The comprehensive insurance policy covers a lot of extensive damage control options, as compared to the Third-Party mandatory coverage that includes only the damage to a third party during an accident. A comprehensive one is the smarter choice of the two. Keep reading to find out why. 

The Indian Insurance companies broadly offer two main types of car insurances – Comprehensive Coverage and the Third-party Coverage.

As the name suggests, a third-party insurance policy offers coverage only against third party liabilities in case of accidents, and you cannot avail it for personal damages. It is the most basic and legal form of insurance, and it is mandatory to have one in case you want to drive your car on a public road. 

A comprehensive four-wheeler coverage, albeit more expensive, is a smarter insurance choice as it covers costs beyond just the third-party liabilities. 

Here are some of the advantages of the comprehensive insurance policy.

• Protects against Accidental Damage Even if You are at Fault: The most attractive feature of comprehensive insurance is that it covers you against damages even if you are at fault in the accident. 

• Coverage Against Natural Causes: It also offers coverage due to damage to the vehicle because of natural disasters such as floods, storms, earthquakes, lightning, landslides etc.

• Coverage against burglary, theft, etc.: Comprehensive car insurances usually offer coverage beyond damages incurred from accidents, for example, in cases of loss of the vehicle due to theft or robberies, accidental external damage. They also extend to various instances of damage such as vandalism, damage occurring from fallen objects or hitting an animal. 

• Customise or Increase Protection with Add-ons: A comprehensive car policy allows you to customise the car insurance plan and increase the scope of the coverage by adding some add-ons. Some of these valuable add-ons are: 

• Road Side Assistance Coverage: Most insurance companies offer roadside assistance in cases where your car breaks down on the side of the road. Here, the coverage is either provided by a partner business that deals with roadside assistance services, or by a team employed by the insurance company itself. This generally includes services such as towing, flat tire service, battery service, fuel delivery, lockout service and extrication. 

• Zero Depreciation Cover: This policy provides you with a coverage of the damage to the entire body of your car without factoring in the depreciation. If your car gets damaged in an accident, the insurance will incur the replacement cost without taking into consideration depreciation.

• CNG/LPG Fuel Kit Coverage: If your car comes with a separate CNG/LPG Fuel Kit, you must get that insured too. Most comprehensive car insurance coverages include this feature in their policy. 

• Other Add-ons: Many insurance policies also allow you to extend your coverage to other aspects of damage control. You can get tyres, as well as a consumable cover for all the tinier aspects of the car down to the engine oil, screws and nuts. Different companies may offer different features in your insurance, study and compare the various options before you select the best one.

• It Increases the Resale Value of the Car: A car that is covered comprehensively against a wide scope of damages is valued more than a car that has just the basic third-party cover. Second-hand car buyers are more comfortable buying a car that comes with comprehensive four-wheeler insurance. 

With all of these extensive advantages, a comprehensive car insurance policy is a sure safety net for you to fall back on in case of need. A car is a valuable asset, and thus it’s essential to protect it and yourself from the financial upsets through a comprehensive auto insurance policy. 

Paul Petersen