More people today prefer buying insurance online because it saves time, is easy to use, and offers several choices in one place. But the ease of online buying can sometimes make people rush decisions. When you get car insurance online even a small mistake might affect your ability to claim benefits, save money, or get the right level of coverage.
To help you choose, here are some common mistakes people often make and tips to steer clear of them:
Focusing on Price and Overlooking Coverage
Many people make the mistake of picking insurance based on its price. While comparing car insurance prices in India is vital, the cheapest policy might not provide enough coverage or useful add-ons.
The best insurance plan finds a middle ground between cost and protection. Always review what’s included. Look for things like own damage cover, third-party liability, personal accident protection, add-ons, and exclusions. Sometimes paying a bit more for a plan with wide-ranging benefits is more valuable than sticking to the bare minimum for less.
Not Checking Add-on Covers
Add-ons improve the benefits of an insurance policy and can be a lifesaver during tough situations. However, many people either skip reviewing them or pick options without much thought. You should figure out which ones match how you use your car.
Some useful add-ons are:
- Zero depreciation cover
- Roadside assistance
- Engine protection
- Return to invoice cover
- Consumables cover
Choosing the right add-ons adds more value to your claims, but picking unnecessary ones raises your premium without reason.
Skipping the Insured Declared Value (IDV) Review
The IDV shows the highest amount an insurer will give if your car faces total loss or theft. Many people just accept a reduced IDV to save on premiums, but this could mean getting less money when filing a claim. On the other hand, picking a much higher IDV raises your premium unnecessarily.
Make sure to check and compare the IDV listed in different policies before deciding to buy car insurance online.
Failing to Look at Policies from Different Insurers
Different insurance companies provide different benefits even if their prices are similar. Ignoring a comparison might mean losing out on lower costs, better coverage, or smoother claim processes. Checking plans online makes it easy to compare several options quickly.
When comparing focus on more than just the premium:
- Number of cashless garages available
- How claims are settled
- Quality of customer support
- Choice of add-ons offered
Giving Wrong Information or Lacking Documents
Filling in wrong details about your car, misspelling your name, or providing incorrect past policy data can get your claim denied. Make sure details like your RC information, chassis and engine numbers, and personal data are accurate.
To renew your policy, make sure to avoid letting it expire. If a gap occurs, your vehicle might need an inspection, and this could increase your premiums or affect your No Claim Bonus.
Skipping Claim Process and Insurer Reputation
A lot of people ignore how claims are settled while picking a plan based on premium costs. The steps to claim, the time taken how surveyors handle issues, and help during emergencies all play a big role when you need support.
Choose insurers who handle cashless claims and have a good service history. Paying a little extra now can save you stress when you need help.
Taking a moment to compare and understand policy terms can help avoid errors when purchasing. Choosing the right policy not just cuts costs but also ensures faster claim help when needed. To buy insurance online and get dependable coverage, choose trusted insurers like Chola MS Car Insurance that provide all-around plans. From selecting your coverage to claiming it, they offer strong support and make the process easy from start to finish.
FAQs
Q1. Is it safe to buy insurance online?
Yes, it is safe if you stick to official insurer websites or reliable aggregator sites with secure payment options.
Q2. Should I compare car insurance prices in India?
Comparing can help you pick a policy that balances cost with coverage. It’s not just about choosing the cheapest option.
Q3. Do I need add-ons?
Not always. Pick add-ons depending on how you use your car. For brand-new cars, adding zero depreciation is a smart choice.
Q4. What happens if I put in the wrong details when buying insurance?
Wrong details might cause claim rejection. Double-check your information before sending it.
Q5. Can I renew or buy car insurance online whenever I want?
Yes, you can. Online services are open all day, every day so you can renew or buy any time.