Got any queries about auto Insurance, your policy documentation, filing claims and more? You should find the answers you need right here in this detailed section. It makes everything to do with auto Insurance a whole lot easier for you :
GENERAL :
	Do I need to have auto Insurance?
	Yes, the Motor Vehicle Act states that every motor vehicle plying on the road has to be insured, with a Liability Only policy at the very least.
	How do I pay for the Insurance?
	You can pay your Insurance premium by cheque, demand draft or cash... the choice is yours.
	What if I don't receive my Insurance certificate right away?
	In case you do not receive your Insurance certificate right away, you will be given a cover note. This is a temporary Insurance document establishing proof of Insurance with which you can register your vehicle. A cover note is valid for 60 days from the date of its issuance and is replaced by an Insurance policy.
	Why must I renew my auto Insurance every year? Can I buy a multi-year policy?
	Your vehicle's Insurance is governed by the India Motor Tariff which does not permit a policy period of more than 12 months. However, you can extend your policy for a period not exceeding 12 months, by paying an additional premium and detailing your reasons for extension. If the Insurer accepts your request, the policy will carry a warranty specifying that on the extended period's expiry the policy will be renewed with the same Insurer.
	Can I renew my Insurance with another Insurance company?
	Yes, you can. However, you need to fill in a fresh proposal form and the new insurer may ask for a physical inspection of your vehicle.
	What happens if my Insurance premium is not paid on time?
	Quite simply, you will not be covered and the Insurance company will not be liable, should anything happen to your vehicle. What's more, you cannot legally drive without Insurance in any public place.
	Is there any penalty if my premium is not paid on time?
	None at all. Keep in mind, however, that you will be driving without Insurance and, if your vehicle is damaged or injures a third party, you will have to pay for the damages or legal liability out of your own resources. You could also be held responsible for driving uninsured in a public place.
	Can I cancel my Insurance and get a refund during the policy period?
	Yes, but only if you show that your vehicle has been insured elsewhere, or your vehicle has been legally cancelled by the RTO. Once the policy has been cancelled, the balance of the premium can be refunded to you. The balance premium will be calculated on the basis of short period scale of rates and the refund will be subject to : There being no claim during the policy period. Minimum premium as per the Tariff, being retained by the company.
PRODUCT RELATED :
	What are the different types of auto Insurance?
	There are 2 types: Liability Only cover and Package cover. Liability Only cover, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, insures you against any legal liability following an accident involving your vehicle. It does not cover any damage to your vehicle. Package cover insures all liabilities, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, as well as damages caused to your vehicle.
	How is the premium calculated?
	It's done according to the rules of the India Motor Tariff, based on the cubic capacity of your vehicle's engine, its age, place of registration and value. In case you want extended coverage - for Personal Accident, accessories, etc. - you may have to pay an additional premium. The premium is also subject to certain deductions including No Claim Bonus, Automobile Association and Anti-theft Device discounts. You will need to submit documents or particulars to avail of these discounts.
	If I haven't made a claim on my policy, do I get any discount?
	Yes, you will earn a No Claim Bonus discount at the end of the policy period if no claim has been paid or reported under your policy for loss/damage to the vehicle. This discount is effective at renewal.
	During the policy period, if I add accessories like a music system in my vehicle, are they also covered?
	Yes, they will be, as long as you make a written request to us, with a description of the accessories along with their value. You may also have to pay an additional premium.
	What is meant by a No Claim Bonus?
	Quite simply, it's a discount in the Own Damage premium payable when renewing your policy after a claim-free year. Given with Package or Comprehensive Policies, it builds into a substantial discount over a 3-4 year period, and is an incentive for driving carefully and avoiding accidents.
	How long do I continue to enjoy the No Claim Bonus?
	You benefit from the No Claim Bonus as long as you do not make a claim under your Insurance policy.
	What are the different types of Personal Accident Covers available for drivers and passengers?
	An owner-driver is provided Personal Accident Cover of up to Rs. 2 lacs (for cars)/Rs. 1 lac (for two-wheelers). This cover can also be extended to paid drivers and persons traveling in the vehicle, on a named as well as unnamed basis.
	Does the policy cover me against any acts of terrorism?
	Yes.
	Is my vehicle insured while in transit?
	Yes, you're covered if any damage occurs while your vehicle is being transported by road, rail, inland waterway, etc.
BUYING A POLICY :
	How do I buy an auto Insurance policy?
	If you're buying a new vehicle, your dealer arranges it for you. If you already own a vehicle and wish to change over to HDFC ERGO General Insurance, call our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700 to approach us directly. Our representative will get in touch with you and guide you through the process. As soon as we receive your proposal form and your cheque for the premium, your policy will be processed within two working days.
	What documents do I need to submit when buying Insurance for my vehicle?
	All you need to submit is a signed proposal form - in certain cases, with some additional documents, if applicable. Once that is accepted by us, you just have to pay your premium in full, by cash or cheque.
	On what value is the renewal Insurance calculated? Is any depreciation taken into account?
