Motor insurance is generally associated with safety, protection and it is mandatory as per law. We know about the basic third-party liability and own damage covers, but there are certain interesting add-on features in all comprehensive insurance policies that most of us may not even be aware about! Some of these endorsement-based features make the motor insurance policy much more flexible and beneficial.

Here are some of these features that you may have not known about!

Extension of geographical area: Did you think that your private car insurance policy is valid only in India? Well, that is true, but it is also true that you can get it endorsed to extend its validity to neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. If you are the adventurous kind and wish to take your car outside India to these countries, this cover is a must to ensure that your vehicle’s insurance is valid even in these countries. However, do note that this insurance excludes damage to the vehicle during sea or air transfer to these countries.

Use of vehicles for rallies: Are you an avid motorist who takes part in motor rallies?! Do you know that your existing car insurance policy can be extended to include use in a rally organised by any recognised motorised organisation upon payment of additional premium?

Generally, speed tests, motor racing, dexterity trials or hill climbs are excluded from the purview of this extension, but may be included by charging a loading on both premiums. So, depending upon your use and rally conditions, make sure to take this endorsement and the extension which will make sure your vehicle is safe even during such driving conditions

Automobile Association of India discount : Always wished that your memberships gave you some returns as well? Well, here’s one. Your valid membership of Automobile Associations of India such as Automobile Association of Eastern India, Western India Automobile Association, etc., offers a discount of 5 per cent of own damage (OD) premium, subject to a maximum of ₹200 for a private car and ₹50 for a two-wheeler. Being a member of this select group entitles you to a lower insurance amount!

Transfer of no claim bonus: Areyou a good driver with no claim bonus (NCB) accumulated in your current policy and don’t want to lose out on it while buying a new vehicle?Do you know that you can transfer NCB from your old car policy to your new one? Well that’s possible and can help you save on your new car’s insurance premium. NCB transfer generally rewards a driver for his good driving behaviour. This discount may go up to 50 per cent of the OD component of the premium.

It is a win-win situation for both the customer as he is rewarded for good driving behaviour and his premium is kept down, while the insurance company gets customers with a good track record in safe driving that is good for their business.

Discount for anti-theft devices : Want to make your vehicle’s safety devices to work in more ways than one? Vehicles fitted with anti-theft devices approved by Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune are eligible for a discount of 2.5 per cent on OD premium subject to a maximum of ₹500. So, installing the right anti-theft device not only helps safeguard your vehicle but also brings down the premium of its insurance.

The writer is COO, RenewBuy.com

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