Do I need a Car Insurance even If my vehicle is off road?

Do you own a car? Then you must be familiar with the requirement of a car insurance policy too. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates a car insurance policy for every car registered in India. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, a third party liability policy is mandatory for every car whether it is being used or not. However, it is often argued that a car insurance policy is not required if the vehicle is off road. Is the argument correct?

Of course, it is not. A third party liability policy is a mandatory cover which cannot be avoided even if your car is off road. So, if you want to follow the law, your car needs a third party liability insurance policy even when it is off road. Though the law requires only a third party liability policy, it is advised to go for a comprehensive car insurance policy even for an off-road car. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers damage to the vehicle, accidental death or disability of owner/paid driver/ passenger and any third party liability caused by the vehicle. Thus, it provides a total protection to the car and should be bought.

We have listed certain possibilities where you will require Car Insurance even if your vehicle is off road:

  • Your car might get stolen

Even if your car remains parked in a garage or a parking lot and you are not using it, it still faces the risk of theft. Your car might get stolen from the parking lot or garage. Moreover, there is also the risk of theft of your car parts. Thieves and burglars might damage your car to steal the different valuable parts of it. In case of the theft of your car or your car parts, don’t you face a huge financial loss? If you do not have a car insurance policy in this scenario, would you be able to face the financial consequence of the theft yourself?

  • Your car is prone to natural disasters, even when off road

Earthquakes, floods, typhoons or any other natural disasters pose a threat to your car which might be damaged. A car insurance policy covers the damages suffered by the car due to such natural calamities. For instance, if there is an earthquake your off-road car would be damaged if a slab of concrete falls on it. Similarly, in case of a flood, your car might get swept away in the flood water. Thus, whether you use your car or not, a car insurance policy spares you the financial burden caused when your car suffers damages due to any natural calamity.

  • Even man-made disasters are covered by a car insurance policy

Does your off-road car faces the damage risk from natural calamities only? No, there are man-made disasters too, which pose a threat to your car. Fire, riots, strikes, terrorism, etc. might also damage your car even when it is not being used by you. For instance, your car is parked in your building and you are not using it. However, if a fire breaks out in your building and engulfs your car, you face a loss. A car insurance policy covers such man-made disasters which cause damages to your car and puts a strain on your finances.

  • You can use your off road car in an emergency if you have a valid insurance policy

Though your car is off road, there can be an emergency wherein you might be required to take your car out for a ride. When you are taking the car out for a ride, you need a compulsory insurance cover on your car. If not, you might suffer legal consequences if you are caught driving without insurance. Moreover, any damage caused by your car and also to your car when used in an emergency would not be covered if you do not have a car insurance policy.

  • Car used by others

Say you are not driving your car since long and have rented it out to another party or have given it your relative for a couple of days. Having a car insurance policy would offer coverage against any risks arising due to any injury or death of the occupants due to an accident by your car.

So, it is important to have a car insurance policy for your car even when it is off road. While a third party policy is mandatory, a comprehensive cover is always advised to ensure an all-round protection of your car. So, if you have not bought an insurance policy for your off-road car, rectify your error immediately. Get a policy at the earliest to avoid any possible loss incurred if your car faces any damage.

Tahir Ismail

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