Car insurance
Compare car insurance and renew without overpaying
Third-party insurance is compulsory for every car on Indian roads under the Motor Vehicles Act. It covers the damage you cause to other people and their property — but nothing for your own car. A comprehensive policy adds that own-damage cover. The premium depends on the car's insured declared value, your no-claim bonus and the add-ons you choose, so the same car can be quoted very differently by different insurers.
Your options
Types of car insurance
Third-party only
The legal minimum. Covers injury, death or property damage you cause to others. Nothing for your own car.
Comprehensive
Third-party cover plus damage to your own car from accidents, theft, fire and natural calamities.
Standalone own-damage
Own-damage cover bought separately, when you already hold a valid long-term third-party policy.
Pay-as-you-drive
Own-damage premium linked to how much you drive — useful if the car spends most days parked.
Cover
What is covered — and what is not
This is what policies of this kind commonly include. The policy wording of the plan you choose is what decides a claim.
Usually covered
- Legal liability for injury, death or property damage to third parties
- Damage to your car from accidents, fire, theft, floods and riots (comprehensive)
- Personal accident cover for the owner-driver
- Cashless repairs at the insurer's network garages
- Add-ons such as zero depreciation, engine protection, roadside assistance and return to invoice
Usually not covered
- Normal wear and tear, and mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Damage while driving drunk or without a valid licence
- Use outside the policy's terms, such as private cars used commercially
- Depreciation on replaced parts, unless you buy a zero-depreciation add-on
Before you buy
How to compare car insurance quotes
Insured declared value
The IDV is the most the insurer pays if the car is stolen or written off. A lower IDV cuts the premium but also the payout.
No-claim bonus
A discount that builds every claim-free year and moves with you to a new insurer or a new car. Small claims can cost you more in lost bonus.
Add-ons
Zero depreciation is worth it on newer cars; engine protection in flood-prone cities. Skip what you will not use.
Garage network
Check there are cashless network garages near you, including the authorised service centre for your brand.
Paperwork
Documents you will need
Insurers may ask for more depending on the plan and your answers on the proposal form.
To buy or renew
- Registration certificate (RC)
- Previous policy, for a renewal or to carry over your no-claim bonus
- Owner's ID and address proof
- Vehicle inspection, if the policy has lapsed
To make a claim
- Policy number and claim form
- Driving licence and RC
- FIR, for theft or third-party injury
- Repair estimate and photographs of the damage
FAQs
Car insurance questions, answered
Is third-party car insurance enough?
It meets the legal requirement, but it pays nothing towards repairing or replacing your own car. Unless the car is old and of low value, comprehensive cover is usually worth the extra premium.
What happens if my car insurance lapses?
Driving without valid third-party cover is an offence. A lapsed policy may also need a vehicle inspection before renewal, and you can lose the no-claim bonus if you wait too long.
Do I keep my no-claim bonus if I switch insurers?
Yes. The no-claim bonus belongs to you, not the car or the insurer. Share your previous policy with the new insurer to carry it over.
Also compare
Other insurance
- Health insuranceHospital bills for you and your family, paid by the insurer — cashless at network hospitals.
- Term life insuranceA pure life cover that pays your family a lump sum if you die during the policy term.
- Two-wheeler insuranceLegally required cover for your bike or scooter, with own-damage protection if you want it.
Talk to us about car insurance
Leave your details and our team will call you back to go through the options. There is no obligation to buy.