Best Cars For Different Budgets

Best Cars For Different Budgets: Not able to choose the best car within your budget? Here are my top choices in four different budget categories, just for you.

 Here�s a quick breakdown of my favourite cars from four different budget categories:

Budget � 5 Lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Alto

Price: Starts at Rs. 2.67 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai for Alto 800 standard)

C�mon, who doesn�t love the Alto? The Maruti Suzuki Alto is for the budget-conscious lot who don�t want to compromise on style and a peppy performance. The design is commendable. The mileage is great � expect between 25 to 33 km from this mini car. And the best part is that it is affordable too.

Renault Kwid

Price: Starts at 2.78 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

Hello, kiddo! This entry-level hatchback is immensely popular in its segment. It�s lightweight; it�s got an SUV-like appearance; it�s got top-class features, and it�s the fastest car in its segment. This little kid has surely found a place in my heart (not yet in my garage though but someday soon, maybe!).

Tata Tiago

Price: Starts at Rs. 3.29 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

It�s chic. It�s a value-for-money option. But the question is does it stand up to competition? Well, if it didn�t, then it wouldn�t have made it to my list of favourites. I think that the Tiago has just the right amount of everything � styling, interiors, performance, etc. � needed to fare well in its segment. A quality product from Tata with a decent price tag, ideal for price-conscious Indian buyers.

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Maruti WagonR

Price: Starts at Rs. 4.30 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

Another popular Maruti product, the WagonR is a hot favourite among Indian consumers in the small hatchbacks segment. I mean, who wouldn�t fall in love with that tall-boy design and smooth performance, right? I feel that the WagonR is the perfect ride for small families who do not want to spend a bomb on a car. What do you think?

Budget � 10 Lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2017

Price: Starts at Rs. 5.38 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

It was one of the best selling cars last year. And why wouldn�t it be? New design language, lots of smart features, AGS option, and equipped with safety features even in the standard variants, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2017 is surely going to rule its segment. And the affordable price tag makes this sub-4 metre compact sedan a great catch for the price-conscious lot.

Volkswagen Polo

Price: Starts at Rs. 5.42 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

The best thing about the VW Polo is that it can take on everything you throw at it � it is one hell of a powerful little hatch. Sporty, spacious, fuel-efficient, and packed with great features, the VW Polo is a smart buy if your budget is within Rs. 10 lakhs.

Hyundai Elite i20

Price: Starts at Rs. 5.29 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

The Hyundai Elite i20 is a great buy under the 10 lakh bracket! We�re not just saying this because it�s one good-looking premium hatch, but also because of the tonnes of great features, it comes with. I totally love the car�s fluid aesthetics, its spacious and comfy interiors, the smooth yet powerful driving experience it offers, and its fuel efficiency.

Budget � 20 Lakhs

Jeep Compass

Price: Starts at 15.18 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)

Combine a sporty design with a solid build and great off-roading capability and you�ll get the Jeep Compass. If you�re looking for a new set of wheels which will give you good fuel efficiency and a power-packed driving experience (especially for the road trips out of the city), then the Jeep Compass is a great buy within the Rs. 20 lakh bracket.

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Remember there a great many options under each budget category mentioned above. I�ve just listed my favourites under each budget category. Base your car buying decision on your budget, your needs, and your preferences.

Get A Car Loan For A Second Hand Car

Get A Car Loan For A Second-Hand Car: Wondering whether you can get a Car Loan for a second-hand ride? CEO Adhil Shetty breaks it down for you.
However, not everyone can afford the high EMIs and interest rates that come with regular Car Loans. This is exactly why the used car market is constantly on the upswing. If you�re one of those people looking to purchase a used car at an affordable price by taking out a Used Car Loan, then you�ve come to the right place.

