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Introduction to Car Insurance in India

Understanding the essentials of four-wheeler insurance coverage and requirements

Legal Mandate

Mandatory Coverage

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, third-party car insurance is legally required for all four-wheeler owners across India.

Driving without valid third-party insurance can result in penalties including fines of ₹2,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 months for first offense, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.

While comprehensive car insurance is optional under law, it provides crucial protection for your vehicle against damages, theft, and natural disasters.

Purpose & Protection

Car insurance serves as a comprehensive financial safety net, protecting your investment and providing coverage against various risks associated with your vehicle.

Accident Coverage: Financial protection for repairs or replacement of your car due to accidents.

Theft Protection: Compensation in case your car is stolen or parts are stolen from your vehicle.

Natural & Man-made Disasters: Protection against damage from floods, fires, earthquakes, riots, and other calamities.

Liability Coverage: Covers damages or injuries to third parties, including property damage and medical expenses.

Personal Accident Cover: Provides compensation in case of accidental death or permanent disability of the owner-driver.

Insurance is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Please read the policy document carefully before making a purchase.

Your Car Insurance Journey

Simple Steps to Secure Your Ride with BTW IMF

Buying car insurance online should be simple and stress-free. At BTW IMF, we make it even easier by helping you choose the best policy before you buy. Our experts will guide you through every step, ensuring you get the right coverage at the best price.

Contact Us First – Get Expert Guidance

Before selecting a policy, talk to our experts through one of these convenient channels:

Call Us
WhatsApp
Email
Live Chat

Our team will understand your specific needs and budget, ensuring you get the most suitable options.

1

Get Multiple Policy Options

Once we assess your requirements, we will provide handpicked insurance plans from leading providers. Each plan will include:

Premium cost comparison across multiple insurers
Detailed coverage information including inclusions & exclusions
Available add-ons like zero depreciation, roadside assistance, etc.

You don't need to search multiple websites—we do the hard work for you!

2

Compare & Choose the Best Policy

We'll present you with a tailored list of options. Compare them based on these important factors:

Coverage & Benefits
Add-ons & Customization
Premium Affordability

Once you've compared all options, select the plan that best fits your needs and budget.

3

Share Basic Details & Upload Documents

Once you've made your choice, you'll need to submit the following documents:

Car Registration Certificate (RC)

Provides essential details about your car

Driving License

Required for policy issuance and claim processing

Our team will guide you through this process, making document submission quick and hassle-free.

4

Make Payment & Get Instant Policy

The final step to securing your car insurance is quick and simple:

Complete the secure online payment
Receive your policy instantly via email
Enjoy hassle-free protection for your car!

Our payment gateway is completely secure, and your policy documentation will be instantly delivered to your email.

5

Why Buy Car Insurance from BTW IMF?

Personalized Assistance

Our experts help you choose the best policy tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Multiple Options in One Place

Compare policies from top insurance providers without navigating multiple websites.

Quick & Easy Process

Our streamlined approach means no complicated steps and no stress throughout the entire process.

Instant Policy Issuance

Get your insurance policy documents instantly after payment, with no waiting period.

Ready to insure your car? Contact us today at BTW IMF and let us find the best plan for you!

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Types of Car Insurance

Explore the different types of car insurance available in India and choose the one that best suits your needs

Mandatory

Third-Party Insurance

Legal requirement by Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

Covers damages caused to a third party (person, vehicle, or property) but does not cover the insured car. This is the minimum legal requirement for all car owners in India.

Coverage Includes

Bodily injury or death of a third party

Damage to third-party property

Exclusions

No coverage for own vehicle damage

No protection against theft

Own-Damage Insurance

Protection for your vehicle only

Covers damages to the insured car but does not cover third-party liabilities. Ideal for those who already have a separate third-party policy.

Coverage Includes

Accidental damage to your car

Theft protection

Natural and man-made disasters

No third-party liability coverage

Who Needs It? People who already have third-party insurance but want extra coverage for their own car.

Zero Depreciation Cover

Full claim without deductions

Covers the full cost of vehicle parts without accounting for depreciation, leading to higher claim amounts for the policyholder.

