Vehicle Insurance FAQs
Simple answers to common questions.
General questions
Is vehicle insurance compulsory in India?
Yes. Third-party insurance is compulsory for every vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
What is the difference between third-party and comprehensive insurance?
Third-party cover pays for harm to others. Comprehensive cover includes third-party and also covers your own vehicle.
How do I get a quote from Insurance Kro?
Click Get Free Quote, share your name and mobile number, and our team will call you with options.
Can I renew an expired policy?
Yes. The insurer may ask for an inspection, and you may lose your No Claim Bonus after a long gap. Renew as soon as possible.
What is IDV?
IDV is the Insured Declared Value, the market value of your vehicle agreed with the insurer. It is the most you get for theft or total loss.
What is No Claim Bonus?
A discount on your own damage premium for each claim-free year, up to 50% after 5 years.
Is zero depreciation cover worth it?
For newer and costly vehicles it often is, because it reduces the amount you pay out of pocket on a claim.
What documents do I need to buy or renew?
Usually the RC, previous policy copy, ID proof and driving licence.
Can I insure a taxi or truck?
Yes. Commercial vehicles need a commercial policy. We help with taxis, trucks, tempos, autos and fleets.
Can I insure an electric vehicle?
Yes. EVs are insured like other vehicles, and extra covers like battery cover may be offered.
What happens if I drive without insurance?
You can face a fine of ₹2,000 and/or up to 3 months jail for a first offence, and more for repeat offences.
How do I make a claim?
Inform the insurer quickly, take photos, inform the police if needed, and submit your documents. We can guide you through the steps.
Car Insurance
Is car insurance compulsory in India?
Yes. Third-party insurance is compulsory for every vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Driving without it can lead to a fine and possible jail time.
What is the difference between third-party and comprehensive car insurance?
Third-party cover pays for harm to other people and their property. Comprehensive cover includes third-party and also pays for damage to your own car.
Can I buy insurance for an old car?
Yes. Old cars can be insured. The IDV is lower because of depreciation, and some add-ons may not be offered for older cars.
Which documents do I need?
Usually the RC copy, previous policy copy, driving licence and ID proof. Your Insurance Kro advisor will tell you exactly what is needed.
How can I lower my car insurance premium?
Renew on time to keep your NCB, choose the add-ons you really need, and consider a voluntary deductible. Avoid small claims when you can.
Bike Insurance
Is bike insurance mandatory?
Yes. At least third-party insurance is compulsory for every two-wheeler on the road in India.
What does a new bike policy look like?
New two-wheelers are usually sold with a long-term third-party cover of 5 years. Own damage cover is usually taken for 1 year at a time.
Can I renew my bike insurance online?
Yes. Keep your RC and old policy details ready. We can help you renew in a few minutes.
Will I lose my NCB if I miss the renewal date?
Insurers usually allow renewal within about 90 days to keep NCB. After that you may lose it. Check your policy and renew early.
Is zero depreciation useful for bikes?
It can be, mainly for newer bikes. It helps you get a higher claim amount on replaced parts. Check the insurer's limits.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Which vehicles need commercial insurance?
Taxis, cabs, trucks, goods carriers, buses, vans for hire, auto rickshaws, e-rickshaws and similar vehicles used for business.
Can I use a private policy for a commercial vehicle?
No. A private-vehicle policy is not valid for commercial use. Use the correct commercial policy.
Does the policy cover the goods I carry?
Usually no. Goods in transit need a separate cover. Ask us about it.
Can I insure many vehicles under one policy?
Yes, a fleet policy can cover many vehicles under one plan with easier renewals.
What documents are needed?
Usually RC, permit, fitness certificate, driver licence, previous policy and ID proof.
Taxi & Cab Insurance
Can I use my private car as a taxi with a private policy?
No. Using a private car for hire needs a commercial passenger-carrying policy. A claim can be rejected otherwise.
Does the policy cover my passengers?
Third-party liability and passenger cover depend on the policy. We explain the cover before you buy.
Do app cab owners need special insurance?
They need a policy that matches commercial use. Tell us how the car is used and we will guide you.
Can I insure many cabs together?
Yes. A fleet policy is possible and makes renewals easier.
Goods Vehicle Insurance
Does goods vehicle insurance cover the goods?
Usually no. It covers the vehicle. Goods in transit need a separate cover.
Is a tempo or mini truck a goods vehicle?
Yes. Small goods carriers like tempos and mini trucks need a goods-carrying vehicle policy.
What if my truck is overloaded and has an accident?
Overloading can lead to a rejected or reduced claim. Always follow the load limit.
Can I insure several trucks together?
Yes. A fleet policy can cover many vehicles together.
Electric Vehicle Insurance
Is insurance compulsory for electric vehicles?
Yes. Third-party insurance is compulsory for EVs just like other vehicles.
Is the battery covered?
It depends on the policy and add-ons. Many EV owners choose a battery cover. Check the terms.
Is EV insurance costlier?
It depends on the vehicle and the plan. Premium is based on factors like IDV, model and add-ons.
Can I insure an electric scooter?
Yes. E-scooters and e-bikes can be insured. Tell us your model and we will guide you.
Third-Party Insurance
Is third-party insurance enough?
It satisfies the law, but it does not cover your own vehicle. Many owners prefer a comprehensive plan.
What is the penalty for no insurance?
A fine of ₹2,000 and/or up to 3 months jail for a first offence, and ₹4,000 and/or up to 3 months for a repeat offence.
Does it cover theft?
No. Theft of your own vehicle is covered under own damage cover in a comprehensive plan.
How long is third-party cover for a new vehicle?
