and special features: Insurance providers often offer add-ons that you can purchase over your insurance policy to enhance your coverage. Add-ons like Roadside Assistance, Zero Depreciation Cover, and Engine Protection Cover can enhance your car insurance coverage. Assess your needs and determine if these add-ons are essential to you.
• Insured Declared Value (IDV) and Premium Relation: Simply put, IDV is the market value of a car. Insurers provide a range for the IDV of the car to be insured. Negotiating a lower IDV will lower your car insurance premium.
• Voluntary Deductibles: The amount that the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company will cover any costs is known as the deductible in an insurance policy. Opting for higher deductibles means you agree to contribute a percentage of the claim, reducing the insurer’s risk liability and, consequently, lowering your premium.

Conclusion

Having car insurance is a must for responsible car ownership. It is meant to safeguard your financial investment and provide you peace of mind. You may choose wisely when it comes to insuring your new vehicle by being aware of the many coverage options, the variables affecting your rates, and how to determine the best insurance company.

Need help with the best car insurance plans? Don’t wait! Email us at support@elephant.in and get in touch with our experts to get your perfect quote today!

*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice from before you take any/refrain from any action. Tax benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. Please contact your tax consultant for an exact calculation of your tax liabilities.| EL/BLOGS/23-24/03