Key Features

Full claim amount for car parts

No deduction for depreciation

Usually available as an add-on to comprehensive policies

Personal Accident Cover

Owner-driver protection

Mandatory cover as per the Motor Vehicles Act. It provides compensation to the owner-driver in case of death or disability due to an accident.

Key Benefits

Compensation for death (100% of sum insured)

Compensation for permanent total disability

Coverage for owner-driver without additional premium

Multi-Year Insurance

Long-term coverage (up to 3 years)

Available for cars with a policy period of up to 3 years. It reduces the hassle of annual renewal and protects against premium rate hikes.

Key Benefits

Eliminates annual renewal hassles

Protects against insurance price increases

Discount on long-term policies

Add-On Covers

Enhanced protection riders

Customize your car insurance policy with additional protection based on your specific needs and usage patterns.

Available Add-ons

Engine Protection Cover – Covers engine damage due to waterlogging or oil leakage

NCB Protection – Protects your No Claim Bonus even after making a claim

Roadside Assistance – 24/7 help during breakdowns

Key Replacement – Covers the cost of replacing car keys

Passenger Cover – Protects passengers traveling in your car

Which Car Insurance Should You Choose?

  • For new or luxury cars: Comprehensive insurance with zero depreciation and engine protection add-ons.

  • For cars older than 5 years: Basic comprehensive insurance may be sufficient.

  • For commercial vehicles: Comprehensive insurance with passenger cover and roadside assistance.

Factors Influencing Car Insurance Selection

Understanding the key elements that affect your car insurance choices and premiums

Selecting the right car insurance policy involves understanding various factors that determine not only your premium amount but also the coverage you receive. Being knowledgeable about these factors helps you make informed decisions tailored to your specific needs.

1

Insured Declared Value (IDV) Calculation

The Insured Declared Value (IDV) is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if your car is stolen or damaged beyond repair. This crucial factor directly impacts your premium amount.

How Car IDV is Calculated:

IDV equals the manufacturer's listed selling price minus depreciation based on your car's age. For example, a car that's 2 years old typically has a depreciation of 30% from its original price.

Impact of IDV Selection:

  • Higher IDV → Higher Premium

    Setting a higher IDV ensures better compensation during total loss but increases your premium amount.

  • Lower IDV → Lower Premium

    While a lower IDV reduces your premium, it also reduces the compensation amount during total loss claims.

Tip: For newer cars (less than 3 years old), setting a higher IDV closer to the market value is recommended. For older vehicles, you can opt for a slightly lower IDV to balance coverage with affordable premiums.

2

Type of Car Insurance Coverage

The type of coverage you select significantly impacts both protection level and premium amount. There are three main types of car insurance policies:

  • Third-Party Liability ₹2,094

    The minimum mandatory coverage required by law that covers damages to third-party vehicles and property.

    Most affordable option but provides no coverage for your own vehicle damages.

  • Comprehensive Coverage ₹7,890

    Covers third-party liability plus damages to your own vehicle due to accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, etc.

    Higher premium but offers significantly better protection for your investment.

  • Zero Depreciation Coverage ₹9,500

    An enhanced comprehensive policy that doesn't account for depreciation when settling claims.

    Highest premium but provides the most complete coverage, especially beneficial for new cars.

Tip: For new cars under 3-5 years old, comprehensive or zero depreciation coverage offers better value. For older vehicles, a basic comprehensive policy might be more cost-effective.

3

Car-Related Factors

Several characteristics of your vehicle directly influence your insurance premium calculation:

  • Make and Model

    Luxury cars, high-performance vehicles, and cars with expensive parts cost more to insure.

    Insurance companies consider repair costs, replacement part availability, and safety ratings.

  • Vehicle Age

    Newer cars typically have higher insurance premiums due to their higher IDV.

    Older cars cost less to insure but may not qualify for certain coverages like zero depreciation.

  • Anti-theft Devices & Safety Features Saves 5-15%

    Cars equipped with ARAI-approved anti-theft devices, airbags, ABS, and other safety features qualify for premium discounts.

  • Fuel Type

    Diesel and CNG/LPG cars generally cost more to insure than petrol vehicles due to higher repair costs.

