What is Car Insurance?
Car insurance, also known as 4-wheeler insurance, is an agreement between you and an insurance company. According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, every car owner must have at least third-party insurance. Car insurance helps protect you financially if your car is damaged, stolen, or needs repairs. It also covers costs if your car causes injury to someone or damages their vehicle or property.
Buying or renewing car insurance online is now very easy, giving you a quick and hassle-free way to ensure your car, yourself, and your family are financially and legally secure.
Types of Car Insurance in India?
- Standalone Own Damage Car Insurance: This type of insurance covers only the damage to your own car. It does not include protection for damages or injuries caused to others. You can buy it along with a third-party policy for full coverage.
- Third-Party Car Insurance: This is mandatory by law and covers damages or injuries caused by your car to other people, their vehicles, or property. It does not cover your own car's damage or theft.
- Comprehensive Car Insurance: This is a complete plan that covers both your car's damage and any harm caused to a third party. It also includes protection against theft, fire, and natural disasters.
So, if you are looking to buy the right plan for your car, get the best car insurance companies quotes online with Square Insurance.
Third-Party Vs Comprehensive Car Insurance Vs Standalone Own Damage Car Insurance
Feature | Third-Party Insurance | Comprehensive Insurance | Standalone Own Damage Insurance |
---|---|---|---|
Covers Own Car Damage | No | Yes | Yes |
Covers Third-Party Damage | Yes | Yes | No |
Covers Theft/Fire | No | Yes | Yes |
Covers Natural Disasters | No | Yes | Yes |
Mandatory by Law | Yes | No | No |
Cost | Low (basic coverage) | Higher (extensive coverage) | Moderate (covers own car only) |
Ideal For | Basic legal compliance | Complete protection for your car and others | Protecting your car when paired with third-party |
Key Features of Car Insurance Plans
Now, let's discuss some key features of car insurance plans given by car insurance companies.
- Financial Protection Against Damages: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged by accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters, so you don’t have to pay from your own pocket.
- Third-Party Liability Coverage: Required by law in India, it protects you from financial and legal troubles if your car hurts someone or damages their vehicle or property.
- Personal Accident Cover: Car insurance offers money for medical bills or income loss if the car owner faces injury, disability, or death in an accident.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB): It rewards you with discounts on policy renewal if you haven’t made any claims, saving you money.
- Cashless Repairs at Partner Garages: This lets you fix your car at certain garages without paying upfront, as the insurance company pays the repair costs directly.
Benefits of Buying a Car Insurance Policy Online
- Easy Comparison: You can compare different policies online to find the best one for your needs and budget.
- Secure Payments: Online payments are safe and secure, protecting your personal and financial information.
- Instant Documentation: Once you buy the policy, you receive all the documents immediately via email, so there’s no waiting.
- Renewal Reminders: Insurers send reminders to renew your policy, ensuring you never miss your coverage.
- 24/7 Availability: Car insurance can be purchased online anytime, day or night, making it easy to get coverage when you need it.
- Convenience and Time-Saving: You can buy car insurance from the best car insurance company by sitting at your home without visiting an office. It saves you time and effort.
Inclusions and Exclusions In Car Insurance Policy
1What’s Included
- Protection against natural disasters like floods, storms, cyclones, and earthquakes.
- Personal accident coverage (the amount depends on the insurer).
- Cashless repairs at partner garages.
- Option to add extra coverage through add-ons.
- Coverage for damages caused by accidents, theft, or terrorism.
- Coverage for legal liabilities towards third parties.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) for not making claims during the policy period.
2What’s Not Included
- Damage due to aging or wear and tear of the car.
- Mechanical or electrical breakdowns.
- Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Damage caused while driving without a valid license.
- Indirect or additional losses (consequential loss).
- Damage or loss due to war or nuclear risks.
Who Can Buy Car Insurance?
To buy car insurance, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
- Your car must be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- You should have your car's registration papers.
- You must have a valid driving license.
- Other documents may be needed, like KYC details, last year’s policy document, an invoice for a new car, or the Registration Certificate (RC), depending on the insurer’s requirements.
Add-Ons Available in Car Insurance
1Pay-As-You-Drive Cover
This add-on will help you save money since you only need to pay insurance for the kilometers you drive. The less you drive, the cheaper your premium is, making this an economical option.
2Zero Depreciation Cover
With this add-on, the value that car parts lose due to aging will not be taken into account, thereby enabling a full reimbursement for repair costs. It is available for cars up to 7-10 years if they are well-maintained.
3Roadside Assistance Cover
This add-on assists you in case of breakdowns or accidents. It includes towing your car to a nearby garage and providing help for emergencies such as a flat tire, empty fuel tank, or battery issues.
4NCB Cover
The No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protector allows your NCB to be free from penalty when you put in a claim during the policy term. For instance, with a 20% NCB and a claim put in, your NCB will remain at the same 20% in the next renewal.
5Engine Protection Cover
This covers repair or replacement of your car’s engine, including damage caused by breakdowns or waterlogging during floods. It’s helpful for people in areas prone to heavy rains.
6Tyre Protection Cover
This add-on pays for repairs or replacement of tires damaged by accidents, cuts, or wear and tear. It also covers labor costs for fixing the tires.
7Key and Lock Replacement Cover
If your car keys are lost, damaged, or the lockset is broken, this add-on pays for the cost of repairing or replacing them.
8Driver Cover
This is a personal accident cover for a paid driver listed in your policy. It covers medical costs if the driver is injured in an accident.
Documents Needed to Buy Car Insurance
You need these documents to buy car insurance:
- A government ID like a Passport, PAN Card, or Aadhar Card.
- Your Driving License.
- Your car's Registration Certificate (RC).
- A passport-size photo.
How to Buy Car Insurance Online?
Buying or renewing car insurance online is simple. Following are simple steps to buy the best car insurance plan with us.
- Go to the home page of Square Insurance and click on 'Car Insurance.'
- Enter your car's registration number and other details required.
- Fill out that form to compare policy prices.
- Look at the plans of different car insurance companies.
- Compare the plans and select one best to you. You can add additional coverage options here as well.
- Make the premium payment via one of the methods offered.
The moment you apply for the payment, your car insurance policy will be sent to you via e-mail.
Top Car Insurance Companies in India 2025
In India, there are more than 20 car insurance companies that provide the best plans online and give various benefits. Before buying car insurance, it is highly crucial to select the right company. Here is the list of car insurance companies to help you find the best company for yourself.
Companies Name | Claim Settlement Ratio | Network Garages | Call to Action |
---|---|---|---|
Acko Car Insurance | 91.14% | 2000+ | Check Premium |
Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance | 88.14% | 4000+ | Check Premium |
Bharti AXA Car Insurance | 94.84% | 5200+ | Check Premium |
Chola MS Car Insurance | 85.04% | 4636+ | Check Premium |
Digit Car Insurance | 90.72% | Repair anywhere | Check Premium |
Future Generali Car Insurance | 94.29% | 3500+ | Check Premium |
HDFC ERGO Car Insurance | 88.22% | 6800+ | Check Premium |
ICICI Lombard Car Insurance | 85.45% | 5600+ | Check Premium |
IFFCO Tokio Car Insurance | 89.09% | 4300+ | Check Premium |
Kotak Mahindra Car Insurance | 98.00% | 2327+ | Check Premium |
Liberty Car Insurance | 90.10% | 4500+ | Check Premium |
Magma HDI Car Insurance | 86.11% | 4000+ | Check Premium |
National Car Insurance | 84.03% | 3100+ | Check Premium |
New India Car Insurance | 92.43% | 3000+ | Check Premium |
Oriental Car Insurance | 88.05% | 3100+ | Check Premium |
Raheja QBE Car Insurance | 92.63% | 1000+ | Check Premium |
Reliance Car Insurance | 85.06% | 8200+ | Check Premium |
Royal Sundaram Car Insurance | 91.56% | 3300+ | Check Premium |
SBI Car Insurance | 90.15% | 16000+ | Check Premium |
Shriram Car Insurance | 88.58% | 2000+ | Check Premium |
Tata AIG Car Insurance | 88.26% | 7500+ | Check Premium |
United India Car Insurance | 81.63% | 3100+ | Check Premium |
Universal Sompo Car Insurance | 90.72% | 3500+ | Check Premium |
Zuno Car Insurance | 85.49% | 1500+ | Check Premium |
Key Factors to Consider With Choosing a Car Insurance Plan
1Check the insurance type you need
Decide whether you need third-party insurance, own damage insurance, or comprehensive coverage based on your car and usage.
2Check the Insured Declared Value (IDV)
It is the highest amount that can be recovered if your car gets stolen or gets completely damaged. Ensure that IDV matches with the value of your car.
3Claim Settlement Ratio
Look at the insurer's claim settlement ratio, so that it becomes easier for you to assess the reliability in payment of the claim. A high ratio is the key to more trust.
4No Claim Bonus (NCB)
Check if they provide an NCB discount at the time of renewal when there is no claim made during the term of policy.
5Age of the Car
The car's age affects the premium and eligibility for certain add-ons like zero depreciation cover. Choose a plan that suits your car's condition.
6Cashless Garage Network
Pick an insurer with a wide network of cashless garages where you can get repairs done without paying upfront.
7Add-ons offered
Check the add-ons like roadside assistance, engine protection, or zero depreciation, and choose the ones you need for better coverage.
Why Choose Square Insurance for Car Insurance Online?
1Instant Policy Issuance
Square Insurance ensures you get your car insurance policy instantly without any waiting. Once you complete the process and make the payment, the policy is issued and sent directly to your email. This saves time and makes the entire process simple and quick.
253+ Insurers
Square Insurance partners with more than 53 trusted car insurance companies, giving you a wide variety of plans to choose from. This allows you to compare benefits, premiums, and coverage easily, helping you find the perfect policy that suits your budget and needs.
324/7 Customer Support
With Square Insurance, help is always available. Their dedicated customer support team works round the clock to assist you with any questions or issues, ensuring a smooth experience whether you're buying, renewing, or making a claim.
Why Renewing Your Car Insurance Is Important?
Renewing your car insurance means extending your coverage for another year. Car insurance policies usually last for one year, and you need to renew them before they expire. Here’s why it’s important:
1Legal Compliance
Having third-party insurance is required by law under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. If you don’t renew your policy, you may face fines or even legal trouble.
2Financial Protection
If your policy expires, you lose all coverage. This means you’ll have to pay for car repairs, damages, or third-party claims out of your own pocket.
3No Claim Bonus (NCB)
If you don’t make any claims during the year, you get a discount or bonus on your next premium. Skipping insurance renewal makes you lose this benefit.
How can you Reduce your Costs when Renewing your Car Insurance?
When renewing your car insurance, the cost depends on your car’s type and condition. The IDV (insurance declared value), make, model, and variant also play a big role in setting the price. To keep your premiums low, consider these tips:
1Compare Quotes
Look at different insurance offers and choose one that's affordable but still covers your needs.
2Increase Your Deductible
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay when your car needs repairs. If you agree to pay more out of pocket before insurance kicks in, your overall premium could be lower.
3Pay As You Drive Add-On
Some insurers offer plans for cars that aren't driven often. You can choose coverage based on how many kilometers you drive, which can lower your premium if you drive less.
4No Claim Bonus (NCB)
If you haven't made any insurance claims in the past, you might get a discount on your renewal. This bonus can increase the longer you go without making a claim, from 20% to 50%.
Types of Claim Settlement Process
There are two ways to settle insurance claims: cashless claims and reimbursement claims.
- Cashless Claim Settlement Process In a cashless claim, you take your car to a garage that works directly with the insurance company. You don’t pay for the repairs; the insurance company pays the garage directly. This makes the process very easy and convenient.
- Reimbursement Claim Settlement Process With reimbursement, you can choose any garage to repair your car. After the repairs, you pay for the garage, and then your insurance company pays you back for the cost.
Document Required for Claim Settlement
Here are the documents you need to provide for a smooth claim process:
- The original claim form and NEFT mandate form
- Copy of the vehicle registration certificate (RC)
- Copy of the driving license of the person who was driving during the accident
- Copy of the insurance policy
- Officially valid document and PAN card or form 60, both certified
- Police report or FIR, depending on the type of loss
- Estimate from the garage
- Repair invoice
- Canceled check (if it's a non-cashless settlement)
Tips for Avoiding Claim Settlement Issues
Here are some tips to help you avoid problems when settling a claim:
- Know Your Policy: Make sure you understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn't. Read your policy document carefully to know how to file a claim.
- Keep Your Documents Ready: Keep all your insurance papers, receipts, and other important documents in one place so you can easily find them when needed.
- Tell Your Insurer Quickly: Report any incidents to your insurance company right away and provide all the correct details to avoid delays or issues with your claim.
- Follow Instructions: Make sure you follow all the steps your insurer requires for filing a claim. Quickly respond to any extra requests or questions they might have.
- Use Approved Repair Shops: For repairs, go to workshops approved by your insurer. This makes the claim process smoother and helps prevent problems.
Common Car Insurance Terms
- Deductibles: This is the amount you pay out of your own pocket when your car needs repair or replacement.
- Premium Coverage: This is the highest amount your insurance will pay under different types of policies like third-party, comprehensive, or own damage insurance.
- Collision Coverage: This pays for your car's repairs no matter who caused the accident. You'll pay the deductible first, and then insurance covers the rest.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This protects you financially and legally for damages to your own car and others’ property.
- Personal Injury Protection: This covers medical costs for injuries you get from an accident, starting from day one.
- Policy Limits: This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay out when you make a claim.
FAQs
The top three car insurance companies in India are HDFC ERGO, Universal Sompo, and Future Generali. These companies are highly recommended due to their high claim settlement ratio and reliable coverage.
The best car insurance provider varies for everyone. It's important to compare different plans and choose one that best meets your specific needs.
Comprehensive car insurance is generally the best option, as it provides extensive coverage against a wide range of incidents, including accidents, theft, and natural disasters.
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