The ability to buy car insurance online has made purchasing faster and more convenient than ever. But speed shouldn’t come at the cost of making the right choice. Here’s what to consider before clicking “Buy Now.”
1. Coverage Type Matches Your Need
Understand the type of car insurance you’re buying:
- Third-party only: Legal minimum, no own vehicle coverage
- Comprehensive: Covers both third-party liability and your own vehicle
- Standalone own-damage: Own vehicle cover only (requires separate third-party policy)
For most car owners with vehicles under 8 years old, comprehensive is the right choice.
2. IDV Is Accurately Set
The IDV determines your payout in a total loss scenario. Check the insurer’s proposed IDV against your car’s current market value. Don’t accept an arbitrarily low IDV just to reduce premium — you’ll regret it if the car is stolen or totalled.
3. The Insurer Has a Strong CSR
The Claim Settlement Ratio tells you how reliably the insurer pays claims. IRDAI publishes this annually. Don’t buy from an insurer with a CSR below 90%.
4. Cashless Garage Network Coverage
Verify that authorised service centres for your car’s brand are available in your city under the insurer’s cashless network. Without this, cashless repairs aren’t possible.
5. Add-Ons Are Selected Based on Actual Need
Zero depreciation, engine protection, and roadside assistance add real value — but only if they match your situation. For a 7-year-old car, zero depreciation adds cost without proportionate benefit.
6. Exclusions Are Read and Understood
Every policy has exclusions. Common ones: damage while driving under the influence, damage caused by modification, driving without licence. Read them before buying.
7. Premium Is Compared Across Insurers
Use a comparison platform to check at least three quotes for identical coverage. Price differences for the same coverage can be significant.
Conclusion
Buying car insurance online is fast — but fast doesn’t mean rushed. Ten minutes of evaluation across these seven points ensures the policy you buy actually protects you. and buy car insurance online