Private Car Standalone Own Damage: Meaning, Features & Benefits

As cities continue to expand, more people migrate towards urban areas. This expansion and sudden increase in urban population burden the infrastructure. Another sign of increased population is the rise in the number of cars on road. More cars on the road mean an increase in the chances of accidents. Having a car insurance policy ensures that you and your car are financially protected from liabilities associated with road accidents. Apart from third-party and comprehensive car insurance, there is also a standalone own-damage policy that you can opt for, and here’s all you need to know about it.

What is a standalone own-damage policy?

In 2019, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) allowed vehicle owners to purchase a standalone own damage policy for their vehicles separately ^[1]. For new cars, this policy is mandatorily bundled with third-party insurance. However, now you, as a car owner, can purchase it separately. So, what does this policy do? As the name suggests, the policy is designed to provide you with financial compensation for the damages caused to your car. For example, if your car’s door gets damaged and the cost of repair is Rs.5000, the policy will either reimburse you or pay for the repairs through a cashless facility. *

How Does Standalone Own-Damage Car Insurance Work?

Standalone own-damage (OD) car insurance is an optional but essential coverage that protects your car against various types of damage. While third-party insurance covers liabilities towards others, a standalone OD policy ensures that your car is financially safeguarded against damages or losses. This policy provides coverage for scenarios such as accidental damage, theft, or total loss, which third-party insurance does not cover. Additionally, you can enhance this coverage by opting for add-ons tailored to your needs.

Key Inclusions

1. Accidental damages caused by external means
2. Theft or housebreaking (partial or total loss)
3. Fire, explosion, implosion, lightning, and self-ignition
4. Natural disasters like floods, cyclones, hailstorms, and earthquakes
5. Transit-related damages during transportation by road, rail, air, or waterways
6. Human-caused damages from riots, terrorism, vandalism, or malicious acts

Why Is Own-Damage Car Insurance Important?

Having standalone own-damage insurance is crucial as it protects you from costly repairs or losses to your vehicle. While third-party insurance covers liabilities to others, OD insurance ensures that your own vehicle is protected, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. With our standalone OD policy, you are compensated for damages covered under the policy, including total loss, accidental damage, and theft. Add-ons further enhance your protection for specific risks not included in the base coverage. Also Read: Full-Coverage Car Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

How is it different from third-party and comprehensive insurance?

This insurance policy compared to the other two private car insurance policies, third-party and comprehensive plans, only covers damage caused to your car. It does not cover third-party damages. Hence, having only a standalone own-damage policy is not sufficient to comply with the law. You must combine it with third-party policies. While a third-party policy covers only third-party legal liabilities and not own damages, comprehensive covers both third-party and own damage.

Inclusion of Standalone Own-Damage Car Insurance

Here are the inclusions of this policy:

1. Damages caused to your car in an accident.
2. Damages to your car due to natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes.
3. Damages to your car due to manmade calamities such as riots.
4. Damages due to a fire.
5. Damages caused to/Loss of car due to theft.

Exclusion of Standalone Own-Damage Car Insurance

Here are the exclusions of this policy:

1. Third-party damages caused by your car.
2. Protection from the depreciated value of your car.
3. Breakdown of your car due to an electrical or mechanical fault.
4. Damages to your car if being driven under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
5. Damages to the car if being driven without a valid license.
6. Damages to your car caused during a war or terror attack.

Also Read: Things to Consider While Buying Car Insurance Policy

Who Should Buy Standalone Own-Damage Insurance?

Standalone OD insurance is ideal for:

1. Owners of cars purchased after September 2018, provided they already have third-party insurance.
2. Individuals with only third-party insurance looking to extend coverage to protect their car.
3. Car owners who want protection without opting for comprehensive insurance, ensuring their car is secure against their own damages.

Tips to Reduce Own-Damage Insurance Premiums

1. Opt for Voluntary Deductibles- Choosing a voluntary deductible lowers your premium, as you agree to pay a portion of the claim.
2. Select the Right Insured Declared Value (IDV)- Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company allows you to customize your car's IDV, balancing adequate coverage with affordable premiums.
3. Utilize No Claim Bonus (NCB)- If you haven’t made claims in the previous policy year, transfer your NCB to enjoy discounts on your premium.
4. Buy Online for Discounts- Save up to 75% by purchasing your standalone OD policy online through our website.
5. Choose Relevant Add-Ons Only- Add-ons like Zero Depreciation or Roadside Assistance enhance coverage but increase premiums. Opt for only necessary ones.

Also Read: The Add-On Coverages in Car Insurance: Complete Guide

Factors Affecting Standalone OD Premiums

1. Insured Declared Value (IDV)- Higher IDVs mean higher premiums but better coverage for losses.
2. Car Age- Older cars have lower premiums due to depreciation.
3. Car Model- Premiums are higher for luxury or expensive cars due to higher repair costs.
4. Engine Capacity- Cars with larger engine capacities (>1500cc) attract higher premiums.
5. No Claim Bonus- A claim-free year leads to premium discounts during renewal.
6. Add-Ons- Additional covers increase premiums but offer enhanced protection.
7. Location- Cars used in urban areas have higher premiums due to increased risk of theft or damage.
8. Fuel Type- CNG or diesel cars have higher premiums compared to petrol cars due to increased maintenance costs.
9. Safety Features- Vehicles with advanced safety features like airbags have reduced premiums as they are less prone to severe damage.

Also Read: 5 Types Of Car Insurance Policies in India

How to claim car insurance for own damage?

Here are the steps for filing a claim*:

1. Get in touch with your insurer either through their claim helpline number or through their website after your car has been damaged in an accident.
2. On the website, you can file a claim through their claim section. You would be required to provide details related to your car, the insurance policy, and the accident.
3. It is advisable for you to take photos and videos of the damage caused to your car.
4. The insurer would send a surveyor to inspect the damages.
5. If the insurer is satisfied with your claim, you have two options for getting the compensation. Either getting the car repaired at a garage and getting reimbursed by the insurer later, or getting your car repaired at a network garage with a cashless claim facility.

*Standard T&C apply

Should you opt for this policy?

While a standalone own-damage policy compensates for the damages to your car, it does not compensate for the damage caused to a third-party vehicle or property. In such cases, you might have to pay out of pocket for third-party damages. Since a third-party policy is mandatory, you cannot legally drive your car without one. Alternatively, you can purchase comprehensive car insurance, where benefits of both, third-party plans and standalone own-damage policies can be availed.

Conclusion

If you want financial coverage for the damages caused to your car, you can opt for a standalone own-damage policy. You can also consider other types of online car insurance such as third-party car insurance or comprehensive car insurance.   Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. *Standard T&C apply