In India, selecting the right kind of insurance policy for your vehicle is very important. As per the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), insurance providers can offer long-term insurance policies for new vehicles (both two-wheelers and four-wheelers) purchased on or after September 1, 2018. The insurance regulator has introduced a Comprehensive Insurance Cover of 3 years for cars and five years for bikes.
Read more to understand the concept of Bundled Policy, its benefits, and the renewal process.
What is Bundled Policy?
Generally, there are two types of motor insurance policies- Comprehensive Insurance and Third Party (TP) Insurance. While the Third-Party only covers you against any legal liability arising due to damages caused to a third-party individual or property due to negligence driving, the comprehensive insurance provides coverage for OD (own damages) caused to the insured vehicle as well.
Now, anyone who purchases a new vehicle has the option of buying a bundled policy for five years for the third-party insurance cover, along with a 1-year for the own damage cover for bikes. Similarly, a bundled cover with three years for the third-party insurance and a 1-year for OD cover is applicable for cars.
In bundled policy, the vehicle owner has to renew the OD premium every year as compared to Third-Party insurance, which can be renewed only after 3 or 5 years. The insurance policy, however, will be provided by the same insurer.
Bundled 1+5 Comprehensive Policy
Bundled 1+ 5 comprehensive policy is available only for two-wheelers in India. The policy consists of a one-year own-damage cover bundled with 5 years of liability cover. According to IRDAI instructions, the bundled long-term policies applies to the purchase of new vehicles and not to the renewal of existing policies for old vehicles.
If one wants to pay OD (Own Damage) premium only for one year and renew it the next year onwards, he/she can opt for Bundled Policy. In this case, the Third Party (TP) coverage will be for 3 or 5 years, but the Own Damage premium will be applicable for one year only. In simple words, the policy will be (1+3) or (1+5) for cars and bikes, respectively.
Up until now, all vehicle owners needed to buy their own damage cover and third-party insurance policy from the same insurance company. However, IRDAI has declared that from September 2019 onwards, vehicle owners in India can choose to buy or renew a standalone own damage cover from the insurer of their choice. All bike owners should buy two-wheeler insurance for their vehicle’s safety.
Benefits of getting a Bundled 1+5 Comprehensive Policy
- Discount on bundled policy plans, as you are committing to an insurer for an extended period.
- Getting third-party cover with your own damage (OD) insurance together will give you peace of mind while driving.
- Easy cancellation of OD policy, in case you change your mind.
- It will allow vehicle owners more flexibility while buying an OD policy, as they can choose an insurer at their discretion.
- It can generate competition among various insurance providers, resulting in the reduction of motor insurance premiums.
- Encourages fair pricing and maintains uniformity in prices of bundled options and standalone OD plans.
How to Renew Bundled 1+5 Comprehensive Policy
Vehicle owners can easily renew their bundled policy from any of the Indian general insurance providers. To renew the bundled 1+5 comprehensive policy, vehicle owners have to only renew their own damage (OD) part from either the same or a different insurer. Whereas, the third-party (TP) cover of 5 years (in the case of two-wheelers) does not need to be renewed till the end of 5 years.
Policyholders can go online, and compare the prices of OD premium plans offered by various insurance companies, and then choose the best suitable plan as per their requirements.
Top Car Insurance Companies in India
HDFC Ergo Car Insurance
In 2015, after a joint venture HDFC and ERGO came into alliance. The company has over 6700 cashless garages and offers services like overnight vehicle repairs. With a 4.4 customer rating, HDFC Ergo has over 1.5 Crore happy customers. HDFC Ergo provides a 100% claim settlement ratio where 80% of claims are settled within one day.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | HDFC Ergo General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.2% |
| Number of claims settled | 3 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 22 days |
| Network of garages | 3,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
United India Car Insurance
Incorporated in February 1938, United India Car Insurance has more than 1.38 crore customers. It provides a variety of insurance products and has a 95% claim settlement ratio. The company excels in achieving the goal of 100% customer satisfaction.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | United India Insurance |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, India |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Customers | Over 15 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.4% |
| Number of claims settled | 4 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 20 days |
| Network of garages | 3,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
ICICI Lombard Car Insurance
Founded in 2001, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd. offers a comprehensive and wide variety of insurance products. The company has a claim settlement ratio of 93.4% for motor insurance. With a 4.7 customer rating, ICICI Lombard has issued a car insurance policy for over 2.17 crore individuals.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | ICICI Lombard General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Customers | Over 17 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.3% |
| Number of claims settled | 4.5 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 23 days |
| Network of garages | 4,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
New India Car Assurance
Founded in 1919, New India Car Assurance has a 92% claim settlement ratio. With a huge customer market, the company is providing world-class service both in India and abroad.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | New India Assurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Customers | Over 25 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.6% |
| Number of claims settled | 6.5 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 25 days |
| Network of garages | 5,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Royal Sundaram Car Insurance
Established in October 2000, Royal Sundaram car insurance is trusted by over 28 million Indians. The company has a 99% claim settlement ratio and provides complete protection for your vehicle.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Royal Sundaram General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Chennai, India |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 22 days |
| Network of garages | 3,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Digit Car Insurance
Established in the year 2016, Digit Insurance is trusted by over 3 crore Indians and has a 96% claim settlement ratio.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Digit General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, India |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Customers | Over 2 million |
| Claim Settlement Ratio | 96% |
| Number of Claims Settled | 1 million |
| Average Claim Settlement Time | 15 days |
| Network of Garages | 1,000+ |
| 24/7 Emergency Assistance | Yes |
Cholamandalam Car Insurance
Founded in 2001, Cholamandalam MS caters to different customer needs. With a 96% claim settlement ratio, the company is highly trusted by customers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company name | Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Parent company | Murugappa Group |
| Japanese partner | Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited |
| Products | Motor insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Website | https://www.cholainsurance.com/ |
| Total customers | 10 million+ |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96% (FY 2021-22) |
Future Generali Car Insurance
Future Generali is in business since 2006 and has a 96% claim settlement ratio. With over 121 branches across India, the company serves its customers 24*7.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company name | Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Parent company | Future Group |
| Products | Car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.2% (FY 2021-22) |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million (FY 2021-22) |
| Average claim settlement time | 30 days |
| Network of garages | 3,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Reliance Car Insurance
Founded in August 2000, Reliance car insurance has managed to meet customer expectations with its effortless service. With a 96% claim settlement ratio, the company is popular among customers.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Reliance General Insurance Company Limited |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Parent company | Reliance Industries Limited |
| Products | Car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95% (FY 2021-22) |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million (FY 2021-22) |
| Average claim settlement time | 30 days |
| Network of garages | 3,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Liberty Car Insurance
Founded in 2013, Liberty car insurance has over 110 offices across. The company has issued 20 crore policies since 2013 and has a 98% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Liberty General Insurance Limited |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Parent company | Liberty Citystate Holdings Pte. Ltd. |
| Products | Car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and other general insurance products |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 95.4% (FY 2021-22) |
| Number of claims settled | 1 million (FY 2021-22) |
| Average claim settlement time | 25 days |
| Network of garages | 2,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Kotak Car Insurance
Established in April 2015, Kotak car insurance has over 1.1 crore customers. With 4000+ network garages, the company has a 98% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Kotak Mahindra General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.8% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.1 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 23 days |
| Network of garages | 3,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance
Founded in 1926, Bajaj Allianz is a customer-centric organization. Bajaj Allianz customers can get 24*7 roadside assistance. With a 99% claim settlement ratio, the company makes sure to provide what its customers need.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Bajaj Allianz General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Customers | Over 10 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96.3% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.5 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 22 days |
| Network of garages | 4,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
Zuno Car Insurance
Established in 2016, Zuno is a trusted insurance provider in India. With a huge customer base, the company has a 98% claim settlement ratio
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Zuno General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Customers | Over 1 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 97% |
| Number of claims settled | 500,000 |
| Average claim settlement time | 15 days |
| Network of garages | 1,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
| Key features |
|
Universal Sompo Car Insurance
In 2008, Universal Sompo General Insurance started its business in India. The company’s PAN India presence provides customers with 24*7 assistance, a quick claim process, and the best insurance deals. Universal Sompo has a 96% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | Zuno General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Customers | Over 1 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 97% |
| Number of claims settled | 500,000 |
| Average claim settlement time | 15 days |
| Network of garages | 1,000+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
IFFCO Tokio Car Insurance
IFFCO Tokio Car Insurance was founded in the year, 2000, as a joint venture between IFFCO Tokio and Tokio Marine Asia. With a customer rating of 4.8, the company has a 96% claim settlement ratio.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Company name | IFFCO Tokio General Insurance |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Parent company | IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) and Tokio Marine Group |
| Customers | Over 5 million |
| Claim settlement ratio | 96% |
| Number of claims settled | 1.2 million |
| Average claim settlement time | 25 days |
| Network of garages | 2,500+ |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | Yes |
