Motor Insurance Generali Central (Private car)

Generali Central Insurance Company Limited (formerly Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited) offers private car insurance designed to protect you from financial losses arising out of damage to your vehicle, third-party liabilities, and personal accidents. The policy is governed by the India Motor Tariff as notified by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and is one of the most comprehensive motor insurance solutions available in India today.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory for every vehicle owner to hold at least a valid third-party insurance policy. A private car package (comprehensive) policy from Generali Central goes a step further by covering both own-damage and third-party liability under a single policy.
 

Types of Car Insurance Plans Offered

Before diving into coverage details, it helps to understand the three types of motor insurance for private cars:

• Third-Party (TP) Only Policy: Mandatory by law. Covers legal liabilities for third-party death/injury (unlimited) and third-party property damage (up to Rs. 7.5 lakh). Does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
• Standalone Own Damage (SAOD) Policy: Covers damage to your own vehicle only. Must be paired with a valid third-party policy.
• Comprehensive (Package) Policy: Covers both own damage and third-party liability. This is the policy detailed in this article.

For new cars, IRDAI mandates a 3-year third-party car insurance policy. Car owners may purchase annual own damage cover separately alongside the 3-year third-party policy.

Section I: Loss Or Damage Coverage (Own Damage)

What Does It Cover?

This section of the insurance covers you for any loss or damage to your vehicle and its accessories in the following situations:

• Fire, explosion, self-ignition, or lightning
• Burglary, housebreaking, or theft
• Riot and strike
• Earthquake (fire and shock damage)
• Flood, typhoon, hurricane, storm, tempest, inundation, cyclone, hailstorm, or frost
• Accidental external means
• Malicious act
• Terrorist activity
• While in transit by road, rail, inland waterway, lift, elevator, or air
• Landslide or rockslide

Depreciation on Parts (for Partial Loss Claims)

The coverage for partial loss is subject to deduction for depreciation based on the following rates:

• Rubber, nylon, plastic parts, tyres, tubes, batteries, and airbags — 50% depreciation
• Fibreglass components — 30% depreciation
• Glass parts — No depreciation

Other parts, including wooden ones, will have depreciation applied as per the following schedule:

When it comes to painting expenses incurred during car repairs, a 50% depreciation rate applies exclusively to the material cost. If a single consolidated bill for painting charges is submitted, the insurer will consider the material cost as 25% of the total painting charges when applying the relevant depreciation.

Compulsory Deductible

Every claim under own damage is subject to a compulsory deductible — a fixed amount you must pay from your own pocket. As per the India Motor Tariff,

• Vehicles not exceeding 1,500 cc engine capacity: Rs. 1,000
• Vehicles exceeding 1,500 cc engine capacity: Rs. 2,000

Electric vehicles may have different deductible structures depending on insurer underwriting and policy wording. You may also opt for a voluntary deductible over and above this amount to reduce your own-damage premium.

What Is Not Covered Under Section I?

The insurer will not provide coverage for the following:

• Consequential loss, depreciation, wear and tear, mechanical or electrical breakdowns, or failures.
• Damage to tyres and tubes, unless the insured vehicle is also damaged at the same time, in which case the company's liability is limited to 50% of the replacement cost.
• Any accidental loss or damage incurred when you or anyone driving the vehicle with your consent is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Section II: Liability to Third Parties

The insurer will provide you with financial protection against:

• Death or bodily injury caused to any third party, the liability here is unlimited.
• Damage to third-party property not owned by you, or held in your custody, the liability for third-party property damage is limited to up to Rs. 7.5 lakh.

Note: As per IRDAI Circular Ref. No. IRDAI/NL/CIR/MOTOR/178/10/2023-24, insurers issuing private car package or bundled policies for employer-owned vehicles must provide IMT-29 coverage as an inbuilt benefit for employees travelling in the insured vehicle, including paid drivers where applicable, without charging additional premium until further regulatory directions.

