ew roman, times, serif"> The monsoon season is special for Indians. While it brings joy and hope, it also calls for extra precautions to negotiate the difficulties without minimum trouble. Due to climate change, lifestyles have to be altered to protect from the vagaries of nature. There can be repercussions on health as well as non-life assets due to reasons such as water-borne diseases, water-related damage, mishaps to homes and vehicular accidents. Despite all precautions to avoid or minimise the damage, we have little control on the incidence of mishaps during the rainy season.

Apart from health, monsoons have significant impact on automobiles, primarily due to changes in the climate and in external conditions like the quality of roads. Automobiles get prone to accidents due to rusting/jamming of the iron spare parts. Also, the risk of road accidents is high during the rainy season due to slippery roads and lack of lighting. In case of waterlogging, not only one or two parts but the entire electrical circuit could need replacement.

Every monsoon, there are at least one or two occasions when the city comes to a standstill due to incessant rains. In case of flooding, you might find yourself saddled with major engine damage. Also, accidents cause damage to own vehicles as well as financial liabilities in case of damage to life or property of third parties, even pedestrians. Besides, monsoons also affect automobiles by way of wear and tear due to continuous exposure to water.

These factors call for the owners of all types of automobiles – personal cars or two-wheelers or commercial vehicles – to be extra careful during the monsoons. In extreme situations, automobile owners may find themselves saddled with high financial liability if proper care is not taken. What is the way out? The answer is motor insurance. The term covers insurance purchased for cars, trucks, motorcycles and other road vehicles. Motor insurance gives protection to the vehicle owner against

(i) damage to his/her vehicle and (ii) pays for any third party liability determined as per law against the owner of the vehicle. Third party insurance is a statutory requirement. The owner of the vehicle is legally liable for any injury or damage to third party life or property caused by or arising out of the use of the vehicle in a public place. Driving a motor vehicle without insurance in a public place is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It is prudent to cover loss or damage to the vehicle itself by way of comprehensive package policy, which covers both ’liability’ as well as ’own damage’ to the insured vehicle.

While the ’liability only’ insurance is mandatory, a car owner is better off taking a comprehensive coverage at a lower incremental cost. You can secure your vehicle from financial liabilities or possible loss of vehicle with motor insurance plans. Motor insurance ensures that you and your vehicle stay safe and secure during the monsoons. General insurance companies provide a range of motor insurance options with varied requirements. Unlike other non-life insurance plans, you can get instant premium quote for motor insurance online and choose the right insurance plan for your vehicle with options purchase online.

Also you can enhance insurance on your vehicle with choice of smart add-on packages that which provide added security and complete peace of mind, minimise out-of-pocket expenses and widen the existing scope of cover.