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    Home Insurance

    – A Promise of Security and Peace –

    Protect your home with our reliable home insurance plans. Get in touch to secure your property today. Apply now today to find the best coverage to get started.

    The phrase ‘I am home’ brings immense comfort and joy, as home represents rest, sanctuary, and peace. However, owning a home involves significant financial, emotional, and time investments, making it a pivotal milestone in our lives. Therefore, protecting this symbol of independence and achievement from natural disasters and man-made threats is crucial. This underscores the importance of having a robust, comprehensive, and timely Home Insurance Policy.

    Car Loan Details

    Interest Rate (Monthly reducing balance)

    Starts from 8.70% p.a.

    Guarantor Requirement

    Varies with bank

    Pre-closure Charges

    Varies with bank

    Loan Tenure

    1 year to 8 years

    Processing Fee

    Depends on the bank

    What is Home Insurance?

    In India, Home or Property Insurance is a widely favored banking product. The principle of ‘better safe than sorry’ is especially relevant when it comes to insuring something as valuable and sentimental as your family home. A comprehensive home insurance policy not only protects the physical structure but also covers the items, appliances, and prized possessions within. A reliable home insurance policy safeguards not just your cherished home, but also the precious memories and emotions that dwell inside.

    Features and Benefits of Home Insurance

    Subscribing to a comprehensive home insurance policy provides numerous features and benefits, including:

    • Complete coverage against financial liabilities arising from the damage or loss of your home and its contents due to natural or man-made causes.
    • Thoughtful additional covers such as Burglary and Theft Cover, Earthquake Cover, and more for specialized protection.
    • 100% peace of mind with the assurance of solid security, especially in these times of social strife and environmental upheavals.
    • Simple application process, quick turnaround times, and availability through almost all banks in India.
    • Timely home insurance payouts after a calamity help significantly in assisting the family to rebuild their lives, offering substantial relief in such trying times.

    Eligibility for Home Insurance

    To obtain home insurance, certain criteria must be met, which can vary widely between companies. However, most companies have minimal requirements for home insurance. These are:

    • Eligibility: Home insurance policies can be purchased by individuals or companies. Indian residents who are the owners or occupants of a property can obtain a home insurance policy. Multi-year home insurance policies, however, can only be purchased by the owner of the house or flat.
    • Society Insurance: To buy home insurance for a society, any authorized member of the society’s managing committee can make the purchase. The policy will be issued in the name of the society and will cover the society building as well as utilities for common use.
    • Tenant Coverage: Home insurance is not limited to owners; many insurance companies provide coverage for contents to tenants as well. Contents insurance will cover possessions against loss or damage by lightning, fire, theft, smoke, flood, etc. This includes personal belongings, furniture, and electrical items like washing machines and dryers. Tenants must read the fine print carefully before purchasing coverage, as what is covered can vary from company to company. For example, some insurers will not cover contents if you live in shared accommodation. There are many such exceptions to look out for.

    Home Insurance Claim Process

    Given the times we live in, safety cannot be guaranteed at home or outside. This risk extends to our valuable possessions like our house or vehicles. Just as vehicles are protected by insurance, our homes also require similar protection through a home insurance policy. One of the most crucial elements of a home insurance policy is the claim settlement process. A smooth claim settlement process can significantly impact the effectiveness of a home insurance policy. Therefore, it is essential for every home insurance policy owner to familiarize themselves with the basics of this process. Here are some handy pointers to remember when making an insurance claim:

    1. Evaluate the Damage: Assess the damage your house has sustained. Even if there is no major damage, getting an estimate is important.
    2. Report Burglaries/Thefts: If your house has been burgled or there has been a theft, immediately file an FIR with the police and contact your insurance provider.
    3. Document the Damage: Record the damage through photographs or video. Walk through every part of the house to document it thoroughly. Do not discard any damaged items, as this evidence is necessary to substantiate your claim.
    4. Consider All Costs: When assessing damage, consider all costs including labor, materials, and any items lost or damaged inside the house. Also, factor in any costs for alternative living arrangements while your house is under repair.
    5. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance provider before taking any action.
    6. Know the Time Limit: Check the time limit your home insurance policy has for filing claims. Companies usually have a specified period within which claims must be filed.
    7. Prevent Further Damage: Ensure no further damage occurs to the house. Save all receipts for any expenses incurred and submit them to the insurance provider.
    8. Submit the Claim Form: Notify the insurance company about the damage and fill out the claim form accurately and promptly to initiate the claim process.
    9. Surveyor Inspection: After receiving your claim form, the insurance company will send a surveyor or adjuster to inspect the damage. The surveyor’s report holds significant weight in the decision to approve your claim.
    10. Settlement of Payments: Once the claim is accepted, the next step is settling the payments for repairs and restoring the contents of the house that were damaged or lost. For specific questions about the claim settlement process, contact your home insurance provider for details.

