New Car Insurance

Essential Add-On Covers

Add-ons play a major role in strengthening your policy, especially for a new car where repair costs can be high. For most new car buyers, Zero Depreciation, Engine Protection, and Return to Invoice are the most relevant add-ons along with their comprehensive policy.

Insurer’s Network Garages

The insurer’s garage network plays a critical role during claims. A wide network ensures that you can easily access cashless repair facilities across different locations. This reduces the need to pay upfront and then wait for reimbursement. It also improves repair turnaround time, as network garages are familiar with insurer processes and approvals.

Claim Settlement Experience

Instead of focusing only on claim settlement ratios, it is important to evaluate how smooth and efficient the claim process actually is. Factors like speed of claim approval, availability of digital processes such as self-inspection and paperless claims, and access to timely customer support can significantly impact your overall experience during a claim.

Comparing Plans Before Buying

When buying a new car, insurance is often suggested or bundled by the car dealer, making it convenient to purchase at the same time. However, dealer-recommended policies may not always offer the best coverage or pricing for your needs. You also have the option to buy car insurance directly from insurers or online, where you can compare multiple plans more transparently. This helps you evaluate differences in coverage, add-ons, claim processes, and pricing.

Driving Without a Valid Licence

If the person driving the car at the time of the incident does not hold a valid and appropriate driving licence, the insurer may reject the claim. Licence validity and vehicle category are strictly verified during claim processing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Claims arising from incidents where the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs are typically not covered. This is a standard exclusion across motor insurance policies.

Delay in Informing the Insurer

Failing to report the incident promptly can lead to complications in claim assessment. Insurers generally expect immediate intimation so that inspection and documentation can be done accurately.

Incorrect or Incomplete Information

Providing incorrect details about the policy, vehicle, or incident can result in claim rejection. This includes misrepresentation at the time of purchase or during claim filing.

Policy Expired at the Time of Incident

If the policy has lapsed or expired before the incident occurred, no coverage will be available, and the claim will not be entertained.

Add-On Not Purchased for Specific Loss

Certain losses are covered only if specific add-ons are included. For example, engine damage due to water ingress may not be covered unless Engine Protection is part of the policy.

Usage Outside Policy Terms

If the vehicle is used in a manner not declared in the policy such as commercial use for a private car, the claim may be rejected due to violation of policy conditions.

Consequential Damage

Damage that occurs as a secondary result of an initial incident (and not directly caused by it) may not be covered, depending on policy terms.