SBI General Insurance - Car Insurance

Car insurance helps protect you financially against unexpected expenses arising from accidents, theft, fire, natural calamities and other covered events. While third-party car insurance is mandatory in India, opting for broader coverage can also protect your own vehicle against covered loss or damage. Choosing the right policy can therefore help you meet legal requirements while staying financially prepared for risks on the road.

SBI General Insurance is an established general insurance provider in India, offering a range of insurance solutions for individuals and businesses. Its car insurance offerings provide options for third-party liability and own damage protection, along with additional covers that can be selected based on your requirements. With digital services, an extensive network of garages and customer support, SBI General Insurance aims to make car insurance and claims more convenient for vehicle owners.

Types of  Motor Insurance Plans in India by SBI General Insurance 

Not every car owner needs the same level of protection. While some may want coverage primarily to meet the mandatory third-party insurance requirement, others may prefer protection for their own car as well as third-party. 

SBI General Insurance offers different types of car insurance, so you can choose coverage based on how much protection you need.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

For those looking for broader protection, Comprehensive Car Insurance combines Own Damage and Third-Party Liability Cover under one policy. It provides financial protection against covered loss or damage to your car due to events such as accidents, theft, fire, and natural calamities, while also covering legal liabilities towards third parties.

Own Damage Car Insurance

Already have a valid third-party policy but want to protect your own car as well? Own Damage Car Insurance covers the insured vehicle against specified risks such as accidents, theft, fire, and natural calamities. However, it does not provide third-party liability coverage, so a valid third-party policy needs to be in place separately.

Third-Party Car Insurance

Third-Party Car Insurance provides the minimum insurance coverage required by law for driving a car on public roads in India. It covers legal liabilities arising from third-party bodily injury or death and damage to third-party property involving the insured vehicle. However, it does not cover loss or damage to your own car.

Important Note

• Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, third-party liability insurance is mandatory for cars plying on public roads in India. It provides protection against legal liabilities arising from third-party injury, death or property damage. 
• For a new private car, three years of third-party liability coverage is required. This can be purchased through a Bundled Policy, which generally combines one year of Own Damage cover with three years of Third-Party cover, or through a three-year Long-Term Liability Only Policy.Why Choose  SBI General Insurance’s Private Car Insurance Policy?

SBI General Private Car Insurance Policy – Package combines broad vehicle protection with convenient digital services and customer support. Here are some of the key benefits:

Comprehensive Protection

The policy combines Own Damage and Third-Party Liability Cover, providing protection against covered events such as accidents, theft, fire and natural calamities, along with legal liabilities towards third parties.

Extensive Network of Garages

SBI General Insurance provides access to 8,700+ network garages across India, where eligible claims can be settled through the cashless facility. This can make getting your car repaired after a covered incident more convenient.

24x7 Customer Support

Customers can access 24x7 support for assistance with their policy, claims, and other insurance-related queries.

Wide Presence Across India

With a presence across 140+ locations, SBI General Insurance offers an extensive service network, making support more accessible to customers across the country.

Convenient Digital Services

From buying and renewing your policy to accessing policy details and initiating claims, several services can be managed digitally for greater convenience.

Simple Claims Process

Customers can intimate and track claims through digital channels. For eligible cashless claims, repairs can also be carried out at an applicable network garage, reducing the need to pay the entire repair bill upfront.

Choice of Add-On Covers

Car owners can further enhance their policy with a choice of 13 add-on* covers, allowing them to customise their protection based on their vehicle and individual requirements. These add-on* are subject to availability, applicable policy terms and payment of an additional premium.

The number and availability of add-on* covers may vary depending on the policy, vehicle and other applicable terms and conditions.

*Add-ons are optional and are available on payment of an additional premium, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.

What is IDV in SBI General Insurance Car Insurance?

