Purpose of commercial vehicle insurance

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Being prepared is the best and most logical thing to do. With a goods carrying vehicle insurance policy, you can be rest assured that such unforeseen circumstances do not put a dent in your finances.

• Coverage offered for goods carrying vehicles can be for third-party liability or a comprehensive cover. Third-party liability protects against legal liability arising when a third party – property, vehicle, or person – is involved. Comprehensive coverage protects against third-party liability as well as expenses arising from damage to or loss of the policyholder’s own vehicle.

• Having an insurance policy for your goods carrying vehicle complies with the law of the land. It is mandatory for vehicles using public roads in India to have at least third-party liability cover.

• Insurance for good-carrying vehicles protects against financial losses that may be incurred due to the incapacity of the vehicle.

• Personal accident covers for the owner-driver compensates for losses incurred due to injury or death of the covered individual.

Who Should Buy Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance?

The Motor Vehicles Act passed in 1988 in India makes it compulsory for any vehicles using Indian roads to be protected by at the very least a third-party liability cover. Any company or individual that owns goods-carrying vehicles must be insured. So, if you own one, you will need to buy insurance for your goods carrying vehicle.

Major Benefits of Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance?

Companies providing insurance for goods carrying vehicles offer a host of benefits for their policyholders.

Features	Coverage and Benefits
Coverage	Coverage offered for third-party liability; comprehensive coverage protects against expenses from damage to own vehicles as well as liability involving a third party
Add-ons	Enhance protection by choosing from a range of add-ons
Online purchase	Easily purchase an insurance policy online and save on the hassle of physical paperwork
Easy claims process	Streamlined claims process enables policyholders to easily file a claim and avail of quick disbursement of funds
Cashless facility	The use of network garages provides an added benefit of cashless claims procedure

What Does A Goods Carrying Insurance Policy Cover?

Goods carrying insurance providers offer some standard coverage

• Accidents

  If the vehicle meets with an accident, the cost of damage and loss incurred is covered by the insurance policy.

• Theft

  Any expenses arising from loss or theft of the goods carrying vehicle is covered under the insurance policy. • Fire – Fire can be quite destructive. If the vehicle is damaged or lost in the fire, the policy covers the expenses as per the agreement.

• Natural Disasters

  Any loss or damage due to natural disasters is covered under the goods carrying vehicle insurance policy.

• Personal Accident Cover

  If the owner-driver is injured or dies in the accident, the personal accident cover affords up to INR 15 lakh to the insured

• Third-party Liability

  All vehicles insured with a goods carrying vehicle insurance policy are protected against legal liability when a third person, vehicle, or property is involved in the accident.

• Man-made Calamities

  Some goods carrying insurance policies also protect against damage to or loss of vehicles arising from riots and strikes.




What Are The Exclusions Of A Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance Policy?

• Own-damage for only third-party liability cover

  If your vehicle is insured against third-party liability only, then damages to the policyholder’s vehicle are not covered.

• General wear and tear

  All vehicles are prone to wear and tear from regular use. Expenses for such circumstances will not be covered under the policy.

• Consequential damages

  Cost of repairs for any damage that is a result of previous damage is not covered by a goods carrying vehicle insurance policy.

• Compulsory deductible

  The compulsory deductible amount that the policyholder is required to pay at the time of a claim is not covered by the policy.

• Breach of contract

  If the agreement between the insurance provider and policyholder is breached during the accident, then the claim is not covered by the company. For e.g. using the goods carrying vehicle for purposes other than that outlined in the policy.

• Negligence

  If the goods carrying vehicle sustains damage due to negligence, the costs arising are not covered under the policy.

• Driving under the influence

  If the vehicle is being driven while the driver is intoxicated, any claim arising from damage due to this circumstance will not be covered

• Driving without a valid license

  Any damage or loss arising from an accident where the driver does not hold a valid license is not covered under the policy.

• Violating traffic rules

  Damage arising from an accident where traffic rules are broken is not covered under the goods carrying vehicle insurance policy

• Damage from war or war-like conditions

  Any damage or loss due to war or war-like conditions and nuclear radiation is not covered under the policy.




What Are My Options For Types Of Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance Policies

Insurance providers offer mainly two different types of policies for goods carrying vehicles. These can be tailored with the use of add-ons.

• Third-party Liability Only

  This type of policy is mandatory under the law. It protects the policyholder against liabilities that arise when a third person, property, or vehicle is involved in the claim.

• Comprehensive Cover

  This type of coverage includes third-party liability and own-damage cover. It not only provides coverage in the event of the involvement of a third party, but it also covers the expenses that may arise due to damage to or loss of the policyholder’s vehicle.

Add-ons Coverage

Insurance companies offer add-ons to policyholders as a way of customizing a policy to include more coverage if required by the policyholder. These add-ons range from nil depreciation cover to cover for the cost of consumables and everything in between

Tips For Buying Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance

While purchasing a policy for your goods carrying vehicle, you should look for the best deal out there.

• The first thing you need to do is determine what sort of coverage you want for your vehicle.

• Once you have determined the type of coverage you’re looking for, start researching the different companies that offer the insurance terms that you want for your vehicle..

• Check the settlement ratio of the insurance providers. This gives you an idea of the possibility of a settlement of a valid claim.

• Customize your policy according to your requirements by choosing add-ons that are relevant. Indiscriminately purchasing add-ons can sky-rocket the premium amount, so be prudent.

• Compare the different policies and add-ons that your shortlisted insurance providers offer and check the quotes.

• Before you purchase the policy, make sure you go through the terms and conditions listed so that you are aware of what exactly is covered and what isn’t..

How Can You File A Claim Under My Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance?

Claims can be filed online or in person. Both ways entail a set process.

1. Inform the insurance provider of an impending claim via call or email. Calls are preferred by insurance companies since it accelerates the process.

2. Take pictures of the accident and record any details of the witnesses.

3. Take your goods carrying vehicle to the nearest garage for repairs

4. File an FIR with the nearest police station. If the vehicle is lost and cannot be found, the police will issue a no-trace certificate.

5. Fill and sign the claims form and submit it along with the relevant documents and no-trace certificate if needed.

6. If the vehicle is repaired at a network garage, the insurance company directly settles the amount with the garage. If it is not a network garage, then the expenses will be reimbursed to you.

What Documents Should You Submit While Filing A Claim?

When filing a claim, the policyholder is required to submit a set of documents for the claim to be processed. These are:

1. Filled and signed claims form

2. Original registration certificate of the vehicle along with a photocopy.

3. A copy of the FIR

4. A copy of the no-trace certificate if the vehicle is lost or stolen.

5. Fitness certificate

6. The license of the person driving the vehicle at the time of the accident

What Are The Advantages Of A Premium Calculator For A Goods Carrying Vehicle Insurance Policy?

Insurance companies offer policies for a premium. This amount seals the agreement between the insurance provider and the policyholder.

Premiums vary from policy to policy. The amount set depends on the risk involved. This is calculated by taking a number of factors into account. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• The insured declared value of the vehicle

• The make and model of the vehicle

• The registration number of the vehicle

• The place where the vehicle is registered

• The age of the vehicle – calculated from the year of its registration

• The type of fuel that the vehicle consumes