Factors that you must consider to add more value to your motor insurance policy 29th September 2022
A motor insurance policy is a must as it provides you with a safety net in case your vehicle meets with an accident, gets damaged by unforeseen events such as floods and earthquakes, or is stolen. It's a way of showering your concern for your valuable asset and investing in its longevity.
Also, it is mandatorily required by the law to have all the essential documents such as a valid Driving License, Car Insurance Certificate, Registration Certificate, and Pollution Under Control Certificate before you drive your vehicle on Indian roads. So, now that we understand the importance of motor insurance India, how can we add more value to it? Let us have a look at some of the factors that can help us do the same.
1. Insured Declared Value (IDV):
Most of us get lured by the policy with the lowest premium amount and opt for it blindly. We usually fail to check our policy's Insured Declared Value (IDV). The IDV is the sum for which the insurance company is insuring our vehicle, and it puts a cap on the insurance company's liability to reimburse us in case of total damage or theft. The lower the IDV used by the insurance company or the agent, the lower will be the premium amount.
Never go for a low IDV of your vehicle just to pay a lesser premium amount. Always ensure that the IDV in the policy reflects the fair value of your vehicle. This will ensure you get an appropriate reimbursement in the unfortunate incident of theft or complete damage to your vehicle.
2. Emergency Assistance Cover:
You can opt for this cover if you don't want to get stranded in case of a breakdown. Such cover will help you to get assistance such as refueling, towing, flat tyre change, or repair of any mechanical failure by the insurer in the city and even on highways within a specified time.
3. Engine Protection Cover:
This cover will add value to your motor insurance India policy in case you reside in areas that are prone to heavy waterlogging and flooding. It will cover damage or failure of your vehicle's engine due to water ingression or oil spill. However, insurance companies usually provide this cover only to vehicles not older than five years.
4. Zero Depreciation Cover:
This add-on cover is highly recommended for high-end vehicles or vehicles with expensive spares. It excludes the depreciation part from the coverage amount. Thus, you get full coverage and can claim the full cost of the vehicle parts that have been damaged in an accident. Without this cover, you will get reimbursed only for the depreciated value of your vehicle parts.
Your motor insurance premium will go up by 15%-20% with this cover. But it can help you save a lot of money if your vehicle meets an accident and gets damaged. Insurance companies usually provide this cover only up to the first five years of a vehicle, and only a few provide it after that in lieu of a higher premium.
5. No Claim Bonus (NCB):
Insurance companies provide a No-Claim Bonus or NCB for the year you do not make any claim on your motor insurance India policy. This is initially 20% in the first year and increases to 50% in the subsequent years if you do not make a claim.
You can also avail the benefit of NCB in your new policy if you have accumulated it in your previous motor insurance policy. This may happen if you sell your car or change your insurance service provider. Therefore, do not raise a claim with the insurance company if the damage is minimal or the repair amount is lesser than the NCB you will earn on your policy.
6. Personal Belonging Cover:
What will you do if your expensive gadgets, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, get damaged when you meet with an accident in your vehicle? Go for a "Personal Belonging Cover," and you can get your personal belongings covered under your motor insurance policy.
Your motor insurance policy can give you standard protection against accidents, damages, or theft. However, if you are wise enough, go for add-ons in your policy like those mentioned above and enjoy complete protection from any damage that may arise in the future. Be secure, be wise, and choose the motor insurance India policy that provides you with the best overall package at the lowest premium amount.
Click HERE to buy a reliable motor insurance India policy to safeguard your vehicle.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.