Used Car Loans - Features and Benefits

• Immensely Pocket-Friendly- Explained in simple associative terms, a second-hand car will cost less, thus, the pre-owned car loan financing it will also be a lesser number compared to its new-car alternative. Meaning, smaller monthly instalments to contend with.
• Less Hassle, More Features- While most banks feature used car finance as an important component in their arsenal of products, the demand for it is naturally second to a new car loan. Thus, these products are customized to appear as customer friendly as possible. Meaning, lots of features and rebates at half the usual hassle associated with a new car loan.
• Used Cars Are a Lot More Fun- When it comes to a pre-owned car, the choice of models isn�t dependent on its current on-road price. What would seem like a hefty investment for a new car of a particular model, seems very reasonable in the case of a second-hand car of the same make. Plus, the prospect of depreciation in pre-owned cars is considerably less when compared to new cars, thus retaining its original value when you intend to resell it at a future date. Importantly, the insurance costs of a pre-owned car are lesser compared to a new car.

How To Save For Short-term Goals

How To Save For Short-term Goals: It�s good to be ambitious and it�s great to have a fixed set of short-term goals in mind. They help you stay focused and also help establish financial security simultaneously. What�s better than making your dream come true and becoming financially secure at the same time?

All set to take over those short-term goals? Let�s begin!

Money lying idle? Put it to use.

If you have some free cash lying useless, you better put that to use. This doesn�t mean grabbing notes from the secret pile underneath your mattress. Actually, that too, but you also need to look out for other things that are just blocking your money. Not sure where? Unused gym memberships, guitar classes you never went to and all those unnecessary gadgets you never used are a part of it. If it�s a thing you never used (and most probably won�t use in future either), consider selling it off. Before you come up with new excuses, gym memberships can be sold off too. All set to free some cash? Let�s go!

Recurring Deposit to the rescue!

If you want to be a little systematic about the way you save, give Recurring Deposits a shot. They are a sure-shot way to ensure savings. How? A part of your money automatically keeps getting deducted from one of your bank accounts and keeps getting collected in the Recurring Deposit account. So, it�s like once you opt for a Recurring Deposit, you will save (even if you don�t want to). The thought of money getting deducted from your Savings Account every month sounds irritating? Don�t worry! One day, it�ll make you the happiest person on this planet! Till then, just focus on saving for your goals.

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List them down

Before beginning the ultimate game of reaching all those milestones, you need to decide what those milestones are. Duh! We insist you grab a pen and piece of paper and peek into your mind. Hold on! Don�t get lost in those dreams. Remember, the whole point of this exercise is to focus and prioritise your goals. Once you do that, you�ll know exactly where to begin. Differentiating between short-term and long-term goals might be a little difficult (considering you have a lot of dreams), but let�s take baby steps for now. Nothing is impossible, and you�ll surely turn all these dreams into reality one day. But for now, let�s focus on thinking about what we want to achieve in the coming future, shall we? Got your list ready? Great! Let�s proceed.

Invest according to your goals

Investing is the best way to ensure a solid financial future ahead. But before randomly signing up for any XYZ investment plan, you need to think about your immediate goals. Just because a certain investment plan makes sense for your friend, doesn�t mean it�s the best option for you too. Think clearly and plan according to your goals. For instance, if you�re planning to buy a car soon, investing in a long-term scheme might be the worst decision of your life. Not only will that block a lot of money for no reason, but will also stop you from achieving that immediate goal. You won�t want that to happen, will you? So, be smart and explore all options before narrowing down on something.

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These are some ways to save for that short-term goal. If you think that none of these will work in your case, you must consult a financial advisor. They can plan things according to your goal and give you saving solutions accordingly. No matter how small that dream is, you need to fund it, right? You need to save big (unless you have hidden treasures somewhere)!

So, go ahead and take that first step towards your dreams. Open a Recurring Deposit and start saving.

Drive With These Instant Car Loans

Drive With These Instant Car Loans: Looking to buy a car? Check out these hassle-free Car Loan offers with no paperwork that is sure to get your engine purring.
A Car Loan will help you turn that dream into a reality. Although most loans require you to submit a bunch of paperwork that makes these loans seem unattractive, there are a few Car Loans that require no paperwork � they�re instant! So, you no longer have to print documents or even stand in long queues at bank counters to submit these documents.