    For example, the claim settlement process for house insurance involves the following steps:

    1. Immediate Notification: Policyholders must inform the company about the claim by calling their 24/7 helpline number (toll-free).
    2. Provide Necessary Information: After notifying the insurance company, provide all relevant information about the policy and the damage caused. Once the claim request is verified and validated, it is forwarded to the Claims Department.
    3. Surveyor Appointment: The company will appoint and send a surveyor within 48 hours to inspect the damage.
    4. Submit Documents: Provide the surveyor with all necessary documents. The surveyor will prepare and submit a Final Survey Report (FSR) and required documents to the company within 7 days.

    Ensuring your house is adequately protected with a reliable home insurance policy is as important as protecting your loved ones.

    Property Insurance Add-On Covers

    The ideal, comprehensive home insurance policy addresses all contingencies concerning your cherished home. However, modern times have introduced specific conditions that require particular attention to protect your house and its valuables. To enhance the protection provided by the main insurance policy, insurers offer various add-on covers. These covers include:

    • Terrorism Cover: Provides financial protection for your house and its contents against acts of terrorism, a crucial component in these times of international strife.
    • Cover for Domestic Appliances: Protects household items such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, etc., against damage from fire, breakdown, theft, and more.
    • Cover for Valuables including Jewelry: Offers extra protection for your precious possessions, including jewelry, sensitive documents, and expensive watches, against damage or loss from natural or man-made causes.
    • Earthquake Cover: Often an in-built clause, but also available as an add-on cover.

    These covers are among the most commonly subscribed options and naturally, the most popular. For a complete list of add-on covers, consult your insurance company.

    Car Loan EMI Calculator

    The Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) that you will pay will depend on a few key factors.

    • The loan amount.
    • The interest rate that is applicable to the loan.
    • The tenure of the loan.
    • The processing fees.

    The higher the loan amount, the higher your EMI will be. Similarly, the shorter the loan tenure the higher the EMI.

    EMI:

    0 INR

    Total Interest Payable:

    0 INR

    Total of Payments (Principal + Interest):

    0 INR

    To calculate the EMI on your car loan, you can use the formula:

    EMI=P×R×(1+R)N(1+R)N−1\text{EMI} = \frac{P \times R \times (1+R)^N}{(1+R)^N – 1}

    where:

    • ‘R’ is the rate of interest
    • ‘P’ is the principal amount
    • ‘N’ is the loan tenure

    Manual calculations can be error-prone, complex, and time-consuming, so using an online personal loan EMI calculator is preferable. This calculator requires only a few basic details such as the interest rate, loan amount, and loan tenure.

    Once these details are entered, the EMI amount is calculated instantly. Additionally, the calculator provides the total interest amount and an amortization schedule for easy reference.

    Home Insurance Coverage

    A typical home insurance policy offered by an Indian insurer provides protection for the insured property (house and its contents) against the following:

    • Natural Causes: Fire, storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquakes, lightning, inundation, landslide, rockslide, etc.
    • Man-Made Causes: Explosions, riot, strike, terrorist acts, damage by aircraft, implosion, malicious damage, missile tests leading to damage, leakages, etc.

    The premium amount applicable to the subscriber is determined by two factors:

    1. Location of the insured property.
    2. Applicable tenure of insurance.

    Ideally, home insurance can extend from a minimum of 3 years to a maximum of 30 years. These conditions, however, may vary depending on the specific home insurance company.

    Inclusions and Exclusions of House Insurance

    A good home insurance policy provides protection to your house against unforeseen calamities, both environmental and man-made. The basic inclusions and exclusions are as follows:

    Covered by the PolicyNot Covered by the Policy
    Damage by Fire, Riot, StrikeConsequential loss, Wear & Tear, Depreciation
    Damage by LightningDamage by War, Nuclear War, Invasion, etc.
    Hurricane, Storm, Cyclone, FloodsNegligent usage, excessive work pressure leading to damage
    Earthquakes, LandslidesProperty that is still under construction
    Damage by Aircraft, Missile, Acts of TerrorismDamage or loss of specific items such as jewelry, sensitive documents, and money (unless specified)

    One of the premier highlights of a good home insurance policy is the ease with which claims can be raised and settled. The general claim process involves the following well-coordinated steps:

    1. Initiating a Claim: Contact your insurance company through the provided channels, typically via a call or email to the customer support department. Clearly state the details of your claim and receive a confirmation.