    Electric vehicles may have specialized insurance needs.

Tip: When purchasing a new car, consider insurance costs as part of your ownership expenses. Cars with good safety ratings and widely available parts typically cost less to insure.

4

Add-On Coverages

Enhance your basic car insurance policy with these valuable add-ons tailored to specific needs:

  • Zero Depreciation Cover ₹1,500

    Eliminates the impact of depreciation during claim settlement, ensuring you receive the full cost of parts replaced.

    Highly recommended for cars less than 5 years old.

  • Engine Protection ₹800

    Covers damages to the engine caused by water ingression or oil leakage, which are typically excluded in standard policies.

    Essential if you live in flood-prone areas or drive through waterlogged roads.

  • Return to Invoice ₹900

    In case of total loss or theft, you receive the invoice value rather than the depreciated value.

    Covers the gap between IDV and the original purchase price.

  • Roadside Assistance ₹500

    Provides emergency services like towing, battery jump-start, flat tire change, fuel delivery, etc.

    Particularly valuable for travelers and those who drive in remote areas.

  • NCB Protection ₹700

    Preserves your No Claim Bonus even after making one claim during the policy period.

    Especially valuable if you have accumulated a high NCB percentage.

Tip: Rather than selecting all add-ons, choose those that match your specific needs and driving conditions. For example, Engine Protection is crucial if you live in flood-prone areas, while Return to Invoice is most valuable for new cars.

5

No Claim Bonus (NCB)

No Claim Bonus is a reward system that offers discounts on your premium for claim-free years. It's a significant factor in reducing long-term insurance costs.

NCB Accumulation Structure:

  • First claim-free year 20% discount

  • Second consecutive claim-free year 25% discount

  • Third consecutive claim-free year 35% discount

  • Fourth consecutive claim-free year 45% discount

  • Fifth consecutive claim-free year 50% discount

NCB is transferable when you sell your car and buy a new one, making it a valuable long-term asset.

Tip: For minor damages with repair costs lower than your accumulated NCB value, consider paying out-of-pocket rather than filing a claim to preserve your NCB discount. For example, if your NCB stands at 50% and your renewal premium would be ₹10,000, you'd save ₹5,000 at renewal by not claiming.

Car insurance

With millions of vehicle owners on our roads, car insurance in India is one financial protection you cannot afford to do without. Given that the country has over 32 crore (320 million) vehicles registered and 7 crore (70 million) four-wheelers among them, the need to protect them is inevitable. 

 

Car insurance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a major financial protection for those with cars that covers them for risks such as accidents, theft and damage, regardless of how busy a city street may be or how wide open a highway.

 

As per the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, every vehicle owner has to buy a third party insurance cover of the car at least, and operating a car without a third party insurance cover is illegal in India. Damages or injuries which another person (or his assets) has suffered in an accident, this law of cover. 

 

The coming process of any insurance company is dictated by the rules and regulations of the very important body known as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, or IRDAI, hence matters pertaining to the safety of vehicle owners come along with the public.

 

Car insurance doesn’t only cover the accident that can cause another car or property to be damaged but also protects against very expensive repairs or medical expenses in case the policyholder was involved in an accident.

 

Today, truck accidents are a common way of life, and thus there’s a need for insurance that will cover you should an unfortunate incident occur. Four wheelers contribute to about 17 percent of all road accidents recorded in 2022, MoRTH says and hence, car insurance is required by all the drivers across the nation.

Why Car Insurance policy important?

Car insurance provides financial protection in the event of accidents, theft, or damage to your vehicle. It covers expenses related to vehicle repairs, medical bills, and liability claims, offering peace of mind and security on the road. With the right car insurance policy, you can drive with confidence knowing that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. You can also explore other insurance policies like life insurance, bike insurance, motor insurance, and health insurance.

Why you need to invest in car insurance in India

Legal Mandate:

  • The minimum under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 is third-party insurance on every car. For the violation, it imposes very stiff penalties—the first time you can be pulled up for ₹2,000 and the next time for ₹4,000. That also means you could face suspension of your license to drive or be put behind bars if you are found without any insurance at all.

Financial Protection:

  • An accident can be met by a car. The repair costs may even be more than ₹ 20,000 up to ₹ 1,00,000 or even more, depending upon the intensity of the damage. All such expenses in fixing up the car are borne by comprehensive car insurance so that there is no strong economic burden on the owner. If any other person is hurt or property damage occurs, you are likely to be liable for paying a great amount of money as damages; hence, car insurance becomes very vital to you.

Defense against uninsured drivers:

  • While car insurance is not compulsorily required, millions of uninsured cars exist in India, and that becomes a problem for those who ultimately end up in collisions with uninsured drivers. A good policy guards you financially whether or not the other driver happens to be an uninsured or underinsured guy. That is, more four-wheelers—it means more cars on the roads that lead to more chances of an accident—which number is that of four-wheelers in India that is likely to rise at 6-8% every year. Growing growth in urbanization and automobile usage leads to preventing all this from causing damage by covering with a car insurance policy.

 

Other Additional Coverages:

  • The insurance companies offer other additional coverages such as zero depreciation, engine cover and roadside assistance for general extra coverage. It therefore provides these additional benefits for comprehensive protection in case of any event.


Government Initiatives:

  • IRDAI had provided third-party long-term insurance to the automobile buyers. This means that now new automobiles are to be purchased with a three-year third-party liability insurance cover, which offers much wider protection for the new automobile owners.

Types of Car Insurance Policies in India

Third party liability insurance: 

  • The most basic type of car insurance in car insurance, third-party liability insurance is totally compulsory in India. It will cover your liability for damage or injury to another caused by you in case you cause an accident with no fault of yours.

Coverage:

  • This cover avails compensation for damage or death caused by another person or his vehicle to the insured, his property availed of, or to himself during an accident. It only provides for that in an accident, the victim and his property availed of are compensated. It does not, however, cover damage of the insured car and any injury suffered by the driver.

Premium:

  • Third party liability insurance premium is ruled by IRDAI, a bit lesser than the comprehensive plans. For example, the annual premium of the vehicles, whose engine capacity would fall between 1000 cc to 1500 cc, for the fiscal year 2023-24, is at ₹ 3,416.

Comprehensive Car Insurance:

 This insurance will cover the third party liabilities also along with taking care of damages to the car owned by the insured.

  • Coverages The insurance policy gives covers losses arising due to accidents, thefts, man-made accidents of vandalism or fire and any natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, etc. Besides this, the insurance also provides personal injuries, third-party liability, and damage to the insured vehicle.
  • Full coverage is costlier than third-party cover because it provides an increased amount of coverage. The premium of car under mid-range ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per year, which is only based on the model of the car, size of the car, and location of its engine.
  • Claim Settlement: The claim settlement ratio of any insurer has to be the first consideration while making the choice of an insurer for other inputs. The popular insurers in India have excess claim settlement ratio (above 90%) kept to get the same claimed amount processed with due timeliness and efficiency .
  • Add-On Benefits: Add-on optional covers that go along with the comprehensive policies include zero depreciation, engine protection, return-to-invoice, etc.

Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance:

Now, there is the newly introduced pay-as-you drive insurance policy whereby premium is tied up with how people use the car. Its model works very well for owners who do not use the car much at all, and premiums are billed according to the number of kilometers the drivers have covered.

  • Coverage:

That’s quite different because they are much more flexible on most of the coverage, whereas the full comprehensive isn’t. Kind of a good deal for someone who has to commute a few blocks to work. Much cheaper than for the average vehicle owner.

  • Premium:

This is based on what mileage you are supposed to; if the mileage is low, the premium is low. That’s why it becomes a very good fit for a city dweller who does not own his car but sometimes drives out.

  • Market penetration:

Pay-as-you-drive insurance is still in its infancy in India but would take off with the rise of urbanization and increasing laws on traffic.

Add-On Covers for Car Insurance:

  • Zero Depreciation Cover

This addon ensures that the absolute cost of replacement for damaged parts is covered, devoid of any consideration to depreciation. An insurance policy normally deducts depreciation on parts like plastic or rubber, but now with zero depreciation, the policy holder gets the whole claim amount.

  • Premium Increase:

It simply means that the usual premium is bumped up by 10-20% when the owner opts for this cover. However, it is very much recommended for new or even luxury cars. The cover provides financial protection for damage of the engine through any kind of effects which may include water leakage, oil drips and hydrostatic lock. It is specially helpful during the monsoon season when the risk from floodwaters and associated engine damage is heightened.

  • Cost:  The cover for the engine protection will cost the premium of the policy ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 every year, depending upon the model of the car and the insurer.

No Claim Bonus Protection:

The no claim bonus is a discount on your premium if you do not make any claims in a year. This bonus is not nullified by claim at any point in the policy year, thereby ensuring that your accumulated discount remains for future renewals under the NCB protection cover. This add-on gives services such as towing, emergency fuel delivery and repair assistance for that roadside assistance. It is especially really great for travelers who need to drive long distances or traverse backcountry tracks very often. 

  • Cost: A roadside assistance premium isn’t very expensive-they usually start off at ₹500 to ₹1,000 per year from an insurer.

What Is The Claim Process?

  • Essentially the car insurance claim process calls for claiming the accident incident to your insurer, submitting all the documentation related to it, and then awarding the damage to be rated. After taking review the insurer shall either grant you the claim and let put together the repairment in a network garage or reimburse you for any of the expenses. According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, over 78 percent of the car insurance claims in India get settled within a period of 30 days.

Here’s how it works with car insurance claim, easy step by step format:

  • Inform Incident: Notify your insurer of what’s happened or has been damaged to them as soon as possible-through their app, website, or customer helpline-within 24 hours of the accident.
  • File Documents: Upload FIR, photographs of damage, and your policy details.
  • Damage Assessment: A surveyor will be assigned to the insurer to investigate and, on the vehicle, he or she will estimate the costs of the repair.
  • Claim Approval: The insurer will verify the claim and will approve it and will either arrange for direct repairs at a network garage or reimburse you if repairs were carried out elsewhere.

Why Buy Car Insurance Online?

The Indian insurance sector has become a hassle-free process for car owners to buy and renew policies sitting at home because of the digital revolution. Here’s why preferring to get car insurance online has become the order of the day:

  • Convenience: To research, compare, and purchase a car insurance policy has gotten easier for car owners since they can do it from their homes. There is room to browse through as many insurers or policies as a car owner could want at any given time, which offers convenience that cannot be found in traditional processes.
  • Instant Policy Issuance. Upon payment online, the policy is issued instantly, and documents get transmitted through e-mail or can be downloaded from the system hence no paper work required, and waiting time.
  • Cost-Effective. Many of the companies offer premium discounts for buying an online policy while cutting out intermediaries allowing the insurance companies passing it on to benefit the client and making it considerably cheaper to buy online.
  • Competition tools online have made it simple for car owners to compare policies pertaining to the type of cover, premiums rate, and what customers think about the insurance services to ensure that they have the best policy in place to suit their needs.
  • Availability Any time: Car owners can buy or renew their insurance at any time without being shackled by the business hours because this happens to be a quick process more so for those with very busy schedules.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Car Insurance

However, before choosing a car insurance policy, several factors must be considered to ensure that the chosen policy meets the required needs with the right coverage and financial security:

  1. Coverage Options Understand the types of coverage the policy would offer, third-party liability, own damage, and add-on covers.
  2. Premium Costs Compare premiums from different insurers and strike the right balance between affordability and coverage.
  3. Claim Settlement Ratio Check the insurer’s claim settlement ratio in order to gauge whether they are a reliable organization to process the claim.
  4. Review the exclusions of the policy to know what it does not include so you don’t get unpleasant surprises later when you come to file a claim.
  5. No-Claim Bonus (NCB) Ensure that the policy offers a no-claim bonus, since its rewards can save your money heavily after a few years.
  6. Add-On Covers You may consider some add-on covers such as zero-depreciation cover, roadside assistance, and engine cover to increase the coverage in the insurance.
  7. Customer Service Assess the customer service of the particular insurer you choose for its quality, including the response of the company to your queries and the help you receive during the claims.