Section III: Personal Accident Cover for Owner-Driver

Personal Accident (PA) cover in car insurance serves as a financial shield against physical disability or death resulting from an accident. As per the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019, the sum insured for compulsory PA cover for owner-drivers has been revised to Rs. 15 lakh for all vehicles. IRDAI had prescribed an annual premium of Rs. 750 for this cover under annual motor policies, subject to future revisions by insurers and regulators.

The insurer will provide compensation for death or bodily injury to the owner-driver as per the following scale:

Note: The PA cover is mandatory and is provided subject to the owner-driver holding a valid driving licence. This cover may be exempted if the owner-driver already has a standalone personal accident policy with a sum insured of Rs. 15 lakh or more. Specific terms and conditions may apply.

Insured Declared Value (IDV): What It Means and Why It Matters

IDV is the estimated current market value of your car, it is the maximum amount (sum insured) you can receive when making a claim on your car insurance policy in the event of total loss or theft. IDV changes every year because of depreciation, so it is important to set it correctly at renewal.

The insured vehicle shall be treated as a Constructive Total Loss (CTL) if the aggregate cost of retrieval and/or repair of the vehicle exceeds 75% of the IDV of the vehicle. Here is the schedule of depreciation used to calculate the IDV:

For vehicles older than 5 years and for obsolete models (models no longer manufactured), the IDV is determined by mutual agreement between the insurer and the insured, based on the prevailing market value.

Tip: Setting your IDV too low reduces your premium but also reduces your payout in a total loss or theft claim. Always set IDV close to the actual market value of your car.

No Claim Bonus (NCB): Save More Every Claim-Free Year

No Claim Bonus is a discount on your own-damage premium at renewal, rewarding you for every claim-free year. NCB starts at 20% for the first claim-free year and increases to a maximum of 50% after five consecutive claim-free years.

Key rules to remember:

• NCB is linked to the owner, not the vehicle. It can be transferred when you buy a new car or switch insurers.

• NCB is lost if the policy is not renewed within 90 days of expiry or if a claim has been made.

• NCB applies only to own damage premium, not to the third-party component.

General Exceptions

The insurer will not be responsible for paying compensation in the following cases:

• Any accidental loss, damage, or liability that occurs outside the specified geographical area (India, unless geographically extended by endorsement).

• Claims arising from contractual liabilities.

• Damage or loss arising from using the vehicle in a way not aligned with the 'Limitations as to Use.'

• Damage or loss incurred when it is driven by someone other than the specified driver.

• Any accidental loss or damage to property, or expenses resulting from consequential losses.

• Any accidental loss, damage, or liability caused by nuclear radiation or contamination from nuclear fuel or waste. This includes damage from the combustion of nuclear fuel. Here, combustion means any self-sustaining nuclear fission process.

• Any accidental loss, damage, or liability caused by nuclear weapons material.

• Loss, damage, or liability in any way connected to war, invasion, actions of foreign enemies, hostilities, war-like operations (before or after war is declared), or any direct or indirect consequences of these events. In case of a claim, you need to prove that the accidental loss, damage, or liability happened independently and was not connected to any of these events.

Additional Covers (Add-Ons)

You can enhance your policy with these optional add-on covers. Each comes at an additional premium and is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

• Zero Depreciation Cover
  With this cover, you will receive the full claim amount without any deduction for depreciation on replaced parts. This is especially valuable for new or high-value cars. Note that zero depreciation cover does not apply to total loss, constructive total loss, or theft of your vehicle. The compulsory deductible amount mentioned in the schedule will still be applicable.
  Best for: New cars up to 3–5 years old; owners who want maximum reimbursement on partial damage claims.

• Return To Invoice Cover
  By adding this cover, you can get the difference between the claim amount receivable and the original purchased price of the vehicle as per the invoice, in case of total loss, constructive total loss, or theft. It also pays for first-time registration charges, customs duty, and road tax on your insured vehicle.
  Note: If the same vehicle with a similar make and model is available at a lower price than the purchase price, the lower price will be considered for calculating the differential amount.

