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Driving without insurance is a ₹2,000–₹4,000 fine — and a single accident without cover can cost lakhs. Compare and buy the right motor insurance from 20+ top insurers, with cashless repairs at 6,500+ garages. Instant policy, no paperwork.
Choose your cover
3 types of motor insurance — which one do you need?
Motor insurance in India comes in three forms. Understanding the difference helps you make sure you're not under-protected — or paying for cover you don't need.
Third-party insurance
Third-party (TP) insurance is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. It covers damage or injury caused to a third party — another person, vehicle, or property — due to your vehicle. It does NOT cover any damage to your own car or bike.
⚠️ Note: TP-only cover is not recommended beyond mandatory compliance — your own vehicle is completely unprotected
Buy third-party cover ↗Comprehensive insurance
A comprehensive policy covers third-party liability AND your own vehicle damage from accidents, theft, fire, natural calamities (floods, earthquakes), riots, and vandalism. It is the most complete motor insurance available and is strongly recommended for all vehicles under 10 years old.
✅ Best for: All vehicles up to 10 years old — especially new cars, premium vehicles, and vehicles in flood-prone areas
🛡️ Buy comprehensive cover ↗Standalone own damage (OD)
A standalone own damage policy covers only your vehicle — accidental damage, theft, natural calamities. It must be paired with a separate third-party policy. This is useful if your long-term TP policy (3-year or 5-year) is still active but you want OD cover from a different insurer offering better rates or add-ons.
✅ Best for: Vehicles with a long-term TP policy already in force who want flexible OD cover or better rates
Buy standalone OD cover ↗What's covered
What is covered — and what is not — in motor insurance
A clear breakdown of coverage under a standard comprehensive motor insurance policy. Always read your policy schedule for specific terms.
| Situation / Expense | Third party only | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| Accident damage to third party's vehicle | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Injury / death of third party | ✅ Covered (unlimited) | ✅ Covered (unlimited) |
| Third party property damage | ✅ Up to ₹7.5 lakh | ✅ Up to ₹7.5 lakh |
| Accident damage to your own vehicle | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered (up to IDV) |
| Vehicle theft | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered (IDV payout) |
| Fire damage to vehicle | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered |
| Flood / waterlogging damage | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered |
| Earthquake / natural calamity | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered |
| Riot / vandalism / strike damage | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered |
| Personal accident cover (owner-driver) | ⚠️ Separate PA add-on | ⚠️ Separate PA add-on (₹15L, compulsory) |
| Drunk driving accidents | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered (policy void) |
| Driving without valid licence | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered (claim rejected) |
| Mechanical / electrical breakdown | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered (needs RSA add-on) |
| Tyre damage (standalone) | ❌ Not covered | ⚠️ Only if caused by accident |
| Vehicle used for commercial purpose (personal policy) | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered (needs commercial policy) |
Enhance your cover
8 motor insurance add-ons worth knowing about
Add-ons are optional covers that enhance your base comprehensive policy for a small additional premium. Some are essential — especially for new or expensive vehicles.
Zero depreciation (Nil dep / Bumper-to-bumper)
The insurer pays the full cost of replacing damaged parts without any depreciation deduction — regardless of the vehicle's age. Without this add-on, you could receive only 50–70% of replacement cost for a 3-year-old vehicle. One of the most valuable add-ons available.
💡 Our rating: Essential for all vehicles under 5 years old
⭐ Highly recommendedEngine & gearbox protection
Covers damage to the engine and gearbox caused by water ingression (waterlogging / flooding), lubricant leakage, or hydrostatic lock — none of which are covered under a standard policy. Especially critical in cities prone to waterlogging during monsoon season.
💡 Our rating: Essential in flood-prone areas or for cars with expensive engines
⭐ Highly recommendedRoadside assistance (RSA)
24/7 emergency support if your vehicle breaks down — towing service, flat tyre assistance, fuel delivery, battery jump-start, and emergency accommodation if stranded on a highway. Available anywhere in India at a single call.
💡 Our rating: Recommended for highway travellers and older vehicles
RecommendedConsumables cover
Covers the cost of consumables used during accident repair — engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, nuts, bolts, clips, and grease. These are excluded under a standard policy and can add up to ₹5,000–₹15,000 per repair claim, especially for premium vehicles.
💡 Our rating: Worth adding for premium and luxury vehicles
RecommendedReturn to invoice (RTI)
If your vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss, the standard payout is the IDV (which factors in depreciation). With RTI, the insurer pays you the original invoice price of the vehicle — effectively replacing the depreciation loss. Critical for new vehicles in the first 2–3 years.
💡 Our rating: Essential for vehicles in their first 2–3 years
⭐ Highly recommendedKey replacement cover
Covers the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged car keys including the programming costs for smart keys and key fobs. Modern car key replacement (especially for luxury vehicles with smart keys) can cost ₹5,000–₹30,000 — not covered under a standard policy.
