It is mandatory to carry motor insurance at all times for your vehicle, its lack being punishable by law. Having said that, there is a legal minimum requirement for motor insurance; and then there is comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is what you might desire for your vehicle, especially if the vehicle is being driven by multiple drivers.

Keeping all of the above in mind, here are some pointers that might help you before you decide on a motor insurance policy.

What is automobile insurance? Is it mandatory for a vehicle to be insured?

What motor insurance covers vs. What it excludes

How long should I cover my vehicle?

What is the amount that I should insure my vehicle / What is IDV?

Does the insurance policy automatically cover all my high-cost accessories such as music system, extra fittings, etc?

Should I purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Policy or the Third Party Only Policy?

How is the premium calculated on my vehicle?

What are the different kinds of vehicles that are insured by the motor insurance companies?

Is there an age limit for vehicles being insured?

What if my vehicle has an additional CNG/LPG kit?

What if I forget to renew my auto insurance on time?

Can I renew my auto insurance with another insurance company?

Types of Motor Insurance Plans 

Motor insurance plans fall broadly into two categories. The categories vary in their coverage. Policy A is a plain vanilla third-party liability only policy. Policy B, on the other hand, can be molded as per your requirements. You can tack on all the various covers you need to in this type of policy.

Motor Insurance Policy A or Third Party Policy or Act Only Policy or Liability Only Policy

Motor Insurance Policy B or Comprehensive Policy or Own Damage Losses Policy or Act Liability Policy

Technical Issues in a Motor Insurance Policy 

Before you know it, you are up to your ears in motor insurance jargon, Your agent is probably making matters worse, speaking a language that seems to you to belong to a secret cult. Many of us feel that these technical words are here just to confuse us, only serving to force us to sign up for something that we didn't want in the first place. So, as a public service, here is the straight dope on some more common ones:

Extensions to a motor insurance policy

Can insurance premium for my vehicle be reduced?

What is Malus?

What is No Claim Bonus?

What are Voluntary Deductibles and Compulsory Excesses?

Third-Party, Fare-Paying, and Non-Fare Paying Passengers

Coverage 

This section deals with coverage - what your motor insurance policy covers and the different types of covers that you can avail of.

What are the risks covered by the Third Party policy?

What are the risks covered by the comprehensive insurance policy?

What are the different types of Personal Accident Covers available for drivers and passengers? 

Claims 

You have taken the motor insurance policy that you wished to take; now, unfortunately, you have the occasion to use it - your vehicle is involved in an accident. Read on for best practices...

What do I do in case of an accident?

Do I need to file/obtain an FIR in case of an accident?

When is the damage to my car considered a 'Total Loss?'

What is my liability if someone else is driving at the time of the accident?

Policy Status on Sale

You paid the motor insurance on your vehicle. Now you want to sell it. What are the implications as far as the insurance policy is concerned? For example, what happens to the Bonus/Malus? Or,

What if I have sold my car and the insurance policy will still take a few months to expire. Can I transfer my insurance policy?

In case my vehicle is sold and an accident occurs while the policy is in the process of being transferred, would the new owner be eligible to file a claim?

Miscellaneous 

Here are a few important pointers regarding your motor insurance policy.

Do I have to keep my insurance papers in the car?

Important motor vehicle documents

FAQs 

A quick run up through the many questions that arise when you think of motor insurance, such as: 'Are there any benefits offered if I have made no claims for the last few years', or, 'What happens after I have submitted the claim form for my damaged vehicle?'

Motor Insurance FAQs on Claims

Motor Insurance FAQs on Coverage

Motor Insurance FAQs on Cost, Premiums, Bonus, Discounts, Renewals