	When renewing your Insurance, you have to find out the manufacturer's listed selling price for your brand and model of vehicle, and then follow the depreciation table given below : Age of the Vehicle % of Depreciation for Fixing IDV Not exceeding 6 months 5 Exceeding 6 months but not exceeding 1 year 15 Exceeding 1 year but not exceeding 2 years 20 Exceeding 2 years but not exceeding 3 years 30 Exceeding 3 years but not exceeding 4 years 40 Exceeding 4 years but not exceeding 5 years 50
	Can I pay the premium for my auto Insurance in installments?
	No, the law (Insurance Act, 1938) does not permit us to accept your auto Insurance premiums in installments.
	How do I make changes in my policy?
	Simply call our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700 and we'll guide you. All changes require a confirmation in writing from you and some may involve payment of an additional premium. The changes will be carried out within two working days of receiving your written request and cheque for the additional premium, if applicable.
	What if my policy is misplaced?
	Call our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700 and we'll advise you how to proceed. You may have to pay a small fee for a duplicate policy.
	How do I renew my policy?
	We will send you a renewal notice well in advance of your policy expiry date. Simply confirm acceptance of renewal and send your cheque for the premium to us at our correspondence address. You can also renew your policy through the dealer from where you bought your policy initially.
CLAIMS :
	What must I do to file a claim?
	As soon as your vehicle meets with an accident or injures a third party or damages the property of a third party, inform us on our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700. A Claim Service Representative will get in touch with you and guide you on the procedures and documents necessary to process your claim. If your vehicle is involved in an accident which injures a third party or damages a third party's property, you must report the matter to the police. If your vehicle is stolen and/or has been damaged by miscreants, terrorists or arsonists, report the matter to the police and obtain a FIR (First Information Report). If there is a delay in filing a claim due to unavoidable reasons (for instance, if you're injured or traveling outside your city of domicile), HDFC ERGO General Insurance will normally waive the delay.
	Do I need a FIR in case of any accident?
	You have to obtain a FIR in any of the following cases : Any third party personal injury or death due to an accident involving your vehicle. Any personal injury or death of a paid driver. Any personal injury or death of an owner-driver. Any personal injury or death of a passenger. Any third party property damage. Theft of the entire vehicle. Theft of accessories, stereo-recorders, other vehicle parts. Any loss or damage to the vehicle by miscreants, rioters, terrorists, arsonists, etc.
	Where do I lodge my claim?
	You can report your claim by calling our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700 and following the instructions given to you.
	How do I get a claim form?
	A form is included in this pack for you. Our Claim Service Representative will also hand over a form to you when you report a claim. A form can also be faxed to you on request.
	What documents need to be submitted when I make a claim?
	You will need to submit a claim form along with the following : A copy of the vehicle's registration book. A copy of the driving license of the person driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. An estimate of the repairs. A copy of the police FIR/panchnama in case of theft or any third party personal injury/death or property damage. If the vehicle is declared a total loss, either due to an accident or theft, you will also have to provide the following documents - RTO transfer papers, original RC book, original Insurance policy, the vehicle's original keys, a no objection certificate from you for transfer of the vehicle, a letter of indemnity on judicial stamp paper and a letter of subrogation on judicial stamp paper.
	How long will it take to process my claim?
	If you take your vehicle to the dealer from whom you made the purchase and your claim documents are in order, you benefit from an almost cashless repair service. Simply pay a small sum towards depreciation, consumable items billed by the repairer and compulsory excess to be borne by you under the Motor Insurance Policy terms and conditions. Once your vehicle is repaired, sign the satisfaction voucher acknowledging that you're satisfied with the repairs, and you can drive away without any further hassle. The dealer will take care of all the other formalities. However, if your vehicle meets with a major accident and the repair costs exceed 75% or more of the insured value, the claim settlement process may take up to 30 days. If the entire vehicle is stolen and cannot be recovered, we would use the help of a specialist investigator to try and trace the vehicle, and obtain the necessary documents from the police. This could take up to 60 days and will depend on your co-operation in getting the necessary documents.
	If my vehicle is repaired at any garage that I select, will HDFC ERGO General Insurance reimburse me?
	Yes. Where your vehicle is repaired is up to you. In these cases, you will have to first pay the repair cost and then submit the bills and cash memos to us for reimbursement. We will check the bills and repay you the amount spent on repairing the accident damages only, as per the terms and conditions of your policy.
	What do I do if the vehicle is stolen and the original policy is lost?
	First, report the matter to the following : HDFC ERGO General Insurance. The police. The Road Transportation Office (RTO) where the vehicle is registered. Make sure you obtain an acknowledgement from the RTO on a copy of your letter intimating the loss of the vehicle to them. Then, call our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700 to get a duplicate copy of your policy and for help with filing a claim. You will need to fill in a claim form and submit the police FIR to us, after which an investigator will be appointed to trace your vehicle. Depending on the outcome of the investigations, we will offer you a claim settlement, at which point additional documents may be called for.
	What if the accident takes place in a city other than where the policy was issued?
