Shutting down paper work

Tough competition among insurers has resulted in improved services and you don't even have to be physically present at their offices anymore. Here is a list of ten websites and the services they offer online

1.    CHOLAINSURANCE.COM

Chola is one of India's fastest growing insurance companies and is known for reliable service. The company has a very user-friendly site and insurance costs are economical. The web portal also offers quotes and renewal options.

Of course, you can ring up their toll-free number if you have any doubts. Unlike other companies, you don't have to wait for long as one of the executives attends to your queries almost immediately. They are very helpful and thorough in answering all your questions.

2.    HDFCERGO.COM

HDFC-Ergo's services are similar to ICICILombard in terms of cost, response time and facilities. The policies are not very expensive either. But the HDFCErgo portal does not have a live chat option.

You do have the additional option of getting commercial vehicles insured online. This is a great service for those who manage a fleet of taxis. If you wish to claim insurance, the form for the same is also available on the HDFC Ergo portal, which is also bound to save time on paper work.

3.    ICICILOMBARD.COM

ICICI-Lombard gives you instant insurance quotes and online renewal for various products, including vehicle insurance. You can request for a call-back to get assistance and payment can be made online using multiple methods, such as through Internet banking and using credit, debit or cash cards.

The ICICI-Lombard site also gives you the option of an online chat with a representative, who can help you with any your queries. This is an efficient way to save time.

4.    IFFCOTOKIO.CO.IN

The Iffco-Tokio set up meets the standards of the other major sites. You have the option to call (toll-free) for assistance and get details if required. Experts also claim Iffco-Tokio has a hassle-free claims settlement procedure, although we found the website was a bit harder to navigate compared with the others.

The site also gives you explicit information about what is covered and what is excluded under comprehensive and third-party insurance policies. This ensures a little more clarity.

5.    RELIANCEGENERAL.CO.IN

Reliance is another big name in the motor insurance business. The website provides all online facilities, along with the option to chat with a representative. You also have a toll free number to speak to an agent, who can assist you with getting a representative to add a personal touch to the process.

There are also over 2,100 garages in the country where you can make cashless claims on your Reliance Motor Insurance. Reliance also offers good discounts to its longstanding customers.

6.    SHRIRAMGI.COM

Shriram General Insurance is a company specialising in auto insurance. But the relatively new business is still in the process of adding features to its website. At the moment, you can't buy, claim or renew your insurance through the site as the payment gateway is still under construction.

However, you can drop your contact number and receive a call back from the customer service team. If required, an agent will come to you for personal assistance.

7.    BAJAJALLIANZ.COM

The Bajaj-Allianz website is simple to understand and operate. You can fill in the details and the support team will to help you with the best possible quote.

To generate a customer query you need to give some basic information about your car and yourself over a secure network. The Bajaj-Allianz customer service was the quickest to respond after we submitted our online form. The premium charged is also one of the lowest.

8.    ROYALSUNDARAM.IN

Royal Sundaram is the first private insurer in India to tie up with banks as affinity partners for selling retail products through its customer network.

The website is simple and easy to use and navigate. You also save about 40% of premium if you buy your insurance through the Royal Sundaram portal. You have the option to buy a policy, renew an existing one and even calculate premium before you decide on a cover. They will also get back to you if you leave a number.

9.    TATAAIGINSURANCE.IN

Tata-AIG is one of the biggest players in the motor insurance market. However, the premium charged by Tata-AIG is also one of the highest amongst current players.

There is no online gateway to make any kind of payment but you do have an option to put a request through the website and receive a call from the team. The team will guide you about how to renew your insurance and an executive will pay a visit if needed. Settlement of claims is also very smooth.

10.  BHARTI-AXAGI.CO.IN

Bharati-Axa has cashless claims at 2,000 plus garages across the country and a hasslefree claim settlement procedure. The cost of the insurance policy isn't very high and one can get quotes and make payments through their website.

It's a separate site that has the option to get commercial vehicles insured. You can leave your number to receive a call from the customer service team.