• Protection of No Claim Bonus (NCB) Cover
  By adding this cover, you can keep your No Claim Bonus intact even if you make a claim. This benefit applies if:

  • You have filed only one claim during the entire policy period that is renewed with the insurer.

  • Your vehicle is repaired at a garage authorised by the insurer.

• Theft or Loss of Keys Cover
  With this cover, you can get compensation for replacing your vehicle's keys, locks, and locksmith charges in the event of theft or loss. Conditions:

  • Available only once during the policy period.

  • Replacement must be done at the manufacturer's authorised dealership, garages, or insurer-authorised garages.

  • Each claim requires a 10% co-share of the replacement value, with a minimum of Rs. 500 from you.

  Exclusions: Damage to keys covered under warranty; damage due to attempted theft, malicious actions, wear and tear, weather conditions, mechanical or electrical breakdown, or gradual deterioration.

• Personal Laptop & Mobile Cover
  If your laptops or mobile phones are stolen from your locked vehicle, this coverage will provide reimbursement for the cost.
  Exclusions: Loss covered by the manufacturer, supplier, or maintenance contractor under law or contract; theft or loss from an unattended vehicle after an accident.

• Tyre Damage Cover
  In the event of a bulge, puncture, bursting, or cut/damage to your vehicle's tyre, this coverage includes the replacement of the tyre and air valve.
  Exclusions: Tyres that have reached end of life or are worn out due to natural wear and tear; the wheel-rim, other parts, and accessories of the wheel; any guarantee or warranty provided by the manufacturer.

• Daily Cash Benefit
  With this add-on, you will receive a daily allowance when your vehicle is getting repaired due to an accident in the garage. Conditions:

  • You get this allowance for a maximum of 15 days, with a time excess of 3 days.

  • Available only once during the policy period.

  Exclusions: Total loss, constructive total loss, or theft claims; any loss or damage due to catastrophic perils or natural calamities.

• Engine Protector Cover
  This cover shields against damages to the internal parts of your vehicle's engine and/or gearbox caused by water ingression, or leakage of lubricating oil following an accident.
  Exclusions: Losses covered under any manufacturer's warranty, recall campaign, or another insurance policy; losses due to corrosion or delayed retrieval of the vehicle from a waterlogged area.
  Best for: Car owners in flood-prone or waterlogged areas, especially during the monsoon season.

• Personal Accident Cover (for Passengers/Named Persons)
  This coverage safeguards your loved ones in the unfortunate event of accidental fatality and allows you to claim the repair costs for your vehicle.
  Exclusions: Accidents occurring under the influence of alcohol or drugs; damage or loss from participating in motor racing or trial runs; intentional self-injury.

Roadside Assistance Covers

• Mechanical and Electrical Breakdown
  When your insured vehicle is stuck on a public road due to mechanical or electrical issues, the insurer will connect you with an automobile technician, arrange towing to the nearest repair shop, take care of custody and storage, and arrange delivery of necessary spare parts to the repair shop within 72 hours.

• Towing Due to Accident
  If your insured vehicle has met with an accident, the insurer will arrange towing to the nearest authorised service centre and provide custody and storage.Note: Payments made to third parties for towing, storage, or recovery are not covered.

• Flat Tyre
  In the event of a flat tyre, the insurer will arrange an automobile technician. The cost of the repair shop bill, parts, replacement elements, consumables, or related transportation is not covered.

• Dead Battery
  In case your vehicle's battery dies, the insurer will assist in arranging an automobile technician. The cost of a replacement battery or recharging is not covered.

• Keys Locked-in
  If you find yourself locked out or facing a broken key situation, the insurer will track down a duplicate set of keys and arrange an automobile technician if needed.

• Contamination / Incorrect Fuel or Running Out of Fuel
  In the event of contamination, wrong fuel, or running out of fuel, the insurer will arrange delivery, replacement, or change of fuel, up to a maximum of 10 litres. The actual cost of the fuel and any fuel type other than petrol or diesel is not covered.

