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What is not covered in Car Insurance?

Having at least a third-party liability car insurance policy is a mandatory requirement in India (as per the Motor Vehicles Act). However, a lot of people buy or renew their car insurance policies without even going over the documents properly.

Everyone is more concerned about what their car insurance policies cover. However, it is just as important to know what all it doesn’t cover so you’re not up for any last-minute surprises, especially during your car insurance claims!

So, do you know what is covered with your car insurance and what isn’t covered? If the answer is no, we’re here to help and simplify it for you.

Usually, there are 3 Types of Car Insurance plans in India

Third-party car insurance protects you against losses that might happen in case your car causes injuries, property damage or vehicle damages to any third-party. It is also called as liability-only coverage. This is the most basic form of car insurance required by law.
Comprehensive car insurance covers both third-party losses and liabilities as well as any damages to your own vehicle in cases of theft, fire, vandalism, accidents, and more. Additionally, you can also opt for add-on covers in your comprehensive car insurance policy for an extra layer of protection.
As the name suggests, standalone own-damage car insurance is a policy that specifically covers for your own car’s damages and losses. This includes damages and losses caused due to accidents and collisions, natural calamities, fires, and thefts.

Now, even if you have the most comprehensive coverage, there are some things that are not covered by a standard car insurance policy.

1. General maintenance a.k.a the wear and tear of your car

All cars need maintenance to make sure that they’re running smoothly and to take care of any repairs that result from the regular wear and tear that occurs over time.

However, this kind of maintenance is not covered by your comprehensive car insurance policy.

2. Driving without a license

We’re pretty sure you’re all aware of this but just to say it again – driving without a valid driving license is against the law.

So, if you happen to get in an accident and your license was not valid at the time, you won’t be covered by your insurance, and claims will be rejected.

If you hold a learner’s license, you need to have been driving with a permanent license holder sitting in the front seat to be covered.

3. Disobeying traffic rules

It is very important that you follow road safety rules and regulations and be a responsible driver.

Disobeying these regulations by doing things such as underage driving, drunk driving, or even running a red light means that you won’t be covered for any incidents that occur at the time.

4. Non-renewal of your policy

It is also important for you to remember to renew your policy every year before it expires. If your policy is invalid at the time of the accident or theft, your car will not be considered covered by it. It would be like trying to get a refund on a dress you haven’t yet purchased!

5. Commercial use of a private vehicle

If you’ve specifically got a car insurance for your personal car, using it for any commercial purposes, like transporting things for work, or using it as a ridesharing taxi will not be covered by your insurance.

So, if you’re doing these things at the time of an accident, and claiming for the same – your claim won’t be covered!

6. Added accessories/ Modifying the Car

Many people like to modify their car by adding accessories (like installing CNG or LPG kits). Always remember to notify your insurance provider of any additions, otherwise, your policy will not cover these new components and any claims you make regarding them will be rejected.

7. Other people driving your car

You may not be fully covered if a family member or a friend drives your car, and any accident happens.

Some insurance policies will cover the accident only if you were in the car, but others will cover any licensed driver who drives your car, but they might limit the coverage amount.

So, be sure to check the terms of your policy to see what is and isn’t covered as this may differ insurer to insurer.

8. Personal belongings inside your vehicle

If your car has been stolen, or has been damaged in an accident, unfortunately, a standard policy won’t cover any of your personal items, like your laptop, sunglasses, or phone if they are also stolen or damaged.

However, you can get an add-on Personal Belonging Cover that will cover these items too.

9. Damages to your Car tyres

Generally, any damage that occurs to your car tyres isn't covered unless the damage takes place during an accident.

So, any burst tyres, or cuts will not be covered under a standard insurance. But you can opt for a tire protect add-on cover that gives you the benefit of this protection under other situations.

10. Passenger cover

Basic car insurance policies, even a comprehensive one, unfortunately, does not cover passengers who are sitting with you in the car at the time of an unforeseen accident.

However, you can opt for it as a Passenger Cover add-on that will look after any medical expenses due to injuries sustained by a passenger in your car, due to an accident.

Note: This article covers the general exclusions in most car insurance policies.

However, this may also differ from insurer to insurer so be sure to check your policy document always for exact details on what’s covered and not covered.

At Digit, you can simply just check your policy summary document too (this would have been sent to your email at the time of purchase), which is a lot shorter – to briefly get an idea of what’s covered and not covered in your car insurance policy.