Siliguri is a charming city in the foothills of the Himalayas, West Bengal. It is famous for tea plantations, lush green forests, and the warm hospitality of its people. Owning a car in Siliguri can be an enjoyable experience as one can explore the nearby mountains, rivers, and forests.
If you own a car, car insurance becomes necessary. It helps protect financially against losses from car accidents, thefts, or other unexpected events. Insurance also covers liability damages and medical payments and can even offer coverage for rental cars if your car gets damaged and you need an alternative vehicle.
Among the several insurers available in Siliguri, here are some of the best options for a good car insurance:
United India Insurance Company: United India Insurance has a decent claim-settlement ratio of approximately 83%. Its motor insurance policies come with several attractive features, such as a cashless garage facility and discounts on the return of premiums. The company has a tie-up with several garages across India and offers its customers a hassle-free claim process.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co: ICICI Lombard offers comprehensive motor insurance policies at an affordable premium. The company has an excellent motor insurance claim settlement ratio of approximately 88%. Moreover, the company gives customers discounts on voluntary deductibles and a no-claim bonus.
HDFC Ergo General Insurance Co: HDFC Ergo offers its customers a range of motor insurance products with various features. Apart from offering its customers discounts on voluntary deductibles, the company also provides coverage against third-party liabilities, free roadside assistance, and a variety of add-on covers. It has an impressive claim settlement ratio of 91%.
Bharti AXA General Insurance Co: Bharti AXA offers a wide range of motor insurance policies with features such as a cashless facility, discounts on voluntary deductibles, and a no-claim bonus. The company also has a hassle-free claim process and helps customers track their claims' status online. It has a claim settlement ratio of 88%.
Bajaj Allianz: It offers a range of motor insurance policies with a claim settlement ratio of 89%. It offers features such as a cashless garage facility, round-the-clock roadside assistance, and discounts on the return of premiums. The company also provides coverage against third-party liabilities and a no-claim bonus.
Following are the tips for getting car insurance in Siliguri with a low rate:
Shop Around: Shopping around for car insurance is among the best ways to get a good rate. Compare different companies and get multiple quotes. It may take some time, but it helps you save money in the long run.
Consider Your Driving Record: Your driving record can significantly affect how much you pay for your car insurance, so it's essential to ensure it's current.
Increase Your Deductible: Increasing your deductible can help lower monthly payments. However, you will have to pay more out of pocket when making a claim.
Look Into Bundling Your Policies: Some insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies. If you have car and home insurance, you may get a lower rate if you bundle them.
Ask About Available Discounts: Insurance companies often offer different discounts, so ask about them. It can include discounts for safe drivers, good students, or members of specific organizations.
Take advantage of cashless garages: You can often save money by having your car serviced at a cashless garage since you don't have to pay for the service upfront.
The filing process for a car insurance claim is straightforward. Filing a car insurance claim in India is essential to get the financial compensation you are eligible for in case of an accident or theft. Knowing how to file a claim can ensure you receive the maximum benefit from your policy and save time and effort.
Some of the top websites for car insurance include Policybazaar, Coverfox, Bajaj Allianz, HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, and Reliance General Insurance. Popular car insurance apps in India include Policybazaar, Bajaj Allianz, Coverfox, HDFC ERGO, and ICICI Lombard.
Following are the steps for filing a reimbursement claim
Contact your insurer: The first step is to contact your car insurer directly and inform them of the incident. They will provide you with all the necessary forms for the insurance claim process.
File your claim: Once you have all the documents, you can fill them out and submit them to your insurer. The documents should include details of the incident, any damage, and the estimated cost of repair or replacement.
Submit evidence: Once your paperwork is complete, you must submit any relevant evidence supporting your claim. It includes repair bills and quotes, photographs of the damage, and police reports for theft.
Claim approval: After assessing your claim, your insurer will approve it, reject it, or ask for more information and evidence. After approval of your claim, the insurer will reimburse you according to the policy terms.
Payment of claim: Your insurer will pay the settlement amount via cheque or online transfer after accepting your claim.
Applying for car insurance in Siliguri requires the driver to meet specific criteria. It includes having a valid driver's license, above 18 years old, providing the make and model of the vehicle, providing proof of insurance from the current or a new insurer, paying the insurance premium, selecting suitable coverage options, choosing a deductible amount, and being eligible for discounts.
The following are the documents needed for car insurance:
Valid registration certificate (RC): This official document proves a vehicle gets registered. It is mandatory to have a valid RC to obtain a car insurance policy in India.
Driving license: A driving license is also mandatory for car insurance, and it ensures the car's driver has the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely.
Government Id proof: You must also submit Id proof, such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID card.
Previous Year Policy Copy: If the policyholder has an existing policy, the insurance company must provide a copy of the last year's policy. The insurance company uses this document to compare policy or coverage changes between the two years.
Car insurance in India is a type of motor insurance that protects your vehicle from any liabilities arising from an accident. It also offers coverage for loss or damage caused to your car by natural calamities and theft. ### Is car insurance mandatory in India? Yes, it is mandatory for all vehicles operating on public roads in India to have at least third-party liability insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. ### What does ?premium? mean in car insurance plans? Premium is the money you pay to the insurance company in exchange for insurance coverage. The premium amount depends on the type of coverage you opt for and the type of vehicle you own. ### Is car insurance cheaper if I pay a higher deductible? You will generally pay a lower premium if you raise your deductible amount. However, you must pay more out of pocket when filing a claim. ### Is it essential to compare car insurance quotes? Comparing car insurance quotes from different companies is essential before selecting the best one for you. Comparing different policies online can help you find the best deal with the best coverage for your car. ### What are the different types of car insurance policies available in India? The two most common car insurance policies in India are third-party liability and comprehensive coverage. Third-party liability covers legal liabilities towards third parties, while comprehensive coverage provides additional coverage, including own damage and theft. ### Can I transfer my existing car insurance policy to another vehicle? Yes, you can sometimes transfer an existing policy to a new vehicle, and you must submit the required documents and pay the applicable fee. ### What should I do if my car insurance policy lapses? If your car insurance policy has lapsed, you must contact your insurance provider and renew the policy. You may need to pay the penalty or additional premium to reinstate the policy. ### Is there any No Claim Bonus offered in car insurance policies? Yes, most car insurance companies offer a No Claim Bonus (NCB) for policyholders who do not make any claims during the policy period. NCB is a discount offered on the renewal premium. ### Can I renew my car insurance policy online? You can renew your car insurance online, and most insurers provide their customers with this convenience for quick and easy policy renewal.