New cars usually get 3 years and new two-wheelers 5 years of third-party cover.
Comprehensive Insurance
What is own damage cover?
It pays for damage to your own vehicle from events like accident, fire, theft and natural calamities, as per policy terms.
Is comprehensive insurance compulsory?
No. Only third-party cover is compulsory. Comprehensive is optional but gives much wider protection.
Can I add extras to a comprehensive policy?
Yes. Add-ons like zero depreciation, engine protection and roadside help are common.
Does it cover wear and tear?
No. Normal wear and tear and breakdowns are not covered.
Zero Depreciation Cover
What is zero depreciation cover?
It is an add-on that removes the depreciation cut on covered replaced parts when you claim.
For how old a vehicle is it available?
It is often offered for vehicles up to around 5 years old. Each insurer has its own rule.
Is there a limit on claims?
Many insurers limit the number of claims you can make under this add-on in a year. Check the policy.
Does it pay for everything?
No. It does not cover wear and tear or damage that the base policy excludes.
Renew Insurance
What happens if my insurance expires?
Your vehicle is uninsured. You can face a fine, and you must pay for any damage or third-party claim yourself.
Will I keep my NCB if I renew late?
Insurers usually allow about 90 days after expiry to keep NCB. Check your policy.
Can I change my insurer at renewal?
Yes. You can switch to a different insurer at renewal. Your NCB moves with you.
New Vehicle Insurance
Do I have to buy insurance from the dealer?
No. You can choose your own insurer and advisor. Compare before you decide.
What is return to invoice cover?
It is an add-on that may pay the invoice value if your new vehicle is stolen or totally lost, as per the policy.
Why is third-party cover 3 or 5 years?
Long-term third-party cover for new vehicles helps make sure vehicles are not on the road uninsured.
Can I take own damage for 1 year only?
Yes. Own damage is usually taken for 1 year and renewed each year.
Claim Support
What is a cashless claim?
You repair at a network garage and the insurer pays the garage directly. You pay only for items not covered and your deductible.
What is a reimbursement claim?
You pay the garage first and then claim the money back from the insurer with bills and documents.
What documents are needed for a claim?
Usually claim form, RC, driving licence, policy copy, repair estimate and bills, photos and FIR where needed.
Why can a claim be rejected?
Common reasons are an expired policy, no valid licence, drunk driving, wrong use of the vehicle, wrong facts and late intimation.
No Claim Bonus (NCB)
What are the NCB slabs?
Usually 20% after 1 claim-free year, 25% after 2, 35% after 3, 45% after 4 and 50% after 5 or more.
Does NCB apply to third-party premium?
No. It applies only to the own damage part of the premium.
Can I transfer NCB to a new vehicle?
Yes. NCB belongs to the owner, so it can usually be moved to a new vehicle of the same owner with proof.
Is NCB lost if I claim?
Usually yes, for that year. An NCB protection add-on may help. Check the terms.
Health Insurance
What is health insurance?
Health insurance pays your hospital bills as per the policy. You pay a premium, and the insurer pays eligible costs when you are treated.
What is the difference between cashless and reimbursement claims?
In a cashless claim, the insurer pays the network hospital directly, usually after pre-authorisation. In a reimbursement claim, you pay first and then claim the money back with bills.
Should I take an individual plan or a family floater?
A floater covers the whole family under one sum insured. Individual plans give each person their own cover. The right choice depends on your family's age and health.
What is a waiting period?
It is the time after you buy the policy when some claims are not paid. The length differs for initial, specific-illness and pre-existing disease waiting periods, so check your policy wording.
Can I move my health policy to another insurer?
You can usually move your policy at renewal under the portability rules. Apply early and check what benefits carry over.
Why do health insurance claims get rejected?
Common reasons are waiting periods, hidden pre-existing conditions, excluded treatment, late intimation, missing documents and a lapsed policy.
Term Life Insurance
What is term life insurance?
It is a pure protection plan. If the insured person dies during the term, the insurer pays the sum assured to the nominee as per the policy.
Do I get money back at the end of a term plan?
A basic term plan has no maturity benefit. Return-of-premium plans do exist, but they usually cost more.
How much cover should I take?
A common rule of thumb is about 10 to 15 times your yearly income. Adjust it for your loans and family needs.
Why is buying early better?
Age and health affect the plan. Buying early is usually cheaper and easier.
What can lead to a claim being rejected?
Wrong or hidden facts, such as health or smoking habits, can lead to rejection. A lapsed policy can also be a problem. Check your policy wording.
How does my nominee make a claim?
The nominee informs the insurer, fills the claim form and gives the policy, death certificate and ID proofs. The insurer may ask for other papers.
Travel Insurance
What does travel insurance usually cover?
It usually covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, lost passport and flight delay. Terms differ, so check the policy.
Do I need travel insurance for a visa?
Some countries ask for it. Check the embassy rules for your destination.
Is travel insurance only for international trips?
No. Plans exist for domestic trips too. The cover can differ, so read the policy.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Often they are not, or they have limits. Check the exclusions and ask before you buy.
Does it cover adventure sports?
Many plans exclude them unless you choose a plan or add-on that covers them. Check your policy wording.
Home Insurance
What does home insurance cover?
It can cover the building, the contents, or both, against fire, flood and other natural calamities, burglary and similar risks. Check your policy wording.
Is the land covered?
No. Building cover is usually based on rebuilding cost, not on the market price of the land.
Can a tenant buy home insurance?
Yes. Tenants can usually insure the contents of the home they rent.
What should I keep ready for a claim?
Keep the policy copy, photos, bills of items and any police report if there was a theft. The insurer will tell you what else it needs.
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