In 2023, India witnessed an alarming 1.73 lakh road accident fatalities, averaging 474 deaths daily every three minutes. These alarming statistics define the critical importance of third-party car insurance in safeguarding against financial liabilities arising from such incidents.
Third-party car insurance covers the damages caused by your vehicle to another person or property, protecting you from unexpected expenses. Let's dig deeper to find out how third-party insurance vehicle protects you, its various benefits, and what it covers.
What is third-party car insurance?
Third-party car insurance is a legal requirement that provides essential coverage from damages or injury caused to a third party (another individual, their property, or their vehicle) due to an accident caused by your vehicle. This ensures that victims of accidents receive compensation while protecting them from direct financial burden.
This is called "third party" because it covers the loss of an external party (third party) instead of the policyholder. The insured (first party), the insurance company (second party), and the affected person (third party) are the three individuals involved. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, third-party motor insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners by Indian law. This ensures that accident victims receive financial assistance for medical or repair expenses.
How does third-party car insurance work?
Knowing how third-party insurance works can help you handle claims. Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Accident occurs
If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle and the damage or injury is caused by your vehicle or fault, then third-party car insurance comes into play.
2. Intimate for the claim process
You or the third party must inform your specific insurer about the incident as soon as possible, providing all details of the accident and supporting evidence when initiating the claim process.
3. Investigation and assessment
Then the investigator will inspect the whole incident, assessing all the details of both parties, and examine whether the accident falls under a third-party coverage claim category or not.
4. Legal proceedings (if required)
If the legal claim is disputed, it may be taken further to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), where the insurer represents the case and you in court.
5. Compensation
Based on the tribunal’s ruling or insurer’s assessment, the specific compensation amount for third-party injury, death, or property damage is decided by the court.
6. Claim Settlement
Once the claim amount is finalised and settled, the insurer pays the amount to the third party directly, ensuring you are not financially burdened.
Key benefits of third-party car insurance
Third-party car insurance offers multiple advantages such as:
· Legal compliance
According to the Legal Compliance Motor, 1988, all vehicle owners in India must have third-party insurance. Renewing car insurance on time is crucial to ensure uninterrupted coverage and compliance with legal requirements.
· Financial protection against liabilities
Financial stability against liabilities is guaranteed by third-party insurance as the costs of compensation are covered by third-party insurance.
· Includes legal expenses
When it comes to a legal dispute as a result of an accident, the car insurance policy covers court fees and legal representation costs and protects you from expensive litigation expenses.
· Affordable premiums
As compared to comprehensive car insurance, third-party insurance has a lower premium, making it a cost-effective alternative for individuals who want security against financial liabilities.
· Peace of mind
Sudden incidents can lead to unexpected financial burdens, and car insurance online provides protection and ensures that accident victims receive compensation without affecting their financial stability.
What is covered under third-party car insurance?
Knowing what your policy covers helps you make an informed decision. Here’s what third-party insurance includes:
· Physical damage to third-party
If your vehicle causes physical damage to a third party, the insurance policy provides coverage for their medical expenses, hospitalisation, and treatment costs as well.
· Death of a third-party
If a third person dies in the case of a fatal accident, the third-party insurance provides compensation to the deceased's family by the decision as per the tribunal’s decision.
· Property damage
If your vehicle damages another person's vehicle or house, or any public property is damaged, the car insurance policy will cover the repair or replacement costs.
· Legal obligations
The car insurance policy covers most legal charges, including court fees, lawyer fees, and settlement costs if a third party takes legal action against you.
· Personal accident cover for owner-driver
Some third-party insurance vehicle policies offer personal accident coverage for the owner-driver which provides compensation in major incidents such as disability or accidental death.
Summing Up
Third-party car insurance is an important insurance coverage that protects you from financial and legal obligations as a result of accidents. It ensures that third-party victims receive rightful compensation. Given its ability and legal mandate, all vehicle owners must have proper third-party insurance vehicle coverage.
If you are seeking a reliable third-party insurance provider, Generali Central offers hassle-free claim settlement, extensive coverage, and dedicated customer support, so you can stay worry-free on the road. Get covered today and drive with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is third-party car insurance, and why is it necessary?
Third-party car insurance is a mandatory insurance policy that covers damages or injuries caused to a third party in an accident involving your vehicle.
2. How can I buy or renew third-party car insurance online?
Through online portals, buying and renewing car insurance is simple and hassle-free. You need to enter your vehicle details, select a third-party car insurance policy, and make the payment to get instant car insurance online.
3. Does third-party insurance cover damages to my car?
No, a third-party car insurance policy only covers third-party damages. If you want protection for your vehicle, you need a comprehensive car insurance policy.
4. Can I transfer my third-party car insurance to a new vehicle?
No, a third-party car insurance policy is vehicle-specific. If you buy a new vehicle, you need to purchase a new car insurance policy. However, you can transfer your No Claim Bonus (NCB) if applicable.
5. Is it legal to drive with only third-party insurance in India?
Yes, it is legal to drive with third-party car insurance as it meets the minimum legal requirement. However, for better coverage, a comprehensive car insurance policy is recommended.