Here are a few paperless-approval Car Loan and Used Car Loan offers available:

HDFC Bank Car Loan

Getting a Car Loan from HDFC bank has many benefits.

• Interest rates starting from 8.40% and can go up to 10.35%, fixed rate of interest
• No guarantor required for this loan
• Avail a top-up loan facility on it
• Part-payment is available
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) � 100% of the ex-showroom price of the vehicle

The processing fee can go up to Rs. 4,720 (one-time fee). The minimum loan amount you can avail is Rs. 1 lakh for a tenure of up to 7 years.

TVS Credit Used Car Loan

If a used car is on your mind and your monthly income is Rs. 15,000 or above, then you can apply for the TVS Credit Used Car Loan.

• You need to be between the age of 21 and 65 to apply for this loan
• You won�t need a guarantor for this loan
• Top-up loan facility is available
• Interest rate range � 13.1% to 15%, floating rate of interest
• The pre-closure fee is applicable

The processing fee applied to this loan is Rs. 999 (plus applicable taxes). The minimum loan amount you can avail is Rs. 20,000 and the maximum loan amount is Rs. 10 lakhs. The repayment tenure is up to 5 years.

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HDFC Bank Used Car Loan

Another stunner from HDFC bank is its Used Car Loan that offers e-approval and part-payment facilities and requires no guarantor.

• Interest rate range � 12% to 15.5%, fixed rate of interest
• LTV � Up to 80% of the cost of the vehicle
• Salaried individuals within the age group of 21 to 60 years are eligible
• Self-employed individuals within the age group of 25 to 65 years can apply for this loan
• Salaried folks must have at least 2 years of work experience with a minimum of 1 year at the current organisation
• Self-employed folks must have completed at least 3 years in their current business establishment

That�s all for the instant approval Car Loan and Used Car Loan offers folks!

With so many offers on Car Loans available, it would certainly be a pity if you still take the bus or ride in an auto every day. Don�t hesitate. Hit the road in a new set of wheels.

Which Car Should Buy Petrol or Diesel?

Which Car Should Buy-Petrol or Diesel? Car buyers are often troubled by the thought of which car to opt for � a petrol or diesel. We�ll help you make the choice. Diesel cars today have made great strides in terms of refinement and cubic capacity (cc). With constant fine-tuning and improvement, diesel cars have become better, more affordable and are proving to be an equal match for their petrol counterparts.

So can petrol cars be given a miss nowadays? While there is no simple answer to this debate, the following points can help you reach a decision:

1.       Refinement:

This has a lot to do with the car manufacturer. When it comes to the overall refinement of diesel engines vis-�-vis petrol, the former lacks in terms of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) levels. Then again, diesel cars higher up the segment are so refined that one can only hear marginal engine clatter on the outside, while noise inside the cabin is comparable to that of a petrol car.

If you are really picky about NVH levels and can�t stand the clattering noise, a diesel car may not be a good idea. If you can live with a fair amount of noise or vibration, then a diesel car may not be a bad idea at all.

2.       Mileage:

Both diesel and petrol cars have their own share of power attached to them. Mass-market petrol cars have linear power delivery with great initial pick-up which means better response. The moment you press the accelerator pedal in lower gears, the car surges ahead but then it doesn�t really sustain the pulling power after certain RPMs. This results in better horsepower or PS but low torque (Nm).

On the other hand, a mass market diesel car that generally comes fitted with a turbocharger can display a great amount of pulling power which is credited to its increased torque figures (compared to a similar petrol car) resulting in a thrust of power. However, all of this happens when you pass certain RPMs (revolutions per minute) on the tachometer. So, there is a considerable amount of initial lag (often called turbo lag) that you will face, which means despite pressing the accelerator flat, the car will take time to respond to your input. This will result in more torque and less power.

