1. The Legal vs. The Logical: Third-Party vs. Comprehensive

As a beginner, you must understand the two main types of coverage:

• Third-Party Cover: This is the legal minimum required by Indian law. It covers damages caused by your car to others (people or property). It does not cover your own car.
  
  
• Comprehensive Cover: This is what we recommend for every beginner. it covers third-party liability PLUS damages to your own car due to accidents, fire, theft, or natural calamities (like the heavy monsoon flooding often seen).
  
  

2. IDV: The “Market Value” of Your Car

IDV stands for Insured Declared Value. It is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay if your car is stolen or totally destroyed.

• Beginner Tip: Don’t set your IDV too low just to reduce your premium. If the car is stolen, you’ll receive a much smaller payout than what the car is actually worth.
  
  

3. The Power of “Zero Depreciation.”

For new drivers, minor dents and bumper scrapes are common. In a standard policy, the insurer deducts “depreciation” (wear and tear) on parts made of plastic, fiber, and rubber.

• Why you need it: A Zero-Depreciation add-on ensures the insurer pays the full cost of replaced parts without any deductions. For a beginner, this is the most valuable add-on you can buy.
  
  

4. No Claim Bonus (NCB) is Your Reward

If you drive safely and don’t make a claim during your policy year, the insurer gives you a discount on your next renewal. This is the No Claim Bonus. It starts at 20% and can go up to 50% over five years.

• Beginner Tip: Avoid making small claims for tiny scratches. If you pay for small repairs yourself, you save much more in the long run by keeping your NCB discount intact.
  
  

5. Cashless Garages in Your City

Before buying, check the insurer’s “Network Garages.” You want an insurance company that has tie-ups with reputable workshops (like those in Oodlabari, Salt Lake, or Alipore).

• The Benefit: At a network garage, the insurer settles the bill directly with the workshop, so you don’t have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement.
  
  

6. Don’t Just Buy from the Dealer

Most beginners buy whatever insurance the car dealership offers. While convenient, dealers often include high commissions.

• Welfin Advice: You are not obligated to buy insurance from the car dealer. Comparing plans through an independent advisor like Welfin can often save you 20-30% on your premium while giving you better features.
  
  

   

Why Beginners Trust Welfin

At Welfin, we know that your first car is a prized possession. We don’t just give you a policy; we give you a roadmap.

• Personalized Guidance: We explain the “fine print” so there are no surprises during a claim.
  
  
• Claim Support: If you meet with an accident, you don’t call a robotic toll-free number; you call us. We help you with the documentation and coordination.
  
  
• Local Expertise: We know which insurers have the best service records, specifically in West Bengal.