	It doesn't matter where the accident happens. Just call our toll-free helpline 1800-2-700-700 and our Claim Service Representative will guide you through the procedures.
	What's my liability if someone else is driving at the time of the accident?
	Legally, anyone driving a particular category of vehicle has to hold a valid driving license for that category. As the owner, you must ensure that only those with a valid driving license are given control of your vehicle. Also ensure that no one drives your vehicle while under the influence of liquor or any other intoxicant. If the driver is intoxicated at the time of the accident, HDFC ERGO General Insurance is not liable for either damage to the vehicle or any third party legal liability.
	If I have a hire purchase vehicle that's stolen, who is eligible for the claim?
	If a vehicle under hire purchase or hypothecation is a total loss, the claim for accident damage or theft is paid to the finance company, bank or corporate body from whom the vehicle is leased/hypothecated. However, if the damage can be repaired, the claim is normally paid to the vehicle owner. If it's an almost cashless repair facility at an authorised dealer, then the amount is paid to the dealer where the vehicle has been repaired.
	Can I produce bills at the end of the year and claim for small repairs carried out?
	No, a claim needs to be lodged immediately with us and will not be payable, if delayed beyond a reasonable period. Moreover, accumulated damages are not payable.
	Who bears towing charges?
	If you ask for towing services in the event of an accident, we will pay up to Rs. 1500 (for cars)/Rs. 300 (for two-wheelers) or the actual amount spent, whichever is lower.
	Are servicing costs included in the claim amount?
	No, your Insurance policy does not cover any servicing costs.
	What is HDFC ERGO General Insurance's role in a third party injury/property damage suit?
	We will handle the legal suit from the moment you receive a notification till the case is resolved. We will either settle the case out of court or actively defend the matter at the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. Your co-operation will be essential in gathering the necessary documentation and mounting a defense - viz. vehicle registration papers, driving license of the person driving the vehicle, police FIR and panchnama, vakalatnama signed by you, your written statement as to the facts of the accident. We will also take care of legal liability and costs awarded by the tribunal. However, we will not be able to help you in the following situations : Where your Insurance policy is not valid, either because it has expired or because the cheque for your premium has been dishonoured. The person driving the vehicle at the time of the accident was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The person driving the vehicle at the time of the accident did not hold a valid driving license to drive the said vehicle.
	Will HDFC ERGO General Insurance give me an advance on the basis of a damage estimate?
	No, your vehicle must first be repaired, after which we reimburse the amount payable to you under your policy.
	What is meant by Total Loss?
	Total Loss refers to accident damage to your vehicle where the cost of repairs amounts to more than 75% of the IDV on your policy.
	Will the claim amount be paid out to the workshop or to me, the policy holder?
	If you've used the almost cashless repair facility, the claim money is paid directly to the workshop. In other cases, it is you, the policyholder, who receives the claim amount.
	What do I do if the insured vehicle gets damaged in transit?
	You can follow the same procedure for filing a claim as you normally would. However, you must also take these additional steps immediately after you find out about the loss : Obtain a Damage Certificate from the railways/road transport company. Lodge a claim on the railways/road transport company and get an acknowledgement of the same. You should also send a claim via Registered AD Letter in case the carrier refuses to acknowledge your claim letter.
	In case my vehicle is sold and an accident occurs while the policy is in the process of being transferred, would the new owner be eligible to file a claim?
	Yes, as long as the request for transfer of Insurance was received before the accident happened.
	If there's any damage to my vehicle, do I get 100% of the claim amount?
	No. You will have to pay for depreciation on the parts replaced and a small deductible. Any consumables normally billed by the dealer/garage, such as brake oil, engine oil, etc., also have to be settled by you.
	If any accessories are stolen from my vehicle, do I get their full value or is depreciation taken into account?
	We will have to take depreciation into account while calculating the claim amount to be paid.
	You have to follow the depreciation rates below for replacement parts in partial loss claims for all categories of vehicles/accessories : For all rubber, nylon/plastic parts, tyres and tubes, batteries. 50% For all fiber glass components. 30% For all parts made of glass. Nil Rate of depreciation for all other parts, including wooden parts, is as per the following table : Age of the Vehicle % of Depreciation Not exceeding 6 months Nil Exceeding 6 months but not exceeding 1 year 5 Exceeding 1 year but not exceeding 2 years 10 Exceeding 2 years but not exceeding 3 years 15 Exceeding 3 years but not exceeding 4 years 25 Exceeding 4 years but not exceeding 5 years 35 Exceeding 5 years but not exceeding 10 years 40 Exceeding 10 years 50
	What is salvage and what happens to it?
	Salvage refers to discarded parts that are damaged beyond repair and, therefore, need to be replaced. If these parts have no economic value (broken glass, torn plastic, rubber parts), they are thrown away. However, parts like doors, panels, petrol tanks, front forks, etc., do have a residual commercial value. To avoid recycling of such parts that may be repaired and sold as new, these need to be mutilated to prevent malpractices by unethical workshops.