Insured Declared Value (IDV) represents the value of the insured car considered for determining the insurer’s maximum liability in the event of theft or total loss, subject to the policy terms and conditions. For cars up to five years old, IDV is generally determined based on the manufacturer’s listed selling price of the vehicle, adjusted for depreciation according to its age.

IDV is also an important factor in determining your car insurance premium. Generally, a higher IDV can result in a higher premium, while a lower IDV may reduce the premium but can also lower the amount payable in case of theft or total loss.

What is Covered under SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance?

Depending on the policy selected, SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance can provide protection against damage to your vehicle as well as third-party liabilities. Key inclusions may include:

• Damage to Your Vehicle: Covers repair or replacement costs if the insured car is damaged in an accident, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions. 
• Personal Accident Cover: Provides financial protection in the event of accidental death or permanent disability. Coverage for passengers may also be available, depending on the policy and applicable terms. 
• Third-Party Liability: Covers legal liabilities arising if the insured vehicle causes injury or death to a third party or damages third-party property. 
• Natural Calamities: Covers damage to the insured vehicle caused by specified natural events such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and storms. 
• Man-Made Incidents: Provides protection against covered events such as riots, strikes, vandalism and malicious acts, as specified under the policy. 
• Theft or Total Loss: Provides financial protection if the insured vehicle is stolen or suffers a total loss, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.

Disclaimer: The inclusions listed above are indicative and not exhaustive. Please refer to the policy wording for the complete list of exclusions, terms, conditions, and applicable limits.What is Not Covered under SBI General Insurance's Private Car Insurance Policy?

While SBI General Insurance Car Insurance covers several risks associated with owning and driving a car, there are certain circumstances where coverage may not apply. Some of the key exclusions to be aware of include:

• Damage Caused by an Unauthorised Driver: Claims may not be covered if the car was being driven by a person who was not authorised to drive it under the policy terms. 
• Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence: Loss or damage may not be covered if the person driving the insured car did not hold a valid driving licence at the time of the incident. 
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Claims arising from incidents where the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs are generally excluded. 
• Normal Wear and Tear: Routine wear and tear, depreciation and mechanical or electrical breakdowns are generally not covered under a standard car insurance policy. 
• Use Outside the Policy Terms: Claims may not be covered if the car is used for a purpose that is not permitted under the policy, such as using a private car for commercial purposes.

Disclaimer: The exclusions listed above are indicative and not exhaustive. Please refer to the policy wording for the complete list of exclusions, terms, conditions, and applicable limits.

Add-On Covers Available with SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance

Add-on* covers allow car owners to extend the protection provided by their base policy for specific risks or expenses. SBI General Insurance offers the following optional add-on* covers that can be selected based on individual requirements:

1. Depreciation Reimbursement

This add-on* helps cover the depreciation deducted on replaced vehicle parts during an eligible claim. As a result, it can reduce the amount you need to pay towards depreciation-related expenses when your car undergoes covered repairs.

2. Protection of No Claim Bonus (NCB)

Making a claim can ordinarily affect the No Claim Bonus accumulated on your policy. This add-on* helps protect your accumulated NCB even after specified eligible claims, allowing you to retain the applicable renewal discount, subject to policy conditions.

3. Return to Invoice

In case of theft or total loss of the insured car, this cover helps bridge the difference between the standard claim amount and the applicable invoice value of the vehicle, subject to the terms and limits of the policy.

4. Key Replacement

Car keys can be expensive to replace. This add-on* covers eligible costs associated with replacing lost or damaged insured vehicle keys during the policy period, subject to specified limits.

5. Inconvenience Allowance

If your insured car remains under repair for a specified period following an eligible claim, this cover provides a daily cash allowance to help manage the inconvenience during the period the vehicle is unavailable.

6. Loss of Personal Belongings

This add-on* provides protection against eligible loss or damage to personal belongings kept inside the insured vehicle due to specified events such as theft or an accident, subject to applicable limits and exclusions.