    2. Communicate the Following Details:

      • Name of the Insured
      • Policy details, including the policy number
      • Contact details of the Insured
      • Brief description of the loss or damage
      • Date, time, and location of the loss or damage
    3. Required Documents for Filing a Claim:

      • Completed claim application form
      • Certificate confirming death or disability (if applicable)
      • Documents proving hospitalization and subsequent discharge (if applicable)
      • Other documents as required by the insurance company
    4. Claim Settlement: Ideally, a claim will be settled within 7-10 working days from the date the claim was raised.

    Ways to Lower your Home Insurance Premium Costs

    A comprehensive home insurance policy is essential to safeguard your most valued investment—your home—against unforeseen events. However, with rising premium costs, fitting a home insurance plan into your annual budget can be challenging. Here are some tips to help lower your premium costs:

    1. Compare Policies: One of the easiest ways to reduce your home insurance premium is to compare all available policies before applying. Review the inclusions, exclusions, and features to find the plan that offers the best value.

    2. Look for Discounts: Many insurers in India provide discounts for installing monitored security devices like smoke detectors and burglar alarms. Be sure to check for these offers.

    3. Increase Your Deductible: Raising the deductible amount on your home insurance can also lower your premium costs. The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket when filing a claim.

    4. Ensure Adequate Coverage: Make sure you have sufficient coverage without including very unlikely risks. Additionally, eliminate unnecessary add-on covers to keep costs down.

    5. Choose the Right Policy Type: Different home insurance policies are available for homeowners and tenants. Select a plan that suits your specific needs.

    How to Compare Home Insurance Policies

    Before purchasing a comprehensive home insurance policy that suits your needs, it’s essential to compare the various options available from different insurance providers. This step is crucial to ensure you secure the best deal. When comparing home insurance policies, keep the following points in mind:

    Coverage and Premium

    Coverage is a key factor in deciding which home insurance policy to choose. Ensure the policy provides protection against all risks your home may face. For instance, if you reside in a hilly area prone to landslides or regions affected by cyclones, floods, or earthquakes, select a policy that covers these specific natural disasters. Opt for a home insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage against a wide array of perils.

    Cost of Deductibles

    Every home insurance policy has a premium cost, which should include the deductible amount. When evaluating premiums, consider the cost of deductibles, as they are inversely related to the premium charged—higher deductibles generally result in lower premiums.

    Premium Amount

    As a policyholder, you are legally obligated to make regular premium payments for the coverage provided. Since the premium will be a significant part of your future expenses, it should fit within your monthly budget. To find a policy that meets your needs and budget, compare multiple insurance policies, assessing the coverage each offers and their associated costs.

    Claim Settlement Time

    Nobody wants to experience long delays when settling an insurance claim. Given that policyholders often face emotional distress due to loss or damage, it’s vital that insurers process claims quickly and efficiently to ease their burden. The time taken for claim settlement is a crucial indicator of an insurer’s efficiency. A reliable provider will prioritize prompt claim settlements, making it a worthwhile choice.

    Explore Quotes Online

    Home insurance policies are readily available online for purchasing, renewing, and researching. This accessibility allows customers to obtain authentic information about various policies in the market. Additionally, online quotes are often cheaper than those offered by agents or insurance offices. Therefore, it’s wise to compare all available insurance policy options online.

    Does Home Insurance in India offer Cover against Natural Disasters?

    For many people in India, a home is their most cherished asset. A significant portion of an individual’s savings and income goes into purchasing and furnishing their house. However, most of us often overlook the importance of investing in a reliable home insurance policy that protects our property from man-made disasters and natural calamities. Given that disasters can strike unexpectedly, it’s essential to be prepared for the future. Recent events like the earthquake in Sikkim, the tsunami along the southern coast, and the floods in Mumbai highlight nature’s unpredictability. While we can’t control these forces, we can mitigate the financial impact, emotional distress, and reconstruction costs associated with such events through home insurance.

    A comprehensive home insurance policy covers both the structure and contents of your home. Most home insurance plans in India include coverage for earthquakes, floods, storms, and cyclones, as well as the costs of alternative accommodation if your home is damaged. With a solid insurance policy, you can ensure that the costs of rebuilding your house are covered, allowing you to return to your normal life without overwhelming financial worries.

    Tips for an Effective Home Insurance Policy

    Understand Your Policy: Thoroughly review all related documents to fully understand your selected home insurance policy. This knowledge will help you avoid any surprises when filing claims.