If you�re a car junkie and demand a swift response from your car, a petrol car makes absolute sense. However, if you really love the thrust of sudden power, despite the initial lag, then a diesel car should be your pick.

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3.       Lifespan:

Let�s consider how diesel engines fare compared to petrol engines in terms of lifespan. Diesel engines are comparatively larger in size than petrol engines as they require higher air pressure for firing. A diesel engine starts to depreciate faster than a petrol engine if not serviced regularly. Excessive heat, friction and vibration are the primary reasons why a diesel engine disintegrates faster than a petrol engine.

Why diesel engines depreciate faster:

Following are some other reasons that lead to the faster depreciation of a diesel engine:

1. Diesel units use lift pumps which make the engine heavier. Petrol engines are lighter and use direct injections. Net weight of the engine with full fuel capacity plays a big role in deciding which engine will last longer. Petrol wins hands down with full fuel capacity.
2. Petrol and diesel engines offer different mileage. Diesel engines consume more oil. Use of oil magnifies the frequency of maintenance.

• Diesel engines are used in multiple heavy-duty operations because of the powerful torque that they deliver for the same volume of petrol.

1. Heavy-duty engines are used in tractor trailers, locomotives, ships and underground tubes. These are highly corrosive and high-intensity operations. Depreciation of a diesel engine is evident even with higher service intervals.

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Final word:

While diesel has some obvious advantages like low fuel cost and better mileage, its service and maintenance, however, will cost you more than petrol. Then again, these days diesel engines have become much smoother and quieter. They are also free from lead and regulated oxide pollutants.

If you live in a cold country, a diesel engine will definitely exceed its lifespan, almost twice the margin of a petrol engine. This is because cold start engine in diesel cars is quicker as compared to petrol lighters.

Remember to not just buy a car considering its great mileage and cheaper fuel price; consider costs like the car�s overall running cost and the tenure that you would want to keep it for. If you�re considering keeping a car for long and drive more than 80-100 km a day, diesel can be a valid option. If your running is less and you don�t prefer keeping a car for more than 3-4 years, go for petrol.

How To Apply For A PAN Card

How To Apply For A PAN Card: Indians use the Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card as an identification document for different purposes. Many PAN cardholders neither work nor file tax returns but have the PAN card solely for the purpose of identification.

Applying for a PAN card is very simple. You can do it online or via a govt. app. Want to know how? Find out here!

Applying For PAN

The Income Tax department has simplified the process of applying for a PAN card. While the PAN card could earlier be obtained only through middlemen, who were usually Chartered Accountants, today the PAN card can be easily applied for online. This is an easy and user-friendly process, with clear instructions and guidelines given at every stage.

Here are the steps involved in applying for a PAN card should you wish to do it online �

1. Visit the website of the Tax Information Network � https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/.
2. This is the home page of the Income Tax department and offers different services such as applying for a new PAN, tracking the status of tax refund and online PAN verification. The applicant can choose the service that they want.
3. To apply for a new PAN, Form 49A will need to be used. Form 49A can be filled online by visiting https://www.tin-nsdl.com/services/pan/pan-index.html.

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1. Fill in the details and submit the form online. After the form is submitted successfully, an acknowledgment is displayed. You will get a unique 15 digit acknowledgment number. This acknowledgment must be saved and printed.
2. The acknowledgment form must be sent to the Income Tax department. Before sending this, you will need to attach a few documents along with the acknowledgment form. This includes proof of address and proof of identity. Your name which is mentioned in these documents should be in the same format as that on the PAN application form. Keep this in mind when you are filling Form 49A.
3. You must also affix two recent color photographs on the acknowledgment form in the applicable space. Signatures have to be made where indicated. The photograph you affix should be clear and a recent one, as this is the same photograph which will be used on your PAN card.

The steps above are simple and self-explanatory. There are adequate instructions, guidelines and a list of do�s and don�ts on the website that will guide you in the PAN application process.

