Known as the capital of West Bengal and cultural capital of India, Kolkata is well-known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and various cultural festivals. A huge number of tourists visit the city during the Durga Pooja festival. Kolkata is an educational and commercial hub in East India. The city features some amazing places that are very popular among tourists, such as Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, Belur Math, Nicco Park, Kalighat, and Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
To go to these amazing places, you will probably drive a car or get in one. Talking about cars, there is a huge car density in this city, and traffic jams are evidence of that. Having a car insurance policy in such a place is not only recommended, but it is necessary. Also, it is mandatory by law to have third-party car insurance in Kolkata as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988.
These statistics will enlighten you to the need for car insurance in Kolkata:
The city recorded 191 road deaths in 2024, a 20% increase from 159 in 2023, marking the first rise since 2016.
There were 1,754 reported injuries from road accidents, up from 1,718 in 2022.
Esplanade and Port areas reported the highest number of fatal accidents in 2023.
Kolkata Police recorded 1,11,429 traffic violations, averaging over 10,000 cases daily in 2024
With 2,448 vehicles per km of road, Kolkata has one of the highest car densities among Indian cities.
A third-party car insurance is mandatory by law under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 for all four-wheelers in Kolkata and in India. It covers any liability that arises from an accident caused by the policyholder’s car in Kolkata. It covers third-party individual and property damage.
A comprehensive car insurance policy covers both own-damage and third-party damage in the city of Kolkata. It gives all-round protection to the policyholder’s car. It can be optimised and enhanced using add-ons. New cars are recommended to have comprehensive car insurance for better security and financial stability.
Own-damage car insurance policy in Kolkata only covers policyholder’s vehicle’s damages. Third-party damages are excluded in this policy and have to be bought separately. This is a cost-effective type of car insurance policy, where you can buy third-party insurance from one insurer and own-damage insurance from another.
Here are the major reasons why buying a car insurance in Kolkata is a good idea:
Third-party car insurance is mandatory by law under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 to drive on public roads of Kolkata.
In 2022, Kolkata reported a theft rate of 8.5 per 100,000 people, which is actually quite low compared to other metropolitan cities in India. Still, cars do get stolen, and insurers provide compensation for your stolen car as per the IDV in your car insurance policy.
Kolkata is prone to flooding. Kolkata experienced significant urban flooding due to torrential rains, affecting several areas and disrupting daily life. Approximately 43% of West Bengal's geographical area is flood-prone, making Kolkata susceptible to frequent flooding events (West Bengal Disaster Management Portal). Constant flooding, heavy rainfall and waterlogging can cause car damage. This car damage can be financed by car insurance and if you have engine protection cover, it can further help you save money on repairs.
The cost of living in Kolkata is already high, and having the burden of the repair bills, tp liabilities, and accidental damage to your car will add to that cost – unless you have car insurance to protect your financial well being.
While driving on the roads of Kolkata, you do not have to worry about getting into trouble, at least financially if you have four-wheeler insurance. In case of an accident or mishap, the insurance company will make you whole.
Below are the Inclusions of car insurance policy in Kolkata:
Accident or Collision Damage: Covers repair costs for damages caused to your car in case of an accident or collision on Kolkata’s busy roads.
Theft Protection: Provides compensation if your car is stolen, a vital cover for city areas with high vehicle density, like Kolkata.
Fire Damage Cover Protects you against losses caused by accidental fire incidents, including short circuits or engine fire.
Natural Calamities Protection: Ensures coverage for damages due to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, or earthquakes — common risks during monsoons in Kolkata.
Personal Accident Cover in Kolkata Offers compensation of up to ₹15 lakhs in case of death or permanent disability of the owner-driver.
Third-Party Liability Covers legal and financial liabilities for property damages or injuries caused to a third party by your car in Kolkata.
Below are the exclusions of car insurance policy in Kolkata:
War or Similar Conditions: Any damage or loss to your car arising from war, riots, or similar unrest situations in Kolkata is not covered.
Driving Under the Influence: Accidents or damages caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are excluded from coverage in Kolkata.
No Valid Driving Licence: If you’re caught driving on Kolkata’s roads without a valid driving licence, your insurance claim will not be accepted.
Inactive Insurance Policy: Damages that occur when your car insurance policy has expired or lapsed are not covered.
Regular Wear & Tear: Natural depreciation of car parts due to daily usage in Kolkata’s traffic and road conditions is not included.
Routine Servicing Expenses: Regular maintenance costs like oil changes, tyre rotation, or servicing at a workshop are not covered under insurance.
When choosing car insurance in Kolkata, it’s important to go beyond just Third-Party (TP) coverage, as it only fulfils legal requirements but offers minimal protection. Considering the city’s heavy traffic, waterlogging during monsoons, and risk of accidental damage, a comprehensive car insurance policy is a far more practical option. It not only covers third-party liabilities but also protects your own vehicle against accidents, theft, and natural calamities. Opting for comprehensive coverage in Kolkata is a financially sound decision that ensures peace of mind on the road.
Buy car insurance online in Kolkata through Coverfox by following these steps:
There are several cashless garages in Kolkata authorised by various Car Insurance Companies. If you wish to see the complete list, head over to the Cashless Garages tab under Car insurance on the Coverfox page, and select Kolkata as your city. Some of them are mentioned below:
| Name | Address | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Bod | 8C/1P, Jogodyan Lane | ||
| Balaji Auto Centre | Arupota, P.O. Dhapa Near Sciencity Basanti High Way | ||
| J.G.Behal Auto | 802/D, Bidhan Pally Doltala Kolkata-700132 | ||
| Mahansaria & Sons Pvt. Ltd. | 109,N.S.Road |
Follow these traffic rules in Kolkata to avoid any hindrances with insurance:
Follow all traffic rules and regulations as per the Kolkata RTO on the road to avoid fines.
Carry all necessary documents with you (Insurance, Licence, RC, PUC)
Do not Drink and Drive or drive under influence.
Do not give the car to someone who is illegal to drive.
Do not carry expired car insurance, renew it at the earliest.
The odd-even parking system is followed in certain Kolkata areas, based on the date of the month.
Honking is strictly banned in silent zones like schools, hospitals, and courts. (Kolkata traffic police use acoustic cameras to detect aggressive honkers).
Glass transparency rules are strictly enforced (70% for windscreen/rear, 50% for side windows).
Ans: To buy the best car insurance policy in Kolkata, head over to Coverfox. As per your needs, select the coverage type, insurer, premium rate, select IDV as per your needs, add-ons and make the best policy possible at the lowest rate for your car insurance in Kolkata.
Ans: A comprehensive car insurance policy is best in Kolkata as it covers third-party damages and own-damages as well.
Ans: To renew your car insurance plan in Kolkata visit Coverfox website and follow the steps there.
Ans: Yes, a third-party motorcar insurance policy is mandatory for every car in Kolkata.
Ans: Factors like the details of the car (age, model, make), type of insurance coverage, add-ons selected, discounts, IDV opted, deductibles, area where you live in Kolkata, etc can affect hte car insurance premiums.
Ans: You will be financially secured, and in a city like Kolkata where heavy traffic congestion, waterlogging and luxury car thefts are common, car insurance serves as an essential protector in Kolkata.
Ans: Inform the iinsurer immediately, file an FIR if required, take pictures and submit the claims form from he insurer to initiate the claims process online in Kolkata.
Ans: As per the requirement, you would need a driver’s licence, RC of the car, FIR copy, copy of the policy document, claims form and repair receipts for claims in Kolkata against car insurance.
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