    Compare Options: Different policies come with varying features and benefits. Take the time to compare available options and choose the one that best fits your needs. Websites like BankBazaar.com can assist you in this process.

    Act Quickly When Filing a Claim: Be aware of the maximum time limit for raising a claim in cases of property damage or loss. Delaying could cost you valuable benefits. Having complete knowledge of your policy is essential.

    Lower Premiums Through Preventive Measures: Implementing effective security systems, smoke detectors, strong security vaults, and heavy-duty locks can reduce the likelihood of incidents that lead to claims. Fewer claims often result in lower premium costs.

    Don’t Make Assumptions: If you have questions about your property insurance policy, don’t rely on assumptions. Contact your insurer for clarification, which can save you time and trouble when filing a claim later.

    Enhance Coverage with Add-On Options: Subscribing to add-on covers can provide protection for specific risks not included in the main policy. This additional coverage can be invaluable in unique situations affecting your property.

    Regularly Review Your Policy: Life changes—getting married, expanding your home, or purchasing expensive furniture—should prompt you to revisit and adjust your home insurance policy accordingly. As your circumstances evolve, so should your coverage.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Home Insurance

    Is home insurance really necessary?

    While home insurance isn’t legally required, having a comprehensive policy protects your valuable home and belongings from various risks. Your home is not only a significant financial investment but also a deeply personal asset. Securing this investment helps you avoid financial burdens and provides peace of mind, even in the face of natural disasters or damage.

    Should I consider terrorism cover?

    Terrorism cover protects your home and belongings from damage or loss due to terrorist activities. Although it’s often optional, it’s wise to be prepared for unexpected events, regardless of where you live in India. The premium increase for this coverage is usually minimal.

    What documents do I need to file a claim?

    To file a claim, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

    A completed claim application form.
    An FIR from the local police in cases of theft or property damage.
    Copies of repair estimates, receipts, and invoices.
    For personal accidents: medical reports, discharge documents, and a disability certificate.
    A satisfaction letter if using a cashless facility at an insurer’s network garage.
    Any other documents as required.

    What types of properties are typically not covered by home insurance?

    Home insurance policies generally do not cover:

    Properties under construction.
    Land or plots.
    Commercial spaces like shops.
    ‘Kutch’ constructions.
    Residences that also serve as offices.

    What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a home insurance policy?

    Individuals:

    Must be a resident Indian.
    Must own or occupy the property being insured.
    Societies:

    Must be an authorized member of the society’s managing committee.

    Is it mandatory to insure the building when purchasing home insurance?

    Insuring the building or structure is not compulsory when buying home insurance. However, it’s advisable to cover the building to protect against unforeseen events like fires or natural disasters. Consider insurers that offer comprehensive coverage options, including specific covers for items like lost keys.

    Will my home insurance cover damage to my belongings during transit?

    Most insurers provide coverage for damage to household items (excluding jewelry and valuables) during relocation, whether due to natural calamities or accidents, as long as the transport is within India.

    What is meant by 'debris removal'?

    In the unfortunate event your home is damaged, debris removal refers to the process of clearing debris to allow for reconstruction. Many insurance companies in India reimburse costs for debris removal services, subject to certain deductions.

    What happens to my home insurance if I sell my house?

    If you sell your insured house, the home insurance policy will be canceled upon the transfer of ownership, and the insurer will refund the remaining premium for the unused period.

    Can I have home insurance from two different companies?

    Yes, you can purchase home insurance from two different companies. In the event of a claim, both companies will compensate you on a proportional basis.

    Is it possible to get home insurance for a property financed by a bank?

    Yes, if your residential property is financed by a bank or financial institution, you can obtain a home insurance policy and have the lender’s interest endorsed. Be sure to check the policy terms regarding this.

    What is a public liability policy?

    A public liability policy covers you for any damages or injuries to third parties that occur on your property. This includes bodily injury, accidental death, and damage to third-party property, and may also cover legal costs related to defending claims, depending on the insurer’s terms.

    What is a No Claims Discount (NCD)?

    A No Claims Discount (NCD) is a reward given by insurance companies to policyholders who haven’t made any claims during the policy period. NCD results in discounts on subsequent premiums and is calculated based on the number of claim-free years.

    What is loss of rent cover?

    Loss of rent cover compensates landlords for income lost when tenants cannot occupy a property due to an insured event, such as a fire or flood. This clause ensures that landlords are protected from financial loss in such situations.

    What is temporary resettlement cover?

    Temporary resettlement cover provides financial assistance for living expenses if your insured property becomes uninhabitable. This cover helps with the costs of temporary accommodation during repairs.