In today’s fast-paced digital world, convenience and speed are everything. Whether it’s shopping, banking, or travel bookings, more and more services are moving online. And insurance is no exception.
Buying car insurance, or for that matter, any insurance online has become increasingly popular in India, as it offers policyholders flexibility, transparency, and instant access to coverage without the hassle of lengthy paperwork.
But for many first-time insurance buyers, the process of learning how to get car insurance online can feel overwhelming.
Questions like – Which is the best motor insurance plan for me? What details do I need to provide? Should I take add-ons? – are very common.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through 5 easy steps to get car insurance online in India, making the process simple, secure, and stress-free.
Step 1: Choose the Type of Car Insurance
The very first step in your journey is to decide which type of motor insurance best suits your needs. In India, there are two primary categories of car insurance policies:
Third-party Liability Insurance
- This is the minimum legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- It covers damages or injuries caused to a third party by your vehicle.
- Affordable but limited, as it does not cover damages to your car.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Offers broader protection, covering third-party liability as well as damages to your vehicle.
- Includes protection against accidents, theft, natural disasters, and human-made calamities.
- The ideal choice if you want the best motor insurance with extensive coverage.
Tip: If your car is new or has a high value, opting for a comprehensive plan is always a more intelligent choice. For older vehicles with lower market value, a third-party plan may suffice.
By identifying the correct type of coverage, you set the foundation for a safe and financially secure driving experience.
Step 2: Compare Plans Online
One of the most significant advantages of buying car insurance online is the ability to compare multiple policies from different insurers in one place. In just a few clicks, you can evaluate plans based on:
- Coverage Benefits: Does the plan cover natural disasters, theft, fire, and accidents?
- Premium Costs: Does the premium fit your budget without compromising on essential coverage?
- Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): A higher CSR means faster and more reliable claims.
- Cashless Garage Network: The wider the network, the easier it is to get your car repaired without upfront payment.
- Add-on Availability: Are popular add-ons like zero depreciation cover, roadside assistance, or engine protection offered?
When you compare plans, you get clarity about what each insurer provides and avoid the risk of overpaying. Many digital platforms also allow you to use comparison tools to filter results and shortlist the best motor insurance based on your unique needs.
Step 3: Enter Your Vehicle Details
After you’ve shortlisted a plan, the next step is to provide your vehicle information. This helps insurers calculate your premium accurately and tailor the policy to your car.
Common details required include:
- Vehicle registration number
- Make and model of the car
- Year of manufacture
- Engine capacity (CC)
- Fuel type (petrol, diesel, CNG, or electric)
- Location of registration (city/state)
- Previous policy details (if renewing)
These factors influence your premium. For instance, cars in metropolitan areas often have slightly higher premiums due to increased traffic density and accident risks. Similarly, newer or luxury cars may have higher premiums compared to older vehicles.
Tip: Always double-check that you enter the correct details. A mismatch between your car’s registration details and policy documents can cause complications during claim settlement.
Step 4: Select Add-ons
This is where you can truly personalise your motor insurance plan. Add-ons, also called riders, enhance your policy by offering extra protection at a small additional cost. Some of the most popular add-ons include:
Zero Depreciation Cover
- Ensures you get the full claim amount without factoring in the depreciation of parts.
- Particularly valuable for new cars.
Roadside Assistance
- Offers immediate help if your car breaks down on the road.
- Includes towing, battery jumpstart, flat tyre change, and more.
Engine Protection Cover
- Covers costly engine repairs due to waterlogging or oil leakage.
- Ideal for people living in flood-prone areas.
Consumables Cover: Pays for small but essential items like nuts, bolts, engine oil, and lubricants.
Personal Accident Cover: Provides financial support in case of accidental injury, disability, or death.
Choosing the right mix of add-ons helps transform a basic car insurance plan into a robust shield against unexpected financial burdens.
Step 5: Make the Payment and Get an Instant Policy
Once you’ve finalised your plan and add-ons, it’s time to complete the process. Most insurers, including Universal Sompo, offer a seamless online payment gateway. You can pay using debit/credit cards, net banking, UPI, or digital wallets.
After payment, you receive your car insurance policy instantly in your email. You can also download a digital copy to keep on your phone or print it out. This e-policy is legally valid and eliminates the need for waiting or handling physical paperwork.
Pro Tip: Always cross-check the policy document for correctness, especially details like vehicle registration number, policy start date, and coverage inclusions. If you spot an error, notify the insurer immediately.
Why Buy Car Insurance Online?
Now that you know how to get car insurance in just five steps, you may be wondering – why buy it online instead of offline through an agent?
Here’s why:
- Convenience: Complete the process anytime, anywhere.
- Transparency: Compare policies and make an informed decision.
- Instant Issuance: Get your policy document immediately after payment.
- Cost-Effective: Online policies often come at discounted premiums as there are no middlemen.
- Paperless Process: No lengthy forms or physical documents required.
For today’s tech-savvy car owners, buying insurance online is no longer an option – it’s the more intelligent choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Car Insurance Online
Even though the process is simple, many buyers make avoidable mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
- Choosing the Cheapest Policy Only: Low premiums may mean inadequate coverage.
- Skipping Add-ons: Not considering useful add-ons can leave you exposed to high repair costs.
- Ignoring Policy Exclusions: Always check what’s not covered to avoid surprises during claims.
- Not Disclosing Correct Information: Hiding details like prior accidents can cause claim rejection.
- Not Checking Insurer’s CSR: A low claim settlement ratio may cause unnecessary hassles later.
By avoiding these errors, you ensure your policy truly serves as a safety net during emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Owning a car in India comes with responsibilities – and protecting it with the right insurance is one of the most important ones. The good news is that buying car insurance online is no longer complicated. By following the above-mentioned steps – choosing the type of insurance, comparing plans, entering vehicle details, selecting add-ons, and making the payment – you can secure your car with just a few clicks.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or renewing your policy, digital platforms simplify the process while helping you choose the best motor insurance tailored to your needs.
So, don’t delay. Explore the options and safeguard your car with a comprehensive, reliable policy. If you’re looking to buy car insurance with trusted coverage, competitive premiums, and a vast network of services, Universal Sompo is here to help you every step of the way.