How to track your application

The application status can be tracked online after the acknowledgment has been sent. Payments made can also be tracked online. NSDL also offers the facility of tracking by writing to them at their address or by sending an SMS to 57575 by typing SMS NSDLPAN <space> Acknowledgement No.

The process of changing or correcting the details of your existing PAN card is similar to the process of applying for a new PAN card. Fill in the PAN Change Request Form online and follow the steps above. This PAN change request section also has separate guidelines, instructions and do�s and don�ts.

Now you no longer have to depend on someone else to get a PAN card for yourself or anyone you know. Simply follow the steps above and you�re all set.

Tips To Choose The Best Health Insurance

Tips To Choose The Best Health Insurance: Cheap is a very relative term, especially when it comes to Health Insurance. It�s no secret that hospitals today charge room tariffs that can make 5-star hotels seem like budget hotels in comparison! And, God forbid if a small surgery is involved, your purse will feel lighter by a neat lakh or two.

Medical costs have skyrocketed so much in the recent times that it won�t be a surprise if ISRO and other space research communities start considering space technology to be cheaper. Your only option against such meteoric inflation in healthcare expenses is a Health Insurance plan.

But, choosing the right plan is as important as getting one. So, how do you zero in on the best plan? Here are the questions you should be asking yourself.

Am I adequately covered?

Getting adequate coverage is the first thing you need to consider. As you know, the more the sum assured, the more the premium will be. However, paying a slightly higher premium is better than saving on premium but paying ten times more for hospitalisation expenses. Moreover, the premium paid for Health Insurance brings you tax benefits of up to Rs. 75,000. This will apply if you buy plans for the whole family, including your parents.

So, what is the ideal sum assured? There are several parameters to consider, but as a rule of thumb, if you are young and healthy, a sum assured of Rs.5 lakhs will be a good start. As you renew the policies, take advantage of the No Claim Bonus and increase your sum assured proportionately.

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Adequate cover and complete cover for your healthcare expenses are two different things. An optimum sum assured covers you adequately, whereas complete coverage includes other things that come within the ambit of medical expenses. This will include things like pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, hospital room charges, nursing expenses, ambulance charges, etc.Am I completely covered?

Check if the plan you choose covers many of the related expenses. It may provide sufficient coverage in terms of the amount of sum assured but may not provide for the right kind of expenses. Compare across plans to see what expenses are provided for, assuming the sum assured is the same.

Who is the best provider?

This is a million dollar question or rather a crorepati question. IRDA, insurance regulator in India, has made it mandatory to have uniformity in case of health policies. This makes it easy to choose between options in the market. Yet, there are several parameters to consider when you choose an insurance provider.

The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of the company is an important parameter. This gives you an idea of the probability of your claims being approved by the insurance company when you file a claim.

Next is the list of network hospitals in which the insurance company offers the cashless facility. Having the option of cashless reimbursement can make all the difference between quick and easy settlements as opposed to the tedious process of paying the hospitalisation expenses yourself, then submitting all those bills to the insurance provider and then waiting for them to respond.

Finally, there can be slight variations in the premiums of different insurance companies, so do your research to identify providers with lower premiums and the best features.

There are too many complex plans. How do I choose?

Apart from the basic indemnity plans, there are some benefit plans that can potentially confuse buyers. They include surgical protection plans, cardiac care covers, cancer care cover etc. that offer a higher coverage for specified conditions. The premium of such plans will be lower; about one-third of an indemnity plan, but one can make the best use of them only if an expense related to those specific conditions arises.

For instance, since surgeries are the most money-draining part of medical treatments, getting a special cover for it and a lower overall premium is the right thing to do. But, if you decide to opt for them, take them in addition to a basic plan, as most of them might not cover other regular hospital expenses.

Should I go for any riders?

Riders are worth considering if you are likely to undergo any medical treatments. Maternity cover riders, pre-existing disease cover, and critical illness riders are three of the most popular riders in Health Insurance. While the first two can be opted for depending upon your specific condition, you can give the third one a miss if you have a high sum insured for your basic plan.

