Guide to Car Insurance: Protecting Your Vehicle and Belongings

Loss of Personal Belongings Cover

What is Loss of Personal Belongings in Car Insurance?

There could be times when your personal items are left unattended in your vehicle. They may be taken from the insured vehicle and become lost or damaged, leaving you with a loss. This is what “loss of personal Belongings” means in terms of auto insurance.

You may be wondering if theft of stuff inside the car is covered by auto insurance when you insure your vehicle. If not, does your auto insurance have specific theft coverage? What happens if the personal belongings in the car are damaged? In response, it can be said that a standard third-party auto insurance policy does not provide this kind of coverage. It may be available under a comprehensive policy if you have supplementary coverage. By adding a Personal Belongings Cover Add-on to your Comprehensive Policy, you can get this additional coverage.

Personal Belongings Cover Add-on: 

This add-on can be purchased for an additional price. With this coverage in place, your insurance will pay damages in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy if your personal belongings from the insured car are damaged or stolen.

Certain insurers may provide additional coverage through distinct add-ons. The various specialized insurance that may be available are as follows:

1. Add-on Personal Effects, Including Electronic Devices
2. Personal Effects Add-on Damage Particular
3. Add-on Personal Property Theft Particular

Be aware that certain insurance providers may use a mix-and-match strategy or present the aforementioned plans in a package. Some might not even provide a cover of this kind. The add-on may be available in some circumstances, but there may be a long list of exclusions.

Exclusions of the Personal Belongings Add-ons: 

Exclusions are those situations where the insurance company will NOT cover you. These exclusions are clearly stated in the Policy Wordings of the cover. Different insurers might have different exclusions in place. It is best to review them before purchasing and filing a claim under the policy. The insurance company will not authorize your claim if it relates to a circumstance that is listed in the policy’s exclusions list.

Here’s a list of generic exclusions of a Personal Belongings Cover Add-on in car insurance: 

1. Informing the insurance company after thirty days of the incident, 
2. Loss caused due to the policyholder’s negligence, 
3. Loss in circumstances where the car’s doors and windows were not locked. 
4. Loss to Belongings kept in the insured car with relation to trade or business. 
5. Loss of data stored in an electrical device. 
6. In case the damaged or lost belongings were kept in the vehicle overnight. 
7. Lack of proper documentation with respect to invoices and First Information Report (FIR)
8. Other points mentioned in the Policy Wordings. 

Claim Procedure: 

Step 1: Contact the insurer and explain the situation. 

Step 2: Share the required details for verification.

Step 3: Follow the process stated by the insurer. For example, file a First Information Report in a police station for theft. 

Step 4: Comply with the claims team and submit documents as required, if any. 

Step 5: Receive claim amount as per the applicable circumstances. 

It should be noted that the sum collected as part of the claim settlement will account for the asset’s depreciation cost that was damaged or destroyed. For instance, if an accident totally destroyed a laptop while it was in the car, the insurance will only provide the laptop’s depreciated value—not the invoice value.

Documents Required for Claim Settlement Process: 

Insurance businesses that prioritize digitalization are currently shifting away from the traditional paper-based claim settlement procedure. They do not require the submission of an extensive number of documents in order to streamline and facilitate the claim procedure. Companies approach this process in different ways, though.

The following paperwork is typically required in the event that a claim is made against a personal belongings cover. Be aware that the precise list of papers may vary depending on the specific claim and the claim settlement policy of the insurance.

1. Claim form (hard copy or digital).
2. The First Information Report in copy form.
3. The aforementioned assets’ invoices.
4. Any other supporting records that the insurer requests.

  Key Replacement Cover 

Contemporary automobiles, particularly high-end models, come fitted with a remote key lock or keyless FOB (Frequently Operated Buttons) system. Because the FOB is electronically controlled, you can start or stop the car’s engine with a simple button push, eliminating the need for a car key to open the lock or start the engine.

Replaceable high-end car keys can be costly due to the use of sophisticated technologies like FOB. Although the majority of insurance providers cover misplaced keys, they do not provide coverage against vehicle locks. But, you may choose the best plan for your automobile and its key by speaking with your insurer to find out if they cover both key and lock replacement.

What is Key Replacement Cover in Car Insurance?

The history of car keys has changed over time. They are more than just a piece of metal with grooves on it for unlocking or starting the vehicle. Car keys that are sophisticated and high-tech are becoming the standard, particularly electronic keys. We refer to them as FOBs, or frequency operated buttons. It costs a lot of money to replace them if they are misplaced or lost. Insurance providers are keeping up with the times and offering add-on coverage for these types of automobile keys. In terms of auto insurance, the coverage for your car keys is referred to as Key Replacement Cover.

Key Replacement Cover is not a stand-alone policy; rather, it is an Add-on to your Comprehensive insurance for your car. The Key Replacement Add-on will pay the additional premium necessary to cover the expense of replacing the insured vehicle’s key. This may include the price of replacing the lock set in the event that the lock or key is broken, lost, stolen, or damaged.

