Passenger carrying vehicle insurance is a type of commercial vehicle insurance designed for commercial agencies that utilize vehicles to ferry passengers. This policy provides protection to these vehicles in the event of damage or loss as a result of unforeseen events such as accidents, natural or man-made disasters, or even fire..
Like any insurance policy, passenger carrying vehicle insurance also protects one from expenses that arise from damage to the vehicle due to accidents and events that may be natural or man-made in nature.
◦ Damage to own vehicle or third party - A Passenger Carrying Vehicle Insurance policy protects against damage caused to one's own commercial vehicle as well as any liability arising out of damage to or injury and death of a third party - property, vehicle, and person.
◦ Personal accident cover for owner-driver - The insurance policy provides a personal accident cover for the owner-driver in the event of an accident.
◦ Cover for passengers - Opting for this cover ensures protection for the passengers commuting in the commercial vehicle at the time of an accident.
◦ Compliance with the law - The Motor Vehicles act mandates that all commercial vehicles plying on the roads be insured with at the very least a third-party liability cover.
◦ Financial safeguard - The policy not only provides financial coverage against damages but also against theft. The insurance policy protects against the cost arising in the event of the vehicle being stolen.
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In the year 1988, the government passed the Motor Vehicles Act which regulates all vehicles plying on Indian roads with respect to the license of the drivers and conductors, vehicle registration, permit control, traffic rules and regulations, insurance, penalty, and liability. The law mandates that vehicles be driven by persons holding a valid driving license, and no vehicle can ply on the road without valid registration.
In addition to these rules, it is also mandatory for vehicles of all classes to be insured, at the very minimum, with third-party liability coverage.
Without it, the company owning the commercial vehicle may be at risk of incurring significant penalties..
Under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, any vehicle that runs on Indian roads must be insured. So, if you or your company owns any type of vehicle that plies passengers from one place to another, your vehicle must be insured. This vehicle can be a tourist bus, private taxi, or autorickshaw. It can also be a minivan, a commercial car, or even a school bus. Even if you own an Ola or Uber car, the vehicle must be insured as per the law..
Along with the mandated third-party liability policy, insurance providers offer other types of coverage for your Passenger Carrying Vehicle.
◦ Third-party Liability - This policy covers financial liability that may arise from damage, injury, or death in case a third party is involved.
◦ Comprehensive Coverage - This type of policy includes the third-party liability cover along with an own-damage cover that protects against costs arising from damage to your own vehicle. The damage may be because of natural or man-made calamities, or an accident.
Add-ons - Insurance companies offer add-ons that are not a part of a regular package or third-party liability policy. The aim of add-on covers is to enhance the protection that is offered under a regular policy to tailor it to suit your requirements. While this may result in a higher premium, the coverage it offers is also significantly higher than that of a normal policy..
The standard inclusions for passenger carrying vehicle insurance are -
◦ Accidents - In the event of an accident, the policy covers the cost of damage to or loss of the vehicle.
◦ Theft - If the insured vehicle is stolen, the policy covers the expenses that the policyholder may face.
◦ Fire - In the event, the vehicle sustains damage or loss, the insurance policy covers the expenses incurred
◦ Natural Disasters - The policy covers expenses from damage to or loss of the vehicle due to natural disasters such as floods, thunderstorms, hailstorms, cyclones, lightning, earthquakes, etc.
◦ Personal Accident Cover - The insurance policy for passenger carrying vehicles provides personal accident cover for the owner-driver. An add-on can be purchased for coverage to the passengers.
◦ Third-party Liability - In the event, a third party is involved in an accident, the policy covers legal liability that may arise in the situation.
◦ Own-damage Cover - Comprehensive policies cover damage to or loss of the insured vehicle and protect the policyholder against expenses that may arise.
Man-made Calamities - Protection may be extended to the policyholder in case damage or loss is incurred due to events such as riots and strikes.
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Passenger carrying vehicle insurance policies have some standard exclusions. They are:
◦ General Wear and Tear - Expenses that arise from general wear and tear due to the use of the vehicle are not covered under the policy.
◦ Consequential Loss - Any loss that arises from previous damage, also known as consequential loss, is not covered.
◦ Own Damage For Third-party Policyholder - If the insured vehicle only has third-party coverage, then expenses for damage to or loss of the policyholder's vehicle will not be covered.
◦ Driving Under The Influence - Any damage or loss incurred while driving the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not covered
Driving Without a Valid License - If the vehicle incurs loss or damage while the driver does not have a valid license, a claim made in such circumstances will not be covered
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In the event of damage to loss of the vehicle in a circumstance covered under the policy, you will need to file a claim.
◦ Call the insurance provider and intimate them of an impending claim.
◦ File an FIR and collect the relevant documents from the police.
◦ Take your vehicle to the nearest garage approved by the insurance company.
◦ Submit the documents required by the insurance provider to process your claim.
◦ If the claim is cashless, the amount will be disbursed directly to the garage. If not, you will have to pay for the repairs and the amount will be reimbursed to you..