Disease-specific plans such as a diabetic care plan are an alternative to critical illness riders. But, they come with a higher premium and are not sold as standard covers. Therefore, they can be included as additional protection only if required.

Should I opt for cover for treatments abroad?

Many policies today provide cover for treatment coverage abroad. Coverage for treatments abroad will mean a higher premium. But remember, it is applicable only when you travel abroad. And moreover, in most cases, you could take a Travel Insurance policy which would cover your hospital expenses abroad. Therefore, you can save on premium cost.

Here�s a quick cheat-sheet for buying Health Insurance:

• Go for a basic indemnity policy first. Other plans such as critical illness and disease-specific plans can be your next level of protection.
• Read the policy inclusions and exclusions carefully.
• Check the individual expense limits for different heads like hospital room rent, doctor�s fee etc. to see what is covered.
• Find out if there are any treatment-specific caps that limit the amount you can claim for some treatments such as those for pre-existing diseases.
• Check for the portability of the plan � whether the policy allows changing the provider without losing continuity benefits.
• As you grow older or as the number of dependents increases, you may need to increase your sum assured.
• Most importantly, buy plans as early as possible to take advantage of low premiums.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Auto Insurance

Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Auto Insurance: Buying an automobile holds significance as you own it after spending a large chunk of your hard-earned money. It is, thus, an investment which you would help you cover the cost of repair and accident. Auto insurance is an integral part of owning a vehicle so make sure you carry out the necessary research before you zero in on a product. Insurance is largely picked on the basis of the size of the premium and also the cover it provides.

Here are a few things you must keep in mind before buying auto insurance:

Types of Insurance � There are two types of auto insurance policies. One being third-party insurance, which is compulsory in India and the other is a comprehensive insurance policy. The third-party insurance is typically provided by dealers and the premium is factored in the price of the vehicle.

The comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, takes care of third party liabilities, personal accidents, and thefts. Although the comprehensive policy is expensive compared to the compulsory third-party liability, it is worth every extra penny.

Add-ons � If you are purchasing insurance through an agent, there is a fair chance that he/ she would try to sell you additional coverage. Additional coverage would mean optimal protection if you purchase them based on your requirement.

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For example, a depreciation waiver cover would allow you to claim the entire amount of auto parts to be replaced. So, do a review of the list of add-ons on the Car Insurance policy and pick ones that are beneficial to you.

No-Claim Bonus (NCB) � The No-Claim Bonus feature in auto insurance allows you a discount on a certain year�s premium if no claims were made in the previous year. The NCB rate offered is same for all the insurance providers. The discount for car and two-wheeler insurance policies can rise up to 50 percent.

If you continue with your policy without breaking it for years, the No-Claim Bonuses would get accumulated to attain a substantial size.

Voluntary Excess � This is the amount of money you would pay from your pocket without filing a claim. By choosing this option, you would be decreasing the premium amount by around 35%, as on the event of a claim, the insurer would not have to pay as much. The amount chosen as voluntary excess should not be more than the No-Claims Bonus sum that you are entitled to in the following year.

Research � Don�t give a dealer�s offer just because he is pushing too hard. Look at the products available in the market to find the best offers. You can compare products online with just a few clicks. Buying a policy online can help you save money.

Exclusions in Auto Insurance

Instances for which you cannot claim auto insurance include drunken driving or driving under the influence of drugs. Any deliberate loss or damage is not covered. Even if your car is insured, you could face challenges in getting your claim accepted if your car is driven by an uninsured person. Damage caused by war or nuclear attack is not covered by auto insurance. Regular wear and tear, and ageing of the car are also not covered.

Before zeroing in on a product, don�t forget to run your research or get your doubts clarified from auto insurance agents.

Best Car Insurance Plans In India

Best Car Insurance Plans In India: You have no choice but to get Car Insurance if you have a car. However, when it comes to buying Car Insurance, there are plenty of options.