7. Basic Roadside Assistance

Designed for unexpected breakdowns, this cover provides access to emergency assistance such as towing, minor repairs, battery jump-start and flat tyre assistance, as specified under the policy.

8. Additional Roadside Assistance

This add-on* extends roadside support beyond basic assistance and may include benefits such as taxi assistance and additional emergency services during major breakdowns or other covered emergencies.

9. Engine Guard

Standard car insurance may not cover certain types of engine damage. Engine guard provides protection against specified engine-related repair costs arising from events such as water ingress or leakage of lubricating oil, subject to policy terms.

10. Cover for Consumables

This add-on* covers eligible consumable items used during covered repairs, such as engine oil, lubricants, nuts, bolts and screws, which may otherwise need to be paid for separately.

11. EMI Protector

If your insured car remains under repair beyond the period specified under the policy following an eligible accident, this add-on can provide payment towards car loan EMIs for a defined period, subject to applicable limits and conditions.

12. Enhanced Personal Accident Cover

This cover provides enhanced compensation for specified accidental death or disability involving the owner-driver, passengers and paid driver, depending on the coverage selected and applicable policy terms.

*Add-on covers are optional and are available on payment of an additional premium. Coverage, availability, limits and eligibility are subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.

Who Should Buy SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance?

SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance can be considered by car owners looking for financial protection against risks associated with owning and driving a vehicle. While third-party car insurance is mandatory in India, those seeking protection for their own car can consider Own Damage or Comprehensive coverage based on their requirements.

It can be particularly suitable for:

• New Car Owners: Those looking to protect a newly purchased vehicle against covered risks such as accidents, theft, fire and natural calamities. 
• Daily Commuters: Car owners who regularly drive to work or for everyday travel and want broader protection against risks on the road. 
• Owners with Existing Third-Party Cover: Those who already have a valid third-party policy can opt for Own Damage coverage to protect their own vehicle. 
• Car Owners Seeking Broader Protection: A Comprehensive policy can be considered by those who want both own damage and third-party liability coverage under a single policy. 
• Those Looking for Customisable Coverage: Car owners who want to enhance their policy can choose from available additional covers based on their specific protection requirements.

How to Buy  SBI General Insurance’s Private Car Insurance Policy Package Online?

Buying SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance online involves a few simple steps:

1. Provide Your Car Details: Visit the SBI General Insurance website or mobile app and enter the required details about your car along with your personal information. 
2. Select Your Policy: Review the available car insurance options and choose a policy based on the coverage you need. You can also select suitable add-on covers* for additional protection. 
3. Check Your Policy Details: Review the coverage, premium and other policy information carefully before proceeding. 
4. Make the Payment: Pay the applicable premium online using the available payment options. 
5. Receive Your Policy: Once the payment and purchase process are successfully completed, the car insurance policy document will be issued digitally.

How to Renew Lapsed/Expired SBI General Insurance's Car Insurance Policy?

If your SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance policy has expired, it is advisable to renew it at the earliest to restore coverage and avoid remaining uninsured. Depending on how long the policy has been expired, additional requirements such as vehicle inspection may apply. Here is how you can renew a lapsed policy:

1. Visit the SBI General Insurance Website: Go to the car insurance renewal section and enter the required policy and vehicle details. 
2. Provide Your Previous Policy Details: Enter information such as your existing policy number, car registration details and policy expiry date, as required. 
3. Review Your Coverage: Check the available coverage options and select the policy and applicable add-on* covers based on your requirements. 
4. Complete Vehicle Inspection, if Required: SBI General Insurance may require an inspection of the car before renewing an expired policy, depending on the duration of the break in coverage and applicable guidelines. 
5. Pay the Renewal Premium: Review the policy details and complete the premium payment using an available online payment method. 
6. Receive the Renewed Policy: Once the renewal requirements are completed and the policy is issued, you will receive the renewed policy document. 

Note: Your car remains uninsured during the break between the expiry of the previous policy and commencement of the renewed policy. Renewal requirements may vary depending on the duration of the lapse and applicable policy terms.

SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance Claim Process

An accident or damage to your car can already be stressful, so knowing what to do next can make the claims process easier. With SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance, you can opt for a cashless claim at an eligible network garage or a reimbursement claim, depending on where you choose to get your car repaired. SBI General Insurance allows motor claims to be intimated through its toll-free number, email, website or mobile app. 

Cashless Claim Process

A cashless claim allows eligible repair costs to be settled directly between SBI General Insurance and the network garage.

1. Inform SBI General Insurance: Intimate the claim by calling 1800 102 1111, emailing customer.care@sbigeneral.in, or using the available digital claim channels. Keep your policy details handy. 
2. Register the Claim: Once the claim is registered, you will receive a Claim Reference Number for further communication and tracking. 
3. Submit the Required Documents: Provide documents such as your driving licence, RC and FIR, wherever applicable, along with any other documents requested for the claim. 
4. Get the Car Inspected: SBI General Insurance will arrange for an inspection of the damaged vehicle as part of the claim assessment process. 
5. Get Repairs at a Network Garage: Once the cashless facility is confirmed, take the car to the applicable network garage for repairs. SBI General Insurance settles the eligible claim amount directly with the garage. 
6. Pay the Applicable Amount: You will need to pay expenses not covered by the policy, such as applicable deductibles, depreciation or other amounts determined during claim assessment. 

Reimbursement Claim Process

If you prefer to have your car repaired at a garage of your choice, you can opt for a reimbursement claim. 

1. Intimate and Register the Claim: Call SBI General Insurance on 1800 102 1111 or email customer.care@sbigeneral.in to inform the team about your claim and provide your policy details.
2. Complete the Inspection: The insurer will arrange for the damaged vehicle to be surveyed or inspected. 
3. Submit the Documents: Provide the documents requested by SBI General Insurance for claim assessment. 
4. Get Your Car Repaired: Have the vehicle repaired at your chosen garage and pay the repair expenses. 
5. Submit the Bills and Receipts: Share the repair invoices, payment receipts and other required documents with SBI General Insurance. 
6. Receive the Reimbursement: After assessment and approval, the eligible claim amount is reimbursed in accordance with the policy terms and conditions.

Is SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance Good?

SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance can be a good choice for car owners looking for flexible coverage backed by an established general insurance provider. The availability of Comprehensive, Own Damage and Third-Party policies allows customers to select the level of protection that suits their requirements. Its extensive network of garages, 24x7 customer support, digital services and range of optional add-on* covers further add to the convenience.

While the final premium and out-of-pocket expenses will depend on the coverage selected and applicable policy conditions, SBI General Insurance’s Car Insurance offers a well-rounded combination of coverage options, customisation and support, making it worth considering when comparing car insurance policies.

Review of SBI General Insurance's Private Car Insurance Policy Package

SBI General Private Car Insurance Policy – Package offers a combination of own damage and third-party liability coverage, making it a comprehensive option for car owners looking for broader protection. The policy can provide financial protection against covered risks such as accidents, theft, fire, natural calamities and specified man-made events, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

The policy also offers several features that add to its overall value, including personal accident cover, access to an extensive network of garages, 24x7 customer support and a range of optional add-on* covers. Car owners can further customise their protection with add-ons* such as Depreciation Reimbursement, Engine Guard, Return to Invoice and Roadside Assistance, depending on their requirements.

Overall, SBI General Insurance’s Private Car Insurance Policy – Package can be a good choice for car owners seeking comprehensive coverage along with customisation and convenient support services. While the suitability and premium will depend on individual requirements, the combination of own damage protection, mandatory third-party coverage and optional add-ons makes it a well-rounded car insurance offering.SBI General Insurance's Private Car Insurance Customer Care Details

For any policy-related queries, service requests or complaints, customers can reach SBI General Insurance through the following contact channels: