Finding the right car insurance policy can be confusing these days, especially with the availability of multiple online options. However, the primary question remains whether to opt for the traditional offline purchase method or to buy a policy online.
This car insurance online vs offline article examines closely how online policy purchase differs from offline process and which of these can be more beneficial for you.
Difference Between Online Car Insurance vs Offline Car Insurance
Parameter | Offline Car Insurance | Online Car Insurance |
What it Means | It is the process of buying a car insurance policy physically, by visiting an onsite insurance office or through an insurance agent. | It is the process of buying a car insurance policy virtually using a smartphone or a computer/laptop |
Convenience | Can be long-winded, as you have to visit the insurer's office or the agent in person. | Highly convenient. You can buy a car policy without leaving the comfort of your home, at any time of the day. |
Comparison of Plans | It is a tedious process, as you have to visit various insurers' offices for comparison | You can compare plans, benefits, and discounts with various insurance companies simply by visiting their websites. |
Premium Cost | Generally high, as it includes operational expenses like office expenses, stationary expenses and agent's fees, among others | Comparatively lower, as it excludes operational costs and online plans offer more discounts. |
Paperwork | It involves a lot of physical paperwork | It involves minimal to zero paperwork since scanned copies of documents often suffice. |
Transparency | It offers low transparency, as middlemen/agents are involved and can effectively influence your purchase decision. | High transparency, as there are no middlemen involved, and you have direct access to policy information that you can cross-check before purchase. |
Buying and Renewal Processes | Long-winded and time-consuming | Easy and quick. Some insurers also offer instant renewals |
Customer Support | Restricted to office hours. | Available 24x7 |
Claim Settlement Process | Lengthy and manually done | Fast and simple |
Car Insurance: Online vs Agents - Which is Better?
In general, it's best to opt for online car insurance policies if you value convenience above all else. Choosing an online car policy saves time since you don't have to visit an insurance company in person to purchase a car policy.
You can choose from various plans from the comfort of your home and purchase a policy in minutes, minus the hassle of extensive paperwork.
On the other hand, buying car insurance offline involves more time, effort, paperwork and costs, since the buying, renewal and claims processes all have to be done in person.
This option may suit some who prefer a guided purchase process through an agent as it's a more traditional way of buying car insurance and is also a tried-and-true process.
So, if you're unsure or not fully comfortable with buying insurance online, the offline process may be better suited.
Benefits of Buying Online Car Insurance – The Reliance General Insurance Advantage
We Maintain Transparency-
We ensure that transparency is maintained when buying car Insurance online from us. This way you know exactly what our policy offers and what its exclusions are.
You Save Time Buying from Us-
Once you have read the policy wording, you must provide us with some basic information, after which, you will receive the quote for your policy premium cost. To purchase from us, you have to follow the instructions, and within minutes, you will receive your insurance policy.
You Don't Have to Worry About Missing Policy Renewals-
With our
Long term car insurance, you no longer have to bother about policy renewal or lapses. Moreover, opting for this policy is mandatory for new car owners, so you can avoid heavy fines by choosing this plan.
We Offer Low Premium Prices-
We offer several discounts under our online policies and our discounts can reach up to a staggering 80% on your premium cost so that you can get extensive coverage at a reasonable price.
Our Claim Settlements are Streamlined-
Major hurdles like extensive documentation, payment transfers and coordination issues, are completely eliminated. Additionally, with our cashless claims option, you no longer have to worry about last-minute gathering of funds, especially during a cash crunch.
You Can Customise Policy Using Our Add-ons-
We offer several add-ons under our
comprehensive car insurance policy like – engine cover, nil depreciation cover, consumables cover, key protection, etc., which can effectively enhance your car's financial security.
Conclusion
Having a car policy is not only crucial but also compulsory in our country. If you need help to use the internet for online purchases, traditional offline policy purchase is your only other option.
However, to stay on par with today's tech-savvy world and enjoy the benefits of online
car insurance purchases, you have to make some effort to learn how to access the internet and reach out to us on our official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Offline Car Insurance?
Offline car insurance is car insurance that must be bought in person by visiting a branch office of an insurance company or via a car insurance agent in person.
It includes filling out various forms to manually complete the necessary paperwork. After receiving the insurance policy, you must keep it as proof of insurance to avoid paying hefty fines.
How do you know whether or not an insurance company is genuine?
The insurance industry is regulated by the IRDAI, an autonomous body under the Indian government's Finance Ministry. All insurance companies must register with the IRDAI before they start selling insurance policies.
To determine if an insurance company is genuine, you must look for their IRDAI registration number. After that, you must cross-check that number by visiting the IRDAI site. If the company is listed, it is genuine; otherwise, it is fake.
Is online car insurance less expensive than offline policy?
Generally, online insurance is less expensive than offline insurance due to factors such as low operational expenses, no room for commission, technology-based planning, etc.
Is visiting a government office, such as a registrar, necessary for online policy renewal?
No, visiting any office to renew your insurance policy online is not required.
How to check car insurance policy details online?
You can check the status or details of your insurance policy online by visiting the VAHAN website, the IIB portal or your insurer's official website.