Buying a new car can be thrilling, but buying car insurance directly from the dealer can burn a hole in your pocket! Many buyers pick insurance offered by dealers because it seems easy. But did you know you can save a lot by choosing your insurance independently? "As per IRDAI guidelines, every buyer can choose any insurer of their choice. Dealer-provided insurance is convenient but can often be on the higher range due to commissions or limited tie-ups. Instead, buyers can purchase policies directly from an insurer’s website or through online aggregators, where one gets the chance to compare multiple options instantly. Even if you initially take the dealer’s policy, you can switch insurers at renewal," says Krunal Vora, Senior Vice President & Product Head, Motor Insurance, Probus Insurance Broker. Let's take Priya's example—she bought a Swift and was offered insurance at Rs 25,000 by her dealer. But online, the same coverage cost Rs 18,500! That's a sweet Rs 6,500 saved just by buying directly. Arti Mulik, Chief Technical Officer at Universal Sompo General Insurance, says savings can be 10-15% on premiums by buying direct. "While buying a car insurance policy directly, you can choose add-on covers to suit your requirements. There are no commission markups," she adds. Mr. Vora adds, "A dealer might quote Rs 27,000 for a Hyundai i20, while the same cover directly from the insurer could cost Rs 19,500 (saving about Rs 7,500). You can save more by using anti-theft devices, keeping a good driving history, or renewing on time." Online buying is transparent. Paras Pasricha from Policybazaar explains, "You can compare multiple insurers, check insured declared values (IDV), and choose relevant add-ons. The digital route allows you to customise your coverage instead of accepting a one-size-fits-all package. You decide your IDV and add-ons—only pay for what you need!" Are you tired of renewing your insurance every year? Long-term policies are your friends! Pasricha says long-term insurance offers convenience and discounts. "Customers can save 10-15% compared to annual renewal. For example, a 3-year policy might cost Rs 48,000 compared to Rs 54,000 if bought yearly, saving Rs 6,000 overall," he explains. Insurance expert Sameer Samdani recommends a 3-year motor insurance policy to avoid yearly hassles and enjoy cost benefits. What about the types of insurance? Third party insurance is a must by law. It covers damages to others if your car causes an accident but not your own vehicle. "The premium is fixed by the regulator and is the same for similar vehicles," says Mulik. But if you want to protect your own car from accidents, theft, or damage, you need a comprehensive plan. Mayur Kacholiya from Go Digit General Insurance says, "Comprehensive plans include add-ons like Zero Depreciation Cover, Return to Invoice Cover, and Breakdown Assistance for extra protection." Is picking only third party cover worth it? Vora warns, "If Raj’s car bumper costs Rs 20,000 to fix after an accident, third party insurance pays him nothing. A comprehensive plan covers repair after deductibles. Saving a few thousand on premium isn’t worth risking big repair bills later." He adds, "Older cars with low value can go for third party insurance, but new or mid-age cars should opt for comprehensive coverage." In short, skip the quick dealer insurance deal! Explore online, compare smartly, choose the right coverage, and consider a long-term policy to keep your car safe and your wallet happy.