Road trips are fun. Some people back out, some people join in, plans get postponed, budget takes a hit, but when the trip finally happens, it is all worth it. However, sometimes things can go drastically wrong. In order to have some kind of financial security, it is essential to insure your car with the right kind of insurance policy. Read ahead to find out ideal car insurance for your next road trip.

Third-party Liability or Comprehensive?

 Not insuring your car is not an option. It is mandatory to at least purchase a Third-party Liability insurance which is designed keeping in mind the pedestrians and other third parties. However, it does not insure your car. On the other hand, a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy includes the mandatory Third-party Liability insurance as well as covers cost of repairing damages to your car. Theft, calamities, and accidents are covered under a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy.

 

Go for Add-ons

 You also have the option to go for Add-ons when you opt for a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy. Add-ons cost extra but they strengthen your insurance cover. They often include elements that are left out of a Comprehensive policy. Add-ons offer the scope for personalizing the generic Comprehensive policy.

 

Roadside Assistance 

Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that there is someone who will come to your aid quickly if you are stranded with your car on your road trip? Wouldn’t it be satisfying to ensure that your entire trip is not spoilt because of a breakdown? Wouldn’t it be convenient if a mechanic comes to repair your damaged car, minutes after you call?

All these are the benefits of a Roadside Assistance Add-on. The insurance company arranges for a mechanic upon receiving your distress call. If the car cannot be repaired on the spot, the insurance company also arranges for it to be towed to the nearby garage. This way, you do not have to be stressed about being stranded with your damaged car on your road trip without any help.

 

Passenger Cover

 This Add-on covers your fellow passengers. Under a basic Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, only the driver is covered in case of unfortunate events such as an accident. With the Passenger Cover, this insurance cover is extended to the passengers seated in the insured vehicle as well.

Road trips are adventures. And adventures have a hint of risk in them. Thus, it is suggested to go for a Passenger Cover Add-on to insure against risks and have safe adventures.

 

Accessories Cover

 Nowadays, cars are not just four-wheeled wagons. People customize them with accessories to make them a mobile entertainment zone. If you have fitted external accessories for entertainment or to enhance the car’s performance, you can cover them by availing the Accessories Cover. Accessories that are originally fitted by the manufacturer are part of your Comprehensive policy. However, if you want to cover accessories that you have fitted later on, then you will have to get this Add-on to insure those parts.

 

Loss of Personal Belonging

 Gadgets have become an integral part of our lives. Your fellow passengers might not like it if you work on vacation but sometimes a corporate job means working 24 x 7. High-performing laptops are costly and often accompany people on trips. Smartphones with enhanced functionalities are also expensive. With a Loss of Personal Belonging Add-on, you can insure the belongings kept in your car.

 

Online Car Insurance

 Best car insurance in India is available online. Basic research will give you insights regarding purchasing car insurance online. Make sure to read the inclusions and exclusions mentioned in the policy document before purchasing car insurance online.

 

By Chakraborty

Dr Chakrabarty is the Chief Innovation Officer of IntuiComp TeraScience. Earlier she was Assistant Professor of Delhi University, a QS ranked university in India. Before that she has held research positions in IIT Mumbai, IIT Chennai and IISc Bangalore. She holds 2 patents and over 20 research publications in her name which are highly cited. Her area of research is in smart technologies, integrated devices and communications. She also has a penchant for blogging and is an editor of Business Fundas.