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Get10 Tips to Renew Car Insurance Smartly
Sep 4, 2025
Purchasing a car insurance policy is more necessary than optional to safeguard the vehicle, the driver, and any other third parties. Additionally, the growing frequency of traffic incidents emphasises how important it is to have auto insurance. In India, auto insurance is also required by law. A fine and/or jail time may be imposed on anybody operating a vehicle without current auto insurance.
10 Car Insurance Renewal Tips to Help Make an Informed Choice
Compare Different Car Insurance Policies
In India, there are several motor insurance providers. Therefore, look at the policies of other providers in addition to your current insurer before renewing your auto insurance. Make an informed decision by comparing the features, coverage, costs, and other factors. You should pick an insurance provider with a solid reputation in the market, dependable vehicle insurance policies, several add-ons, easy customer service, a large network of garages, online resources, a mobile app, and more.
Assess the Type of Plan
In India, third-party car insurance is required for every vehicle. Third-party insurance, however, does not provide any further financial assistance; it just shields you against third-party liabilities. Therefore, when it's time to renew your auto insurance, you should preferably get comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance covers the financial losses incurred by the covered vehicle as a result of an accident, theft, fire, natural catastrophe, man-made disaster, etc., and protects you against any harm and damages from third parties.
Carefully Select the Car Insurance Add-ons
Although purchasing an add-on for your vehicle insurance policy is not required, it is advisable to choose efficient add-on plans to increase your coverage. You may save thousands of rupees by paying a small fee instead of paying for life or auto insurance.
For example, you are financially protected against injury or any other serious bodily damage caused by an accident if you have comprehensive car insurance and a personal accident add-on. Roadside assistance, daily allowance, zero depreciation coverage, no claim bonus (NCB), key replacement, engine protection cover, and other well-liked motor insurance add-ons are all accessible with SBI General online vehicle insurance policies. Determine which add-ons meet your demands at the time of renewal and remove any unused, outdated add-ons.
Insurance Declared Value (IDV)
The maximum sum that the insurance company will pay you in the event that your car is stolen or completely lost is known as the IDV. After depreciation, the market value of the automobile is used by the insurer to determine the IDV. Different insurance companies have different IDVs. Your rates will increase if your IDV rises, and vice versa. But it doesn't mean you pick a lesser IDV when renewing your motor insurance online. Making the correct IDV choice will guarantee that you avoid paying exorbitant premiums and that you won't lose money in the event of theft or total automobile loss.
Assess the Network of Garages
It's simple to renew auto insurance online, and you might wish to choose the company with the cheapest rates. But before you go for car insurance renewal online, make sure to look at the insurance company's network of garages. Verify whether the insurance provider you are thinking about has a relationship with the garage of your choice. With more than 7159 network garages, SBI General guarantees that you may use cashless transactions wherever in India.
Take Advantage of the NCB
One important thing to keep in mind while renewing auto insurance is to check the appropriate NCB or No Claim Bonus. You are qualified for a No Claim Bonus, which is a reduction in the renewal premium if you have not filed a claim on your auto insurance during the last 12 months. NCB builds upto a year until it hits a certain threshold, often 50%, following five years without a claim. When renewing your auto insurance online, you may use the accrued NCB to lower your prices.
Opt for Deductibles, If Possible
A deductible in car insurance is the amount you must pay in the event of a claim. Certain auto insurance policies need deductibles to prevent fraudulent or fictitious claims. As an alternative, some insurance companies let you contribute by paying a voluntary deductible, which is a portion of the claim amount. The insurance provider will easily lower your rates by a certain amount, usually between 20 and 35 per cent if you choose the voluntary deductible option.
Learn about Compulsory v/s Voluntary Deductible in Car Insurance here.
Install Anti Theft Devices
Installing anti-theft devices is another helpful piece of advice for renewing auto insurance. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)-certified anti-theft gadgets are considered a precaution on your part.
Become a Member of a Recognised Automobile Association
Members of registered Indian auto associations, such as the Automobile Association of Upper India, the Automobile Association of Southern/Eastern India, the Western India Automobile Association, etc., are eligible for discounts on online vehicle insurance renewals from Indian auto insurance carriers.
Car Insurance Renewal on Time
One important thing to keep in mind while renewing your auto insurance is that timely renewal is crucial. Because you are effectively locking in your insurance prices for the upcoming year and preventing future price changes from affecting your policy, timely renewal helps reduce your premiums. In addition, timely motor insurance renewal guarantees that your automobile is always financially secure and that coverage won't lapse. The advantages are still present.
Conclusion
Renewing car insurance in India is crucial for legal compliance and financial security. The renewal process offers an opportunity to explore different policies and customize coverage, ensuring a plan tailored to your needs. Timely renewal helps avoid penalties and keeps your vehicle protected, while selecting the right IDV and claiming the no claim bonus can save you money.
