Road trips during Diwali can provide you with an opportunity to meet your relatives and enjoy new places. But the rush on the highways, mechanical failures and damages can spoil your well-planned trip.
Before setting off on the trip this Diwali, make sure that you have taken care of your car insurance, vehicle inspection and have all necessary documents with you.
Diwali Road Trip Checklist: Key Things to Verify
| Checkpoint | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Insurance validity | Confirm your policy remains active |
| Coverage | Review third-party and own-damage protection |
| Add-on benefits | Check roadside assistance and zero-depreciation cover |
| Vehicle condition | Inspect tyres, brakes, battery and fluids |
| Documents | Carry your DL, RC, insurance and valid PUC |
| Claim procedure | Save your insurer’s helpline and understand claim requirements |
1. Verify Car Insurance Validity
Make sure that your car insurance will be valid during your entire trip. It is illegal to drive without third-party mandatory insurance coverage. If your policy is near expiry, you should renew it prior to travel.
Moreover, make sure that your registration number and other vehicle information correspond to the policy documents.
2. Know About Your Insurance Policy
Third party insurance will cover the legal liabilities towards others, but it won’t cover the damage done to your own vehicle.
A comprehensive insurance policy will usually have third party liability along with damage cover for your car, based on certain conditions and policy terms.
Keep in mind that firecracker damage is not always covered. It depends on the policy terms.
3. Examine Add-Ons and Roadside Assistance
Optional coverages could be helpful while embarking on lengthy travels, depending on the cover.
• Roadside assistance: This could include towing services, jump starts, and flat tire assistance.
• Zero depreciation cover: This may reduce deductions for depreciation of qualifying replaced components.
• Engine protection: This may cover certain engine damages not covered under the normal terms.
• Return to invoice cover: This may provide additional coverage in case of total loss and theft.
4. Inspection of Vehicle Before Leaving
Simple checks on the vehicle could help spot any potential issues before they escalate.
• Look at tyre pressure and condition of both the tyres and the spare wheel.
• Conduct a test of the brakes, the signals, the headlights, and the brake lights.
• Check the level of the oil, radiator, and windshield washers.
• Test the condition of the battery and windshield wipers.
• Make sure your car’s maintenance requirements are all up to date.
5. Have Necessary Documents Handy
Always carry your valid driving license, vehicle registration, insurance certificate, and pollution under control certificate. Also have digital copies of these documents available where allowed on authorized platforms.
Have your insurance company’s helpline number handy and know the locations of network garages along your route.
6. Know What to Do Following an Accident
If everything seems safe after an accident, call the required emergency services, if required, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Take pictures of the damages and document the information.
After following all the procedures as per the insurance company, you can start making repairs. Unauthorised repairs can make your claim difficult.
Prepare for Festival Season Travel on Highways
The Indian highways tend to get clogged up on Diwali because of movement of people from one city or town to another within their family members. It is important that you research about the road you are going to take, places for refueling or charging, weather conditions, and traffic prior to traveling.
An Honest Evaluation on Performance-Centric Cars
It is important for performance automobiles to undergo the same insurance assessment process as any other car. In addition, there are additional requirements placed by high performance drives on tires, brakes and cooling. Road insurance will not suffice when driving on tracks or competing in motorsports races. Inspect the policy exclusions carefully before you race. Safe driving and comfortable acceleration and deceleration matter more than fast driving for a holiday road trip.
Conclusion
Planning a safe trip during Diwali involves ensuring that one has valid insurance, an efficient vehicle, and that one’s documents are in order. Understanding one’s insurance and claims can prevent future complications.
All this should be done prior to going on vacation.
FAQs
Is third-party insurance sufficient for my Diwali road trip?
Third-party insurance suffices as per the third-party insurance norms but it does not cover the damages done to your own vehicle.
Is the insurance valid for damages from crackers?
It depends upon the circumstances, your type of insurance, and its terms.
What all documents should one carry?
Driving Licence, RC, Insurance and PUC certificate should always be kept ready with oneself.
Is it wise to check the roadside assistance facility before setting out on any trip?
One has to do this definitely.