What are the Risks Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance

Written by : TATA AIG Team
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Published on : 2026-01-27
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5 min

Many people assume that having third-party insurance is enough, but it actually protects only other people, not your own car. So, if your vehicle is damaged in an accident, stolen from a parking lot, or ruined in a flood, you are left to handle the expenses.

In such cases, having comprehensive car insurance can be a lifesaver. It offers wide-ranging protection by covering both third-party liabilities and damage to your own vehicle. From accidental dents to total loss, natural disasters, fire, or vandalism, comprehensive insurance gives you financial support when you need it most.

In this article, we will explain the various risks covered under comprehensive car insurance coverage and help you understand why choosing this broader protection is a smart, stress-reducing decision for every car owner.

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List of Content

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    What is Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance?
  • bullet
    What are the Risks Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance?
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    What are the Risks Not Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance?
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    Add-ons Included in the Comprehensive Car Insurance That Increase the Risk Coverage
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    Benefits of a Comprehensive Car Insurance
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    How to Raise a Claim for Comprehensive Car Insurance?
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    Difference Between Third-Party Liability and Comprehensive Policy
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    Conclusion

What is Comprehensive Coverage Car Insurance?

A comprehensive car insurance is an agreement between the insurer and the policyholder, which covers the financial liabilities of the policyholder in case of damage to the insured car or third-party liabilities. This policy is not mandatory, but experts recommend it because it provides more extensive coverage.

Unforeseeable events such as car accidents, crashes, natural disasters, thefts, etc., can cause these damages. To enhance your comprehensive car insurance policy, you can add add-ons or policy riders such as Zero Depreciation Coverage, NCB protection, and Roadside Assistance. Along with reducing your financial liabilities, this all-risk car insurance covers all your covered damages.

What are the Risks Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive Coverage Risks Covered for Your Own Vehicle

Accidental Damage

Accidental damage is one of the biggest financial risks for any car owner. Repairing dents, broken parts, or structural damage can quickly add up to huge bills. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers these costs, from minor repairs to major restorations. This keeps your savings intact and ensures your car gets the professional repair work it needs to stay safe on the road.

Theft and Vandalism

Car theft remains a significant concern across many cities. A stolen car can lead not just to emotional loss but also to a major financial setback. Comprehensive insurance compensates for the loss based on the Insured Declared Value (IDV). The policy also covers damages caused by vandalism or attempted theft, such as damaged locks, shattered glass, scratched paint, or broken mirrors, so you are not left to handle repair costs alone.

Fire Damage

Vehicle fires can occur due to electrical issues, overheating, fuel leaks, or accidental external fires. Restoring or replacing a fire-damaged vehicle often involves substantial expense. Comprehensive insurance covers these losses, providing crucial financial support and helping you get back on the road sooner.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and landslides can cause severe, sudden damage to your vehicle. Waterlogging can ruin the engine, interiors, and electronics, while storms and quakes can lead to dents, broken panels, or total loss. Comprehensive insurance covers such incidents, making recovery easier during difficult times.

Man-Made Acts

Damage caused by events such as riots, strikes, protests, arson, or terrorist activities is covered under a comprehensive policy. These situations are unpredictable and can leave vehicles significantly damaged. Insurance protection ensures you don’t pay out of pocket for the consequences of large-scale, uncontrollable events.

Personal Accident Cover

Owner-drivers receive financial protection through the personal accident cover included in comprehensive insurance. This benefit provides compensation for injury, disability, or loss of income resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle. Medical expenses, hospitalisation charges, and long-term rehabilitation costs are supported, easing the burden during challenging times.

Comprehensive Coverage Risks Covered for Others (Third-Party)

Third-party liability coverage takes care of legal and financial responsibilities if another person or property is harmed in an accident involving your car. This includes:

  • Bodily Injury or Death: Compensation for medical treatment, disability, or loss of life.
  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damage to another person’s vehicle, boundary wall, shop, or any other physical property.
  • Legal Expenses: It compensates for the legal expenses arising out of such third-party accidents.

This protection prevents unexpected expenses and legal complications, ensuring you remain financially secure even in situations involving another party.

Also Read: Comprehensive vs Third-Party Car Insurance in India

What are the Risks Not Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Normal Wear and Tear

All cars age, and damage such as paint fading, tyre wear, and parts loosening occurs with everyday use. These gradual changes are a normal part of owning a vehicle, so insurance does not cover them. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain this regularly.

Negligent Driving

If damage occurs because the car was driven carelessly, speeding, ignoring road conditions, or failing to follow basic safety practices, the insurer may decline the claim. Insurance helps with unexpected incidents, not avoidable mistakes.

Outside the Covered Geographical Area

Your policy includes a defined area where comprehensive insurance coverage applies. If your vehicle is damaged outside this zone, the claim will not be accepted, as the insurer cannot manage risks beyond the specified region.

Racing or Illegal Activities

Losses that occur during racing, performing risky stunts, or engaging in unlawful activities are not covered. When the vehicle is used in ways that break the law, insurance protection does not apply.

Traffic Rule Violations

Driving without a licence, driving under the influence, or using the car for unauthorised purposes can lead to claim rejection if an accident occurs. Following traffic rules helps keep both your safety and insurance coverage intact.