Add-ons such as zero depreciation and roadside assistance enhance coverage without adding significant costs. Additionally, installing anti-theft devices and assessing the insurer's garage network can streamline the process and provide peace of mind. Renew your car insurance wisely to safeguard yourself and others on the road.
This blog is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The content may include outdated information regarding the topic discussed. Readers are encouraged to confirm the accuracy and relevance of the data before making any significant decisions. SBI General Insurance disclaims responsibility for any errors or consequences arising from the use of outdated information provided herein.
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Motor Insurance
How To Maintain Your Two Wheeler In The Rainy Season?
During the monsoon, the weather is pleasant and everything around you is green and looks fresh. However, if you are a biker, then monsoons bring with it a myriad of problems. You need to be extra careful as you have to make your way through potholes and ride on slippery roads. Yes, you need to take extra care to maintain your bike during the rainy season. So, here we are with some bike maintenance tips that will help your two-wheeler brave the rainy season.
How To Maintain Your Two Wheeler In The Rainy Season?
Here are four simple tips to maintain your bike during the rainy season
Get an anti-rust protection layer applied
While the monsoon brings much-needed respite from the hot weather, the moisture in the air can cause potential damage to the parts of your two-wheeler. Damp climatic conditions can cause certain parts of the bike to rust. If this is not taken care of, rusting can cause the parts to disintegrate. The best way to protect your bike from rust damage is to ensure that the chain and battery terminals are well-lubricated. A basic motorcycle maintenance tip to prevent rust formation is to apply petroleum jelly on the rubber oil seals.
Choose covered parking spots
During monsoon, it’s advisable not to park your two-wheeler in the open. Unlike four-wheelers, rainwater can get inside your bike and cause damage to the electrical components, making your bike prone to long-term issues like rusting and electrical failures. So the easiest of all motorbike maintenance tips is to park your bike under a shed. If you are not able to find a shed, then use a waterproof bike body cover to protect it from rain. Also, never park your bike under a tree during monsoon as heavy rain may cause a branch or the tree itself to fall on your two-wheeler and damage it.
Have the tyres checked
Yet another basic bike maintenance tip for monsoon is to get the tyres checked regularly. Getting tyres checked is critical because the roads tend to be extra slippery during the monsoons. As such, it is very important to keep your tyres in good condition. Make sure the rubber has not worn out and do not wait to change the tyres until they are completely worn out. Old and damaged tyres can increase the risk of accidents and other related incidents leading to vehicle damage.
Service the brakes
The list of bike maintenance tips in rainy season also includes getting the brakes serviced. Continuous exposure to rainwater can cause the brake pads to get jammed. Before the start of the monsoon, it’s best to have a professional take a look at the brakes and make sure they are functioning well. Also, when you are riding your bike during the rain, maintain a good distance from other vehicles and apply brakes gradually. Applying brakes suddenly on wet roads can cause the bike to skid.
Get bike insurance online
Now that you know how to protect your bike in rains, follow the above-mentioned tips to keep your bike in a good condition and secure it with a comprehensive bike insurance policy. Having two-wheeler insurance is legally mandatory in India. It protects your bike against theft, calamities, and other risks.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Motor Insurance
5 Fabulous FASTag Benefits for Motorists
FASTag, from the National Highways Authority of India, is a sticker that is affixed on the windscreen of a vehicle. This sticker uses Radio Frequency Identification RFID Technology to deduct toll payments from the wallet linked with the FASTag account. A FASTag is valid for a period of five years. You are probably aware by now that FASTag is mandatory for all category ‘M’ and ‘N’ vehicles in the country. These categories include four–wheelers that transport passengers and/or goods. You may wonder whether there are any benefits of FASTag for vehicle owners. The answer is a definite YES. Let’s take a look at 5 real FASTag benefits for motorists in the country.
1. Eliminates the need for a cash transaction
One of the main advantages of FASTag is that it eliminates the need for cash transactions at toll plazas. Cash transactions are one of the major reasons for traffic jams at toll booths. Now, motorists can enjoy a hassle–free experience as they zip through toll plazas without needing to shuffle around for change wile making payments.
The removal of the need for cash transactions has another important advantage. Due to the pandemic, we all prefer to have a contactless experience and now with FASTag, you can pay toll fees without exchanging physical notes and coins.
2. Reduces wait times
Long queues at toll booths will soon be a thing of the past as FASTag lets you sail through without having to endure an extended waiting time. This helps save time and fuel that would have otherwise been wasted in a frustrating wait in queue.
3. Easy recharge methods
Your FASTag can be easily recharged online in a matter of minutes (or less). You can easily load the amount you need from your credit card or debit card or even use net banking.
4. Easy tracking of toll expenses
If you need to keep track of FASTag expenses for reimbursement purposes, then you will love FASTag. Each time you pay a toll tax, you receive an email and SMS message. You can use these to understand what your expenses have been on your commutes. Now, you don’t have to manually note down each toll fee.