💡 Our rating: Worth adding for vehicles with expensive smart keys
OptionalPersonal accident cover (PA)
Provides a lumpsum payout (up to ₹15 lakh mandatory, higher with optional add-on) to the owner-driver for accidental death or permanent disability arising from a vehicle accident. A compulsory ₹15 lakh PA cover is required by IRDAI for all motor policies. Additional PA for passengers is optional.
💡 Our rating: Compulsory ₹15L owner PA is mandatory; passenger PA highly recommended
⭐ Compulsory minimumTyre & rim protection
Covers cost of repairing or replacing tyres and rims damaged due to cuts, bursts, or bulges — not caused by accident. Standard policies only cover tyre damage in an accident. With run-flat tyre replacement costs running ₹15,000–₹30,000 per tyre for premium vehicles, this add-on pays for itself quickly.
💡 Our rating: Recommended for SUVs and premium vehicles with expensive tyres
Recommended for SUVsEstimate your premium
Motor insurance premium estimator
Get a quick estimate of your motor insurance premium based on your vehicle type, value, and age. For an exact quote, use our Turtlemint portal.
Reward for safe driving
No Claim Bonus (NCB) — save up to 50% on your premium
NCB is one of the most valuable features of motor insurance — it rewards safe drivers with increasing discounts on the own damage premium every claim-free year.
| Consecutive claim-free years | NCB Discount | Saving on ₹8,000 OD premium | Cumulative saving (5 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| After 1st claim-free year | 20% | ₹1,600 saved | ₹1,600 |
| After 2nd claim-free year | 25% | ₹2,000 saved | ₹3,600 |
| After 3rd claim-free year | 35% | ₹2,800 saved | ₹6,400 |
| After 4th claim-free year | 45% | ₹3,600 saved | ₹10,000 |
| After 5th claim-free year | 50% | ₹4,000 saved | ₹14,000 |
Two-wheeler insurance
Bike & scooter insurance — what's different
Two-wheeler insurance follows the same framework as car insurance but has a few key differences every bike owner should know.
5-year third-party policy mandatory for new bikes
For new two-wheelers purchased from April 2019 onwards, IRDAI mandates a 5-year third-party policy bundled with the vehicle. Own damage can be purchased annually or as a 5-year OD policy. After the 5-year TP expires, you renew TP annually like a car.
Pillion rider PA cover is optional but important
The compulsory ₹15 lakh PA cover is only for the owner-driver. If your pillion passenger is injured in an accident, they are not covered unless you add a Pillion Rider PA add-on. For regular commuters carrying a family member or colleague, this add-on is strongly recommended.
Zero dep is even more valuable for bikes
Plastic parts like fairing, body panels, and mudguards depreciate quickly (50%+ for parts over 2 years old). Since bikes have a higher proportion of plastic parts than cars, zero depreciation cover saves more per claim relative to premium cost for two-wheelers.
Bike insurance is very affordable — no excuse not to have it
Comprehensive insurance for a standard commuter bike (e.g. Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Hero Splendor) costs just ₹2,000–₹4,000 per year — less than ₹350/month. For a new premium bike (Royal Enfield, KTM, Bajaj Dominar), comprehensive cover is ₹5,000–₹12,000/year. The cost of not having it in one accident is many times higher.
Getting started
Buy or renew motor insurance online in 5 steps
The entire process takes under 2 minutes. No agent visit, no physical documents, instant policy on email.
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Enter vehicle details
Provide your vehicle registration number (RC), make, model, variant, fuel type, and current policy expiry date.
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Choose cover type
Select third-party only, standalone OD, or comprehensive cover. Compare plans from 20+ insurers side by side.
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Select add-ons
Add zero depreciation, engine protection, RSA, consumables cover, and RTI based on your vehicle and budget.
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Confirm NCB & IDV
Verify your current NCB to claim the maximum discount. Set the right IDV — not too low, not too high.
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Pay & get instant policy
Complete payment online. Policy document arrives on email instantly — valid immediately. No physical copy needed.
Before you renew
8 things every vehicle owner must know about motor insurance
These are the details that make the difference between a smooth claim and an unpleasant surprise at the garage.
Never let your policy lapse — even for one day
A lapsed motor insurance policy means you lose your entire accumulated NCB (up to 50% discount) and may require a physical inspection before renewal. Beyond financial loss, driving without insurance is a legal offence with a fine of ₹2,000–₹4,000 and possible imprisonment. Set a calendar reminder 30 days before your policy expiry.
⏰ Renew on timeSet the right IDV — not too low
Many vehicle owners deliberately under-declare IDV to save a few hundred rupees on premium. This is a costly mistake — if your vehicle is stolen or totally damaged, the insurer pays only the declared IDV, not the market value. The correct IDV should reflect the current market value of your vehicle. Don't sacrifice thousands in claim for hundreds in premium savings.