Add-ons Included in the Comprehensive Car Insurance That Increase the Risk Coverage

  • Daily Allowance: If you are without your car while it is being fixed, this add-on helps cover alternative transport costs. If your car's stolen or totaled, we will support you for up to 15 days.
  • Return to Invoice: If your car is stolen or completely written off, we will pay you the full on-road price you originally paid, including road tax and registration.
  • Depreciation Reimbursement: When your car needs repairs, we will cover the depreciation deducted from parts. You get this for your first two eligible claims each year.
  • Loss of Personal Belongings: You are covered for personal items in your car that are worth more than ₹250. However, you cannot get cover for jewellery, electronics, cash, or important documents.
  • Emergency Transport & Hotel Expenses: If an accident leaves you stranded, you get help with taxi fares or are put up in a hotel for the night.
  • No Claim Bonus Protection: If you made one claim this year, no problem. You can keep your hard-earned NCB intact, as long as you have been claim-free for at least two years before.
  • Engine Secure: Protects your engine, gearbox and other critical parts from water damage or oil leakage, because nobody wants an expensive engine repair bill.
  • Tyre Secure: Covers repair or replacement if cuts, bursts, bulges, or accidents damage your tyres.
  • Key Replacement: If you lost your keys or had someone try to break in, you can get cover for new keys and any lock repairs needed.
  • Roadside Assistance: If your car breaks down in the middle of the road, you can get coverage for that. Towing, tyre changes, jump-starts, and on-the-spot repairs, you can get help just a call away.
  • Emergency Medical Expenses: Covers emergency medical treatment for you and your passengers after an accident, when every second counts.
  • Consumable Expenses: Oils, filters, nuts, bolts, and AC gas, all expenses add up. We will take care of consumables needed during repairs.
  • Vehicle Loan Protector: If the worst happens, such as death or permanent total disability, this pays off your outstanding vehicle loan, so your family doesn't have to.
  • Pay As You Drive: Your premium is based on the actual kilometres you drive, and you can always top up if you exceed your limit.
  • Reinstate Cover: If you find additional damage from the same accident later, as long as it occurred during your policy period and the part does not need replacing, you can claim it.
  • Electric Surge Secure: For EV owners, this cover protects your vehicle and charging equipment from damage caused by power surges or electrical faults.

Also Read: 5 Types of Car Insurance Coverage in India

Benefits of a Comprehensive Car Insurance

Third-Party Liability Coverage

If your car accidentally causes injury, death, or damage to someone else’s property, this cover steps in to handle the financial and legal responsibilities. It keeps you protected from large compensation claims and ensures you comply with the law.

Own Damage Cover

Unexpected accidents, collisions, or even theft can leave you with hefty repair bills. With own damage cover, your insurer pays for repairs or replacement, saving you from major out-of-pocket expenses and helping your car get back on the road sooner.

Extensive Risk Protection

From fire and theft to natural disasters like floods, storms, and earthquakes, comprehensive insurance covers all these risks. It gives you financial support during those sudden moments when things go wrong.

Cashless Claims

Because of the large network of partner garages, many repairs can be done without you paying up front. Your insurer settles the bill directly, making the entire process smoother and quicker.

One Premium Coverage

With a single premium, you get both third-party and own-damage protection. This makes the policy simple, convenient, and cost-effective.

Compliance & Legal Safety

Most importantly, comprehensive insurance lets you enjoy your car without the constant worry of getting fines. You stay legally compliant and financially protected every time you get behind the wheel.

How to Raise a Claim for Comprehensive Car Insurance?

The following steps will guide you through the process of claiming risks covered by comprehensive car insurance:

  • You must report the damage to the insurance company first.
  • When a third-party property is damaged or an accident occurs, you must file an FIR.
  • Submit a copy of your FIR, proof of identity, proof of residence, a registration certificate, etc.
  • A surveyor will determine the extent of the damage.
  • After that, the vehicle will be taken to a local mechanic for repairs.
  • A cashless claim service is available if the car is being repaired at a network garage; otherwise, reimbursement is required.

Also Read: How to Convert Third-party To Comprehensive Car Insurance

Difference Between Third-Party Liability and Comprehensive Policy

Parameters Comprehensive Insurance Third-Party Liability Insurance
Coverage In addition to covering the insured vehicle, it also covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Only bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties is covered under the policy.
Vehicles For new, frequently used or a few-year-old vehicles whose repair costs would be unmanageable, comprehensive car insurance coverage is recommended. After a road accident or mishap, these repairs will be needed. Only third-party liability Insurance is required for vehicles over ten years old whose repair costs can be managed by the owner. There will be no high repair costs for these vehicles.
Cost of Insurance It is more expensive because a comprehensive policy offers broader coverage against injuries, damage, and theft. Third-party liability insurance is less expensive than comprehensive coverage as the coverage is limited and the premium is fixed by the IRDAI.

Conclusion

With rising traffic, unpredictable weather, and increasing repair costs, having comprehensive car insurance coverage is no longer optional, it is essential. This all-round cover protects you from major financial shocks caused by accidents, theft, fire, natural calamities, and third-party claims. It ensures that your car insurance policy works as a reliable safety net whenever life takes an unexpected turn.

If you are now considering upgrading or choosing a new car insurance policy, this is the perfect time to explore TATA AIG. TATA AIG four-wheeler insurance offers strong coverage, valuable add-ons, and a smooth, hassle-free claims experience.

You can begin with a quick car insurance online check to check the status of your car policy. You can compare plans, understand benefits, and choose a policy that aligns with your driving habits and budget. Our digital buying process makes everything simple and transparent. Buy car insurance with TATA AIG for trusted protection, transparency, and convenience

Explore TATA AIG’s Car Insurance @ ₹2094/year and Drive Stressfree!

Believe it or Not! Save upto* 75% on TATA AIG Car Insurance

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