The benefits of this Add-on are subject to the terms and conditions listed below: 

1. To substantiate the accusation, a First Information Report (FIR) must be submitted to the police.
2. The new lock, key, or lockset ought to be identical in sort and nature.
3. Not later than 30 days after the insurance company is notified.
4. Broken or damaged keys will have a replacement key made. The complete set of keys, lock, and lockset will be replaced in the event that it is stolen.ought to be similar in kind and character.

The exclusions are listed below: 

1. Any loss or damage to a lock, set of keys, or result from malevolent activity or a purposeful criminal act.
2. Any loss or damage protected by the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
3. Any claim for which the payments made are not supported by legitimate invoices or receipts.
4. Everything lost or damaged as a result of radiation or dangerous qualities.
5. Any loss or damage to any component of the covered car other than the ignition system, an immobilizer, an alarm, or the infrared handset that is connected to the FOB, as well as the keys, lock, or lockset and its related parts.

How to Buy Key Protect Claim Add-on?

It is possible to add auto key protector coverage to a comprehensive auto insurance policy. It is a requirement that you select when purchasing or re-purchasing standard comprehensive insurance. Using the internet method makes purchasing a Key Protect Add-on much simpler. The instructions for purchasing Key Protect Add-on cover online are listed below:

STEP 1: Check out the mobile app or website of the insurance provider.

STEP 2: Purchase the Add-on coverage along with the standard comprehensive auto insurance policy before making the payment and acquiring the policy. When your auto insurance coverage is being renewed, you can also purchase the Key Protect Cover.

STEP 3: Straightaway receive the policy document via email.

Benefits of Key Protection Add-on Cover: 

Below are the benefits of the Key Protection Add-on Cover: 

• If a car key, lock, or lockset is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement of the same kind and type will be provided.
• In the event of theft or burglary, a new key will be issued, and the lockset will be changed.
• Simple internet interaction.
• Won’t have an impact on the policyholder’s ability to get a No Claim Bonus (NCB) at renewal.

What does Car Key Cover include:

Car Key Cover or the Key Replacement Cover is an Add-on to the Comprehensive Insurance Policy. The insurance company will reimburse the insured, up to the insured amount specified in the insurance policy for the purpose of replacing the insured car’s key if the key is: 

1. Lost 
2. Stolen 
3. Damaged 
4. Repairing of the lockset if the lockset or the key is damaged. 
5. Key replacement only in case the key is damaged or broken. 
6. In the case of burglary, the key, lock and lockset will be replaced. 

Tyre Protect Cover:

When compared to other parts of the car, tires are one of the major components that experience the most wear and strain. Choosing an insurance policy is imperative in light of India’s poor road conditions in order to prevent unforeseen tyre and tube replacement costs. 

Tyre Protection in Car Insurance

Tyre protection is an optional feature of auto insurance that offers coverage for the replacement cost of the vehicle’s tires. For an extra price, you can get Own Damage (OD) coverage alone or in conjunction with a Comprehensive Auto Insurance Policy. It is essential to purchase car insurance with a Tyre Protection Cover to supplement your vehicle’s coverage, as the basic plans do not cover damage to your car’s tires.

1. The cost of damage or loss to the insured vehicle resulting from an accident, fire, theft, or other natural or man-made disasters is covered by comprehensive insurance.
2. Unexpected events are unsightly. It can harm the tires as well as the whole car. Tyre insurance will assist you in preventing these kinds of losses.
3. If your vehicle is destroyed and your tires or tubes are damaged as well, your comprehensive car insurance provider will have to cover 50% of the replacement cost.

What is Not Covered Under Tyre Cover in Car Insurance?

When purchasing comprehensive auto insurance for your vehicle, it is advised that you familiarize yourself with the exclusions under the tire insurance policy.

• Tyre Repair and Puncture Cost

A common issue with cars is a puncture, which can be rectified in any auto shop. The coverage for tire insurance does not cover minor repairs or punctures, nor does it cover normal wear and tear on the tires and tubes of the covered vehicle.

• Replacing Cost of the Damaged Tyre

There are several causes of tire damage, including punctures, cracks, cuts, bulges, and more. Replaceable parts might be an option in some situations. In this scenario, tire insurance will not pay to repair any damage to the car if there is none.

• Labour Charges

You could have to pay more for labor while moving or installing a tire. Car insurance does not cover labor charges for tyre replacement, wheel removal, or wheel rebalancing when it comes to tires.

• Damage Due to Transportation and Overloading 

When items are improperly stored, hefty loads can harm the tires on a car. The expense of repairing a vehicle’s tyre damaged during commercial transit is not covered by the comprehensive insurance policy’s tyre insurance component.

• Repair Cost Due to Rally or Racing

Damage to the insured vehicle’s tire or tube resulting from racing or rallying is not covered by the tire protection policy.

