Vehicle Insurance: How to choose

Follow these steps to choose a vehicle insurance with confidence.

1. Pick comprehensive over third-party only. Repair bills for modern vehicles are high; own damage is worth the extra premium.
2. Set an accurate IDV. Too low an IDV reduces the claim payout; too high raises the premium without benefit.
3. Choose add-ons by risk. Zero depreciation for new cars, engine protect in flood-prone areas, roadside assistance for highway drivers.
4. Check the garage network. Ensure cashless garages exist near you and your regular workshop.
5. Compare deductibles. A voluntary deductible lowers the premium but you pay that amount at claim time.
6. Read the claim process. Look at how claims are registered, how quickly surveyors come and how repairs are settled.

Questions to ask before you buy

• What is excluded or limited, and for how long?
• What exactly is guaranteed and what is not?
• How are claims made, and how long do they usually take?
• What happens if I miss a payment?
• Can I cancel in the free-look period, and what is refunded?
• How will this plan change as my life changes?

Use our tools

Vehicle IDV & NCB Estimator Inflation Impact Calculator Emergency Fund Calculator Policy comparison scorecard