• Continuation of Journey
  If you are more than 50 kilometres away from your home and your vehicle cannot be fixed on the spot, the insurer will arrange towing and alternate transport (hired car or taxi) to continue your journey. The cost of a hired car or taxi for the first 50 kilometres, and any expenses incurred without prior consent of the insurer, are not covered.

• Local Travel When on Tour
  If you are at least 100 kilometres away from your home and your vehicle is in a repair shop or garage, the insurer will arrange an alternate hired car for local travel. Coverage beyond the first 8 hours or 80 kilometres in a day, and any expenses without prior consent, are not covered.

• Overnight Accommodation Expense When on Tour
  If you are at least 100 kilometres away from home and your vehicle is in a repair shop or garage for more than a day, the insurer will help arrange hotel accommodation for up to three days. Not available if you have already availed of the 'Local travel when on tour' benefit. Hotel charges without prior consent are not covered.

• Delivery of Your Vehicle
  If repair of your vehicle takes more than three days, the insurer will ensure delivery to your address. Delivery expenses without prior consent are not covered.

• Medical Coordination
  If you meet with an accident, the insurer will arrange calls with the nearest medical service provider and ambulance service provider.

• Urgent Message Relay
  If you are stuck at least 100 kilometres away from home, the insurer will assist with an urgent message relay service to help you communicate important messages with your family.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Insurance Considerations

With electric vehicle adoption increasing rapidly in India, EV owners should carefully review insurer-specific coverage for battery packs, charging equipment, electric motors, and related components. Some insurers now offer EV-focused add-ons such as battery protector cover, charging infrastructure cover, roadside charging assistance, and consumable cover for EV components.

EV owners should also confirm:

• Whether battery depreciation is treated separately

• Coverage for home charging equipment

• Availability of cashless EV-specialised garages

• Water-ingression exclusions affecting EV battery systems

How to File a Motor Insurance Claim with Generali Central

A clear claim process builds reader confidence and directly answers a high-intent search query. Here are the steps to file a claim:

1. Intimate immediately: In case of an accident or theft, notify Generali Central Insurance at the earliest. For accidents, also report to the police and obtain an FIR if required.

2. Document the damage: Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle and any third-party property before the vehicle is moved or repaired.

3. Submit your claim: File your claim online at generalicentralinsurance.com or by calling their helpline at 1800 220 233 (toll-free).

4. Surveyor assessment: The insurer will appoint a surveyor to assess the damage. Do not begin repairs before the surveyor's inspection, unless the insurer has given prior consent.

5. Cashless or reimbursement: If you choose a network (cashless) garage, repairs are settled directly with the garage. If you use a non-network garage, you pay first and seek reimbursement with bills.

6. Claim settlement: Once the survey and documentation are complete, the insurer processes the claim as per the policy terms.

Digital Claims and Cashless Garage Network

Most modern motor insurers, including Generali Central Insurance, now support digital claim intimation through mobile apps, WhatsApp support, self-inspection tools, and paperless document uploads. Before purchasing or renewing a policy, customers should verify:

• Availability of cashless garages in their city

• Claim self-inspection options

• Turnaround time for claim approvals

• Availability of 24x7 roadside assistance

• Real-time claim tracking support

Things to Check Before Buying or Renewing This Policy

• Compare IDV vs. Market Value: Always verify that the IDV offered matches your car's actual market value, especially at renewal.

• Review Add-Ons Needed for Your Situation: For newer cars, Zero Depreciation and Return to Invoice are highly recommended. For monsoon-prone cities, Engine Protector is valuable.

• Check Network Garage List: Before a claim arises, confirm whether your preferred garage is on the insurer's cashless network.

• Carry Your NCB Forward: If switching insurers, obtain your NCB certificate from Generali Central Insurance to carry your discount forward to your new policy.

• KYC Requirement: As per IRDAI, KYC authentication is mandatory for all motor insurance customers. Valid methods include Aadhaar-based KYC, Digital KYC, Video KYC, and Central KYC (CKYC).

FAQs