Road accidents are becoming a major concern for the government. Data reveals that in 2022, more than 450,000 road accidents were reported, leading to over 150,000 deaths. Sadly, despite such alarming figures, many still don’t consider opting for personal accident coverage in motor insurance.
Rohan Arora, a 28-year-old lawyer based in Hyderabad, was driving back home from his office when a reckless driver rammed into Rohan’s car. The accident caused damage to the vehicle, and Rohan also had to undergo surgery for his fractured arm. Thankfully, Rohan’s motor insurance offered personal accident coverage. His insurer stepped in to cover the damages on the vehicle and also helped him manage medical expenses.
Sadly, this is not the case with every vehicle owner, as most undermine the importance of personal accident coverage. Read on to learn how essential it is to have accident coverage, especially on Indian roads.
Personal Accident Coverage in Car Insurance: An Overview
Personal accident coverage is a kind of coverage under which the insurer promises to offer financial protection in case the insured suffers death or disability, whether permanent total, permanent partial, or temporary total, due to an accident.
Personal accident coverage in car insurance has become popular, especially when, despite road safety, road accidents in India are at alarmingly high levels. Additionally, knowing that you are covered in case of an accident along with the vehicle, you can enjoy better peace of mind while driving.
Understanding the Benefits of Personal Accident Coverage in Car Insurance
Despite being a diligent driver, sometimes a road accident becomes inevitable. While you can't control that, you surely can include personal accident coverage under your motor insurance. Here are some benefits of this coverage under car insurance plans in India:
1. Death Benefit
If an unfortunate road accident results in the death of the insured, the insurance company offers death benefits to the beneficiary. The death benefit is typically offered in the form of a lump sum payment of the total sum insured.
2. Permanent Total Disability
In case of an unfortunate road accident that results in a permanent total disability of the insured, the insurance company steps in to offer financial coverage for the medical bills.
Did You Know that the best accidental insurance plan also offers financial protection for loss of income, which can help the insured and their family members sustain themselves for a few months.
3. Permanent Partial Disability
If the insured suffers a permanent partial disability due to a road accident, then the insurance company usually offers a percentage of the total sum insured.
4. Temporary Total Disability
In case of a temporary total disability arising out of a road accident, the insurer steps in to offer financial protection to meet medical needs and even compensation for temporary loss of income.
5. Additional Benefits
Apart from these, you can also opt for additional benefits like coverage for the co-passenger and family members. These riders provide protection in case the co-passenger and family members are injured in a road accident.
A Quick Look at the Exclusions
Remember that just like any other type of insurance, personal accident cover insurance also comes with certain exclusions that you must be mindful of. Some of the exclusions under a car insurance policy include:
1. Driving Without a Licence
If the insured is involved in an accident while driving without a valid license, the insurance company does not offer any form of protection.
2. Driving in a State of Intoxication
If the insured was driving under the influence and they were involved in an accident, the insurance company does not settle claims.
3. Illegal Activities
Illegal activities, such as car racing or other unlawful acts, are not covered.
4. Self-Inflicted Injuries
If the insured suffers a self-inflicted injury, then they cannot raise a claim with the insurance provider.
Note: These are some common exclusions across different motor insurance companies, but there can be additional exclusions as well. So make sure to check the policy document thoroughly for your car insurance online plan.
How to Claim Personal Accident Coverage in Car Insurance?
Raising a claim for personal accident coverage under motor insurance has been streamlined, making it more convenient for policyholders.
Here’s how you can claim PA cover in car insurance.
1. Contact the Insurer
The first step is to contact your insurance provider as early as possible to raise a claim. Make sure to provide details about the road accident, including the damage and injuries.
2. Submit the Documents
To raise a claim under motor insurance, you need to provide certain documents, such as the policy document and your driving license.
3. Verification and Approval
Once you have raised the claim, the insurance company verifies the claim and documents before approval.
To learn more about the claim process under motor insurance, read this blog.
What Car Owners Must Know?
When purchasing a car that's your dream, it is crucial to take steps that ensure your safety and that of your vehicle at all times. As a car owner, here’s a car insurance checklist that you must not ignore about PA cover insurance:
1. Opt for Personal Accident Coverage
Road accidents have become a major threat in India, and despite being a diligent driver, unfortunate events might happen. Always opt for PA cover in car insurance as it provides financial protection to you and your beneficiary.
2. Extend the Coverage
Driving a vehicle in India is more than a commute method at times. It is a time to make memories with your loved ones. While you are busy enjoying such moments, make sure to extend the coverage for the co-passengers and your family members under motor insurance to safeguard their needs in case of an unfortunate road accident.
3. Check the Coverage Smartly
Motor insurance does not operate on the one-size-fits-all rule. This is why it is important that you check the coverage smartly and pick a plan that is suitable for your needs, the city you are driving in, the kind of driver you are, etc.
Conclusion
As a vehicle owner, you must understand that motor insurance is not just about protecting your vehicle, but a wise step to safeguard your and your family members' needs. While you do not forget to get your vehicle insured, it is important to get coverage for personal accidents as well. Personal accident coverage offers financial protection to the insured in the event of a road accident and serves as a lifeline for the beneficiary in the event of the insured‘s death due to a road accident.
If you haven’t already purchased personal accident coverage, consider this a prompt to enhance the protection under your car insurance plan.