✅ Correct IDVThink twice before filing small claims
Filing a claim for small repairs (cracked bumper, broken wing mirror, minor dents) resets your NCB to zero. If you have a 50% NCB on a ₹10,000 OD premium, a small claim costs you ₹5,000 in lost NCB per year — far more than the claim amount for minor repairs. For damages under ₹8,000–₹10,000, it is almost always better to self-pay.
📊 Protect your NCBYour NCB transfers — even when you buy a new car
NCB belongs to you as the policyholder — not to the vehicle. When you sell your old car and buy a new one, your accumulated NCB (up to 50%) transfers to the new vehicle's policy. Request an NCB retention letter from your current insurer before selling your vehicle — this preserves your discount for the new policy.
🔄 NCB portabilityInform your insurer immediately after any accident
Most policies require you to inform the insurer within 24–48 hours of an accident or theft — regardless of whether you intend to file a claim. Delay in intimation can give the insurer grounds to reduce or deny the claim. Save your insurer's claim helpline number on your phone today.
⚠️ Timely intimationAlways use cashless garages for repairs
Cashless repair at a network garage means the insurer settles the bill directly — you pay nothing (or only the depreciation and non-covered items). Reimbursement claims at non-network garages require upfront payment, documentation, and waiting for refund. Check your insurer's garage network before you need it.
🔧 Cashless firstCheck add-ons at renewal — don't auto-renew blindly
Each year at renewal, review your add-ons and check if they still make sense. A zero depreciation add-on for a 7-year-old car may no longer be cost-effective. Engine protection becomes more valuable as the vehicle ages. Compare plans from multiple insurers at renewal — your loyalty to an existing insurer doesn't always translate to the best deal.
🔄 Review annuallyKeep digital copies of your policy and RC in your phone
Under MV Act amendments, a digital copy of your RC, DL, and insurance policy (in DigiLocker or insurer app) is legally valid during traffic stops and at accident sites. Store these digitally so you always have access — no more scrambling for paper documents in the glove compartment during an emergency.
📱 Go digitalLearn from others
5 motor insurance mistakes that cost vehicle owners lakhs
These are the mistakes we see most often — and every single one is completely avoidable.
Buying only third-party insurance to save money
A third-party only policy is ₹2,000–₹3,000 cheaper per year than comprehensive cover. But if your car worth ₹8 lakh is damaged in an accident or stolen, you receive nothing from your insurer. The difference in premium over 5 years is ₹10,000–₹15,000 — a fraction of what you'd lose in a single uninsured incident. Buying TP-only for a vehicle worth more than ₹2–₹3 lakh is false economy.
✅ Fix: Always buy comprehensive cover for vehicles under 10 years old. The premium difference is minor; the protection difference is enormous.
Under-declaring IDV to reduce premium
Declaring your car's IDV as ₹4 lakh when its market value is ₹7 lakh saves you perhaps ₹600–₹800 in annual premium. But if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you receive only ₹4 lakh — a shortfall of ₹3 lakh you must bear yourself. Saving ₹800 while risking ₹3 lakh is not a rational financial decision.
✅ Fix: Declare the correct market value IDV. If you're unsure of the right value, ask us — we'll help you set the correct IDV for your vehicle.
Not adding zero depreciation on a new car
Many buyers of new cars skip the zero depreciation add-on to save ₹1,000–₹2,000/year. In the first accident claim, they discover the insurer deducts 40–50% depreciation on plastic parts, rubber parts, and tyres. On a ₹50,000 repair bill, this deduction can be ₹15,000–₹20,000 — many times the cost of the zero dep add-on.
✅ Fix: Always add zero depreciation cover for vehicles under 5 years old. It is the single best-value add-on in motor insurance.
Not having engine protection in a flood-prone city
Every monsoon in Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore, hundreds of vehicles suffer engine damage from driving through waterlogged roads. Repairing a hydrolocked engine costs ₹1–₹3 lakh for a petrol car and ₹2–₹5 lakh for a diesel vehicle. A standard comprehensive policy does NOT cover flood-induced engine damage — only the engine protection add-on does.
✅ Fix: Add engine and gearbox protection cover at renewal — especially if you live in a city that experiences monsoon flooding. The add-on costs ₹800–₹2,000/year; an engine replacement costs lakhs.
Auto-renewing with the same insurer without comparing
Most vehicles are renewed with the same insurer out of habit or convenience. But motor insurance rates vary significantly between insurers — the same vehicle with the same add-ons can have a 20–30% premium difference across providers. Switching insurers at renewal (while preserving your NCB) can save ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year, especially if your preferred insurer has increased rates.
✅ Fix: Compare plans from 3–5 insurers every renewal. Use our Turtlemint portal for side-by-side comparison — it takes 2 minutes and could save you thousands.
Complete your protection
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions about motor insurance
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