Consumable Cover    

Commodities with a single, limited usage are considered consumables. These things might not be utilized again after they are used. Because of wear and tear, these items need to be updated on a regular basis. These products include, but are not limited to, engine oil, ball bearings, nuts, bolts, washers, brake oil, screws, lubricant, and air conditioning refrigerant.

What will it cover?

The following would be covered under a consumable cover:

Other than fuel, similar products include engine oil, gearbox oil, nuts and bolts, grease, washers, oil filters, lubricants, power steering oil, AC gas oil, radiator coolant, and so forth.

How to Buy a Consumable Cover Add-on in Car Insurance?

When purchasing or renewing your auto insurance policy, you have the choice of purchasing this coverage offline or online. To purchase a Consumable Cover, take the actions listed below.

Step 1: Visit the Insurer’s website from whom you would like to buy the cover. 

Step 2: Share basic car related information

Step 3: Select the Comprehensive Plan 

Step 4: Select the Consumable Cover from the available Add-ons

Step 5: Make the payment and receive the policy

Please review these terms and conditions before choosing a consumable cover.

1. Only if it is approved under the “Own Damage” portion of your comprehensive auto insurance may you make a claim under this add-on. This indicates that it excludes the cost of consumables from third-party vehicle insurance.
2. Your car’s consumables must be fixed within three days after the accident date in order for your claim to be approved. You have a window of time within which to get your car fixed at the shop. Thus, be sure to notify the insurance provider as soon as the mishap occurs.
3. Typically, cars that are no more than five years old are eligible for such an add-on.

The Top Benefit of a Consumable Cover Add-on in Car Insurance:

The main advantage of an add-on for motor vehicle consumable cover is that the insurance company pays for both the repair price and the consumables used to fix the damaged vehicle, saving you money. You can avoid worrying about paying for the consumables by paying a small fee to acquire the Add-on.

1. PRIVATE CAR PACKAGE POLICY ADD-ONS CONSUMABLES:

By adding the Consumables Cover Add-on to your Comprehensive Car Insurance plan, you can buy it for your personal vehicle.

2. Special Conditions

The cover will consider only those consumables mentioned in the policy document. 

3. Documents Required: 

Unless otherwise noted, no particular documentation are required in order to purchase this add-on online. You must have an active comprehensive auto insurance policy with the add-on listed as included, as well as the repair bill for a reimbursement claim, in order to settle your claim.

4. PRIVATE CAR PACKAGE POLICY -CONSUMABLES- 3 YEARS:

The Add-on is also available for purchase as part of the three-year package policy.

5. Special Conditions: 

The rules and conditions of the policy will apply while evaluating consumables.

6. Documents Required: 

For purchases made online, no paperwork is needed. Provide an active Comprehensive plan with the Add-on coverage in order to get your claim settled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Car Insurance Add-ons:

Q1. What is Loss of Personal Belongings Cover in car insurance?

A1. Loss of Personal Belongings Cover provides protection for personal items left unattended in your insured vehicle, reimbursing you for damages or theft according to the policy terms.

Q2. Does standard auto insurance cover theft of items inside the car?

A2. No, typically, standard third-party auto insurance policies do not cover theft of personal belongings inside the car. Supplementary coverage, like the Personal Belongings Cover Add-on, is needed.

Q3. What does Key Replacement Cover include in car insurance?

A3. Key Replacement Cover reimburses the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged car keys and may also cover lock replacements. It’s usually an add-on to comprehensive insurance policies.

Q4. How can I purchase Key Replacement Add-on Cover?

A4. You can purchase Key Replacement Cover when buying or renewing your comprehensive auto insurance policy. It’s often available online through the insurer’s website or mobile app.

Q5. What is Tyre Protect Cover in car insurance?

A5. Tyre Protect Cover provides coverage for the replacement cost of your vehicle’s tires in case of damage from accidents, theft, fire, or other covered events, typically as an add-on to comprehensive insurance.

Q6. What is not covered under Tyre Protect Cover?

A6. Tyre repair and puncture costs, damage due to transportation or overloading, labor charges, and damage from racing or rallying are usually not covered under Tyre Protect Cover.

Q7. What are Consumable Covers in car insurance?

A7. Consumable Covers reimburse the cost of consumables like engine oil, nuts and bolts, lubricants, etc., used during vehicle repairs due to covered events. It’s an add-on to comprehensive insurance.

Q8. How do I buy a Consumable Cover Add-on?

A8. You can buy Consumable Cover when purchasing or renewing your comprehensive auto insurance policy. Simply select the add-on option during the buying process.

Q9. What is the main benefit of a Consumable Cover Add-on?

A9. The primary advantage is that the insurance company covers both repair costs and the cost of consumables used during vehicle repairs, saving you money in the process.

Q10. Are there any specific conditions for making a claim under Consumable Cover?

A10. Claims can typically be made under the Own Damage section of your comprehensive insurance policy. Consumables must be replaced within a specified timeframe after the accident, usually within three days. Additionally, the car must usually be under a certain age to be eligible for this add-on.