5. Paperless and environment friendly
FASTag is also extremely environment friendly, an important feature in these times when we all need to reduce our carbon footprint. When there are no queues at toll plazas, there will automatically be a lower consumption of fuel. Plus, the automatic deduction of the fee from the account linked eliminates the need for a paper receipt given for cash transactions.
As we can see, there are so many benefits of FASTag being made mandatory. As a motorist, remember that there are certain other mandatory documents that you need to be able to drive your vehicle on the roads in the country. These include an active driving licence and a valid car insurance policy (at least third–party insurance). Apart from these, you also need to have a valid PUC (pollution under control) certificate for your car.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Motor Insurance
5 Reasons Why Your Two-Wheeler Insurance Is More Valuable Than You Think
Two-wheeler vehicles are a popular mode of transportation, offering convenience and efficiency, especially in congested urban areas. However, with the increasing number of vehicles on the road, the risks associated with riding a two-wheeler have also escalated. This makes having a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy not just a legal requirement but a necessity for safeguarding yourself and your vehicle. While many know the essential benefits of two-wheeler insurance, several lesser-known advantages can significantly enhance your coverage. This article explores five surprising aspects of two-wheeler insurance that you might not know.
Motor Insurance
5 Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
Do you consider your car a necessity or a luxury? These days for many people, a car has become essential enough that there is a dependency on it for getting around, running errands and managing day-to-day tasks. While owning a car has been comparatively easy and accessible to a lot of people it comes with the responsibility of car insurance.
But even though car insurance premiums can often feel like a burden, there are a few ways to reduce them without compromising on coverage. Here, we'll explore how to reduce your car insurance cost and five smart driving tips that can help you with the same.
Tips to Reduce Your Car Insurance:
Take Your Car Out Only if It's Necessary:
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce car insurance costs is by minimizing your car use. Many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance policies, where premiums are determined based on the actual distance you cover and the frequency of your drives.
By reducing unnecessary trips and going for public transportation or carpooling when possible, you can lower your insurance costs.
Follow All Traffic Rules While Driving:
It's not just about your own safety, following traffic rules can also save you money on your car insurance. Insurers often consider your driving record when calculating premiums, and a history of traffic violations can lead to higher rates. Having a low record of traffic violations can give a sense of guarantee to the insurer hence leading to low premiums.
You should drive responsibly, obey speed limits, and avoid reckless behaviour so that you can demonstrate to insurers that you're a low-risk driver, which can lead to lower premiums.
Personal Accident Cover:
Investing in personal accident cover as part of your car insurance policy can provide an added layer of protection for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
While this may increase your initial premium slightly, it can offer invaluable financial support in case of injuries, medical expenses, or even loss of income due to disability resulting from an accident.
Be a Safe and Responsible Driver:
Your driving habits can have a direct impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies often use telematics devices to monitor driving behaviour, including acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Adopt safe driving practices such as maintaining a steady speed, avoiding sudden stops, and following traffic guidelines so that insurers know that your chances of getting into an accident are low, which in turn can result in lower premium costs.
Cover Against Theft:
While proper car insurance typically covers damages caused by accidents, it's also important to safeguard your vehicle against theft. Adding anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, or immobilizers to your car can not only deter thieves but also lower your insurance premiums.
Insurers often offer discounts for vehicles equipped with anti-theft measures, as they pose a lower risk of theft-related claims.
Conclusion:
So, don't let car insurance premiums stress you out. With smart driving and safety tips, you can keep your premiums low and still have great coverage. Just remember, how you drive and the safety measures you choose can help you save money and drive with confidence.
Looking for an easy trouble-free insurance option? SBI General Insurance's Private Car Insurance Policy - Package offers the all-rounder protection you need. This complete package of a policy provides comprehensive coverage against accidental damage to your vehicle, third-party liabilities, and even personal accidents for the owner-driver. Plus, you can easily manage your policy for claim intimation, status tracking, and document submission.
This policy offers much more than just basic third-party liability coverage. Visit SBI General Insurance online today to learn more and protect your dream car with a truly comprehensive plan!
FAQs
Can implementing safety measures in my driving routine lead to insurance discounts?Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits or invest in safety features for their vehicles. By taking proactive steps to enhance safety, you may qualify for lower premiums.
Are there any technological tools or devices that can help monitor my driving habits?Yes, telematics devices are commonly used by insurers to track driving behaviour and offer usage-based insurance policies. These devices collect data on factors such as speed, acceleration, and braking, which can be used to assess risk and adjust premiums accordingly.
Are there any government programs or initiatives that offer incentives for safe driving?While specific government programs may vary by region, many authorities encourage safe driving through initiatives such as defensive driving courses, road safety campaigns, and incentives for installing safety equipment in vehicles.
Is it possible to negotiate a lower insurance premium based on my driving history?While insurance premiums are typically based on a variety of factors, including driving history, it's always worth exploring options for discounts or negotiating with your insurer. Providing evidence of safe driving practices or completing defensive driving courses may help in negotiating lower premiums.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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