Is Off-Road Driving Covered Under A Car Insurance Policy

People find it refreshing to practice off road driving close to the nature on paths that are concrete free and unexplored as they enjoy the thrill. But apart from the adventure this also involves risks of various unforeseen events like car damage, accidents and injuries, so one must not ignore these factors.

In this article we will find out if Off Road Driving Covered under a Car Insurance Policy!

What is Off Road Driving?

Driving a car on natural as well as unexplored paths or surfaces like sand dunes, mud, rocks, river beds etc. is called Off Road Driving. People satiate their thrill and adventure seeking behaviour by indulging in this activity. 

There are a variety of types of off road driving based on the level of risk involved. Some of these are : Mudding and Mud plugging, Desert Racing, Bashing dunes, Rock racing etc. 

This involves a variety of risks as it can be a reason to a lot of unforeseen events like accidents, injuries, property damage or even death. Before indulging in such activity one must be fully informed about the danger and risk involved. 

This can further cause poor judgements therefore leading to accidents, as this can have dangerous consequences one must practice driving beforehand.
This can cause low visibility as off road driving is practiced in different weather conditions be it uneven roads in heavy rainfall, snow or fog, this can lead to dangerous accidents or even deaths.
One must be ready at all times as they can face malfunction of a car where there is no assistance.

Is Off-Road Driving Covered Under Car Insurance?

A risky, dangerous and adventurous activity like Off Road Driving may not be covered under car insurance as some of the companies offering car insurance might also exclude this from their policy. One must be diligent and fully aware of the policy to know that car insurance involves coverage of accidents as well as own damage. 

The insurance plans that indirectly cover the same are :              

             Third Party Cover:
It provides damage cover to the third party involved, the liabilities for third party like death, injury, property damage etc. are covered in this by taking care of their damage expenses which includes medical costs, repairing cost and property damage. It is mandatory in India to buy Third party liability insurance, not doing so is punishable by the law under The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This does not cover damages to one’s own car. 

Comprehensive Car Insurance:
This is the protection against accidental damage due to various unforeseen events such as natural calamities, theft, accidents, self ignition, strikes or riots etc. It is mandatory to own a Comprehensive car insurance, it covers a lot of damage. It covers own damage and provides financial assistance. But to understand if Off Road driving is covered under this one must contact the Car Insurance Company as there are chances of both the cases.

Conclusion

Off Road Driving might be thrilling, refreshing and adventurous but involves risks and dangers which might be long term. So one must be careful and know driving beforehand. In case of any unforeseen event the only way one can get financial coverage is by Comprehensive Car Insurance as it covers own damage, Third Party Insurance is insufficient in this case as it covers damage to third party only and not self.

Also read: Factors That Influence Car Insurance Premium For SUV And Sedan

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