What�s the cover?

As you know, insurance is a protection against financial loss that might arise from the happening of an unexpected event. A person can avail this protection by buying a policy and paying a premium for it to an insurance company. The primary purpose of Car Insurance is to provide financial protection to the policyholder against losses incurred due to any physical damages to their vehicle.

Losses and damages to your car under a Car Insurance policy may include:

1. Loss or damage to your vehicle due to natural calamities
   Example: Fire, explosion, lightning, earthquake, flood, typhoon, hurricane, storm, tempest, inundation, cyclone, hailstorm, frost, landslide, rockslide etc.
2. Loss or damage to your vehicle due to man-made calamities 
   Example: Burglary, theft, riot, strike, malicious act, accident by external means, terrorist activity, any damage in transit by road, rail, inland waterway.
3. Personal accident cover
   Coverage for the individual driver of the vehicle while travelling, mounting or dismounting from the car.
4. Third party legal liability
   Protection against legal liability due to accidental damages resulting in the permanent injury or death of a person, and damage caused to the surrounding property. A Third Party Liability cover is mandatory in India under the Motor Vehicles Act.

A comprehensive Car Insurance policy is one which covers all of the above. With the vast number of Car Insurance plans available in the market, which one should you opt for? Here are some popular plans.

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1. Bharti Axa Car Insurance

Bharti Axa Car Insurance covers a 2,500+ network of cashless garages and has a 24/7 claim settlement service. This will help you get those claims settled quickly. The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of this insurance company is 89.09%, which is quite high when compared to the average of 78% for the industry.

Bharti Axa has two covers. One is the basic cover and another is the basic plus roadside assistance cover. The basic cover will have third party liability cover, personal accident cover and cover against calamities.

The basic plus roadside assistance cover will include all the features under basic and will also provide services such as on-road repairs, towing services, change of tyres, emergency fuel and lost keys.

Bharti Axa also offers add-on covers such as depreciation cover. This cover lasts for 5 years. You also get a No Claim Bonus (NCB) of about 50% when you renew the policy.

2. National Insurance Car Insurance

Being a government enterprise, National Insurance does offer cashless garages and has a 24/7 roadside assistance and claim settlement service. The CSR of this insurance company is 84.16% and just like other insurers National Insurance provides third-party liability cover of up to Rs. 7.5 lakhs.

National Insurance has two covers. One is the liability-only cover and another is the package cover. The liability-only cover will ensure only against damages to a third party. It will not cover damages to your vehicle. The package cover will have third party liability cover, damages to your vehicle and damages due to calamities (natural or man-made). National Insurance will provide NCB but the discounts will be higher if you opt for higher voluntary excess.

3. HDFC ERGO Car Insurance

With HDFC ERGO you get a network of 5,000+ authorised cashless garages and 24/7 claim settlement service. This company has been assigned �iAAA�rating by ICRA indicating the highest claim paying ability. HDFC ERGO has a CSR of 89.43%, making it a popular choice.

HDFC ERGO has many plans to suit your requirements. These include the Silver plan, Gold plan, Platinum plan and Titanium plan. While all plans come with zero depreciation cover, the gold plan will give downtime protection. The platinum and titanium plans give customers engine and gearbox protection, and NCB protection. The Titanium plan will also cover the cost of consumables.

4. Royal Sundaram Car Insurance

Royal Sundaram provides you with 3,300+ cashless garages across India, a free roadside assistance kit and insurance cover that is equal to 100% of the invoice price. The company also provides 24/7 roadside assistance and towing assistance.

The CSR of this company is 82.78%. Royal Sundaram provides NCB to its customers. You can also get a 5% discount on Own Damage cover if you are a member of the Automobile Association of India.

Royal Sundaram provides both basic as well as roadside assistance cover. The basic cover will include cover for own damages, third-party liability and personal accident cover. If you opt for a voluntary deductible of Rs. 15,000, you will get a 35% discount on the premium for Own Damage cover.