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Insurance Basics

Insurance Basics & Policy Concepts Explained

Insurance Basics & Policy Concepts Explained: Before you buy, understand the fundamentals: what insurance is, how policies work, and the terms that matter at claim time.

Insurance Basics & Policy Concepts Explained

Fundamentals

Four ideas to hold onto. Highlights include: Basics Concepts Explained.

What is insurance

You pay a premium so the insurer takes on a defined financial risk on your behalf. If the covered event happens, they pay for the loss up to policy limits.

Types of policies

Motor, health, home, travel, and life. Each covers a different kind of risk. Motor insurance is mandatory for every vehicle on Indian roads.

How premiums work

Your premium depends on the risk you carry: vehicle age, insured value, location, claim history, and the cover you choose.

Why claims fail

Undisclosed information, expired PUC, driving without a valid licence, or intoxication at the time of an accident are common reasons.

Insurance terms

Words worth knowing before you sign.

Premium

the amount you pay for cover

IDV (Insured Declared Value)

the maximum a motor policy will pay for a total loss

Sum Insured

the maximum payout for a health or property policy

Deductible

the portion of a claim you pay yourself

No Claim Bonus (NCB)

a renewal discount for claim-free years

Cashless

the insurer settles directly with the garage or hospital

Government & Statutory Education

General Insurance Council (GI Council): Motor Insurance

Read official Indian motor vehicle classifications and statutory insurance guidelines.

GI Council Guide