Insuring your vehicle is mandatory in India. Whether you own a two-wheeler, a four-wheeler or a multi-axle vehicle, you must invest in a good vehicle insurance policy as driving without a valid insurance policy is considered a punishable offence. If you own a car, it is recommended to compare the different insurance providers and invest in a policy that best suits your requirements. Here’s a look at the different types of car insurance policies you can purchase in India.

1. Limited Liability Insurance policy

The limited liability insurance policy is an insurance policy that’s also referred to as the third-party insurance policy. As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, this insurance policy is designed to provide coverage in case of car accidents involving a third-party individual and their car/property. This covers the cost of repair or replacement of vehicle parts if a third party’s vehicle is damaged in an accident. As the name suggests, this policy comes with limited coverage in that it only includes the third party injured in the accident and not the policyholder per se.

2. Comprehensive Coverage Insurance Policies

Perhaps the most popular type of motor insurance coverage is the comprehensive coverage insurance policy. This is an all-round policy, which covers both, the policyholder and the third party in case of an accident leading to hospitalisation and/or vehicle/property damage. Apart from accidents and vehicle damage, it is also equipped to cover you against loss or damage of vehicle due to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, fire, storms, etc., as well as human incidents like riots, strikes, terror activities, thefts, etc. Moreover, you can make your coverage even more comprehensive by adding the necessary add-on riders provided by your insurance company.

Conclusion: As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, it is mandatory to have a limited liability car insurance. However, it is recommended to go for a comprehensive policy that covers the liability as well as the damage to your vehicle. The insurance premium you pay depends upon the type of car insurance you purchase. To maximise coverage, it is best to opt for a comprehensive policy featuring necessary add-on riders. Explore affordable car insurance quotes on sls Insurance. Being a Agent ,sls insurance provides a wide range of insurance policies, suitable for every budget., we take pride in our impeccable customer service facilities. You can reach out on our customer service helpline for assistance.

Four things are a prerequisite for motorists if they wish to drive on Indian roads – their driving license, their vehicle registration documents (RC book), their PUC certificate and their insurance policy. Yes, you are permitted to drive on Indian roads only if you can present all four documents mentioned above. In accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, all vehicle owners are required by law, to own at least a third party insurance. Here's a detailed guide on this mandatory insurance policy.
Third party insurance, also known as limited liability coverage, is mandatory as per Vehicle Motor Act of 1988. This is the kind of insurance plan that is specially designed to pay for the costs associated with accidents caused by the policyholder, in which a third party may be injured or hospitalised, and if their vehicle or property is damaged. Such a policy protects the policyholder from any legal and financial liabilities arising out of an accident that causes injury, physical disabilities or death of the third party. Note that this policy does not cover the policyholder for the cost of hospitalisation or vehicle damage – it only protects their legal and financial interests .

Coverage offered under a third party insurance policy

Now that we know third party insurance meaning let’s find out the kind of coverage offered by insurance providers under this insurance policy. This policy covers the third party against:

• Any injuries endured due to an accident caused by the first party (policyholder)
• Any disabilities (partial or permanent) due to an accident caused by the policyholder
• The accidental death of the third party as a result of the accident
• Any damages endured by the third party’s vehicle due to the accident caused by the policyholder
• Any losses suffered by the third party’s property due to the accident caused by the policyholder

Exclusions in third party insurance policy

Third party insurance doesn’t cover the following:

• The cost of damages endured by your own vehicle due to an accident caused by you
• The cost of losses incurred, in case your own vehicle is damaged or destroyed (in an accident or otherwise) or if it is stolen
• Coverage for injuries suffered by you in accidents
• Any pay-out for replacing your vehicle or vehicle parts in case your vehicle is written off

Buying third party insurance for your car

Purchasing an insurance policy is rather easy today. You can purchase insurance from your insurance broker or an agent. Today, you can even buy third party car insurance online from the website of your preferred insurance provider. Buying insurance online enables you to compare the various policies and choose one based on your requirements. While you receive an instant soft-copy of the policy on e-mail, the insurance provider also mails the hard copy to you. Moreover, you don't have to pay any brokerage fees or charges to your insurance agent, which enables you to save some money.

Conclusion: Driving without a valid insurance policy is a punishable offence. If you fail to produce your license, RC book, PUC certificate and insurance policy upon a traffic authority’s request, you could be penalised. You could be charged a heavy fine or even be served a jail sentence or both. As such, you must ensure that you always have the valid documents, including your third-party insurance or comprehensive insurance policy.

A car is one of the first things one hopes to buy as soon as they begin earning. It is a vehicle that provides a sense of independence – allowing you to drive on your own time, without depending on public transportation. When you bring home your dream car, you must take all measures to safeguard it. No, we are not talking about the lime and chillies and coconut rituals which are so popular in India – we are talking about investing in a comprehensive car insurance policy. Here are all the essential facts you should know about a comprehensive insurance policy.
A comprehensive car insurance policy is regarded as the best kind of insurance if you want to ensure total coverage for your car. Such a policy protects the policyholder and the vehicle owned by the policyholder under various circumstances. The primary objective of this kind of insurance policy is to safeguard your legal and financial liabilities should something happen to you, your car or another party in an accident. Also, you can add several additional riders to a comprehensive policy based on your requirements.

Coverage offered under comprehensive car insurance policies

Having explained comprehensive insurance meaning, let’s find out the coverage provided under this policy. As the name suggests, a comprehensive plan is one in which the policyholder is covered against a comprehensive range of on and off-road incidents. Here’s a list of things covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy:

• Coverage against the losses or damages endured by the vehicles and/or properties of the third party, in case of an accident.
• Coverage against a wide range of natural disasters or ‘Acts of God’ in which the policy holder’s car is damaged or destroyed, for instance, storms, floods, fire, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and hurricanes and so on.
• Coverage against all kinds of manmade incidents resulting in the loss or damage of the car, for instance, car theft, burglary and vandalism or destruction of the car as a result of manmade incidents such as riots, strikes, terrorist activities, etc.

Not covered under a comprehensive insurance policy?

There are a few basic things that are excluded or not covered under a comprehensive insurance policy. They are as under:

• Wear and tear of the car which is a direct result of ageing and regular use
• The mechanical or electrical breakdown of the car owing to daily use
• The depreciating value of the car
• Damages endured by the tyres and tubes of the car when an accident has not taken place
• Damages suffered by the car while the policyholder is driving it without a driver’s license (valid or expired) and RC book
• Accidents or Damages endured by the car if the policyholder was found driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other such intoxicating substances.

Things to remember:

• Every premium is different

When it comes to a comprehensive insurance policy, no two premiums are the same. The insurance provider charges a premium based on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the city in which you live, your driving record, etc.

• You can purchase add-on riders

You can increase your insurance coverage by purchasing different types of add-on riders like engine protection cover, personal and passenger accident cover, return to invoice cover, road-side assistance cover, etc.

• You can avail no claims bonus

Insurance companies reward policyholders for not filing insurance claims. Upon renewing your comprehensive insurance plan, you can get a NCB discount of 20% to 50% on your motor OD premiums for not filing a claim for 1 to 5 consecutive years

Non-life insurance provides financial protection against risks such as accidents, property damage, health emergencies, and liabilities. Unlike life insurance, it does not cover human life but rather assets and unforeseen events.

Life insurance provides coverage for the policyholder’s life and pays a benefit to their beneficiaries upon death. Non-life insurance covers assets, health, and liabilities, protecting against financial losses from accidents, theft, natural disasters, and more.

Common types include:
- Motor Insurance (car, motorcycle)
- Property Insurance (home, commercial property)
- Health Insurance (medical expenses, hospitalization)
- Travel Insurance (trip cancellations, medical emergencies)
- Business Insurance (fire, burglary, liability)

The right policy depends on your specific risks. Consider factors such as your property value, health needs, travel plans, or business risks. Our agents can help you find a policy that provides the best coverage for your situation.

Third-party insurance covers damages and injuries to others caused by your vehicle but does not cover your own vehicle. Comprehensive insurance covers both third-party damages and your own vehicle against accidents, theft, fire, and natural disasters.

Yes, third-party motor insurance is mandatory in most countries. However, comprehensive coverage is optional but recommended for better protection.

Premiums are based on:
- Vehicle type, model, Cubic Capacity, and Vehicle age
- Coverage type (third-party or comprehensive) and Add-On Covers
- Geographic location
- No-claim bonuses

- Notify your insurance company immediately.
- Take photos of the accident scene and gather details of the other party.
- File a police report (if required).
- Submit your claim along with necessary documents.

If you have comprehensive motor insurance, it usually covers natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and storms. Check your policy details to confirm.

Home insurance typically covers:
- Fire and natural disasters
- Theft and burglary
- Structural damage
- Liability for injuries to others on your property

Standard policies may not include coverage for certain natural disasters. You may need to purchase additional coverage for floods or earthquakes.

Yes, tenants can buy renters' insurance to cover personal belongings and liability. Property owners should have landlord insurance for structural coverage.

The sum insured should be based on the reconstruction cost of your home and the value of its contents. Avoid underinsuring your property.

Required documents include:
- Policy document
- Photos of damage
- Police/fire department report (if applicable)
- Repair estimates and invoices