Insurance is the safety net that transforms car rental from a risky proposition into a worry-free experience. But most renters don't fully understand what their rental insurance covers — and what it doesn't. This guide demystifies car rental insurance in India so you can make informed protection decisions.
What Insurance Comes Standard with Every Rental?
All Brothers Car Rental vehicles include the following insurance as part of the base rental rate:
- Third-Party Liability Insurance (Mandatory by law): Covers damage to other people's vehicles, property, and bodily injury caused by your rental car. This is legally required for all vehicles on Indian roads.
- Own Damage Cover (with excess): Covers damage to the rental car itself from accidents, collisions, and covered events. However, there is an excess amount (deductible) that you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Typical excess: ₹5,000-15,000 depending on vehicle category.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Towing, flat tyre assistance, dead battery jumpstart, and fuel delivery.
What is Not Covered by Standard Insurance?
- Tyre damage: Punctures, sidewall damage, and blowouts
- Windshield/glass damage: Cracks, chips, and breakage
- Underbody damage: Scraping the car's underside on speed bumps or mountain roads
- Interior damage: Cigarette burns, stains, torn upholstery
- Personal belongings: Theft of items left inside the car
- Driving under influence: Any damage caused while driving intoxicated is fully your liability
- Unauthorized drivers: If someone not listed on the agreement drives and causes damage
Comprehensive Protection Plan (Recommended)
For complete peace of mind, our Comprehensive Protection plan eliminates the excess and extends coverage:
| Feature | Standard (Included) | Comprehensive (Add-On) |
|---|---|---|
| Accident Damage | Covered (with excess) | Covered (zero excess) |
| Tyre & Glass | Not covered | Covered |
| Underbody | Not covered | Covered |
| Interior Protection | Not covered | Covered |
| Theft | Covered (with excess) | Covered (zero excess) |
| Daily Cost | ₹0 (included) | ₹200-500/day |
When to Choose Comprehensive Protection
- Mountain driving: Gravel, narrow roads, and steep drops increase accident risk. Zero excess gives peace of mind.
- Monsoon trips: Wet roads, reduced visibility, and waterlogged stretches elevate risk levels.
- First-time renters: If you're unfamiliar with Indian roads, comprehensive coverage removes financial anxiety.
- Expensive vehicle categories: Premium and luxury cars have high repair costs. The excess on standard insurance can be ₹15,000-25,000 — comprehensive eliminates this.
- Group trips: When friends are sharing driving duties, comprehensive coverage protects you from anyone's mistake.
How to Make an Insurance Claim
- Stop and assess: If you're in an accident, stop the car, ensure everyone is safe, and assess the situation.
- Call us immediately: Contact 24/7 support. We'll guide you through the process.
- Document everything: Take photos of all damage, the location, and any other vehicles involved.
- Police report (if needed): For accidents involving other vehicles or injuries, file an FIR at the nearest police station.
- We handle the rest: Our insurance team processes the claim. You don't deal with insurance companies directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my personal car insurance cover rental cars?
No. Personal car insurance policies in India are linked to a specific vehicle registration number. They do not extend to rental vehicles. Rental car insurance is provided by the rental company.
What if the accident is not my fault?
Regardless of fault, the excess on standard insurance still applies to your rental vehicle. With Comprehensive Protection, you pay zero regardless of fault. We pursue the other party's insurance for recovery separately.
Is insurance valid in all states?
Yes. Our insurance coverage is all-India — valid across every state and union territory. Drive anywhere with full protection.
What if the car is stolen?
Vehicle theft is covered under both standard and comprehensive plans. File an FIR immediately, provide the police complaint number to us, and we'll handle the insurance claim. With comprehensive protection, there's zero excess on theft claims.
Can I add insurance for personal belongings?
Our rental insurance covers the vehicle only, not personal belongings inside it. For personal items, consider travel insurance from a general insurance provider.
Drive with confidence. You're fully covered.
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