Introduction
The increase in digital platforms has evolved the way Indians buy financial products, particularly insurance. Only with a few clicks, anyone can compare policies, calculate premiums and complete the purchase online. Though this easiness comes with a set of complexities. Many first time buyers make notable mistakes during the online policy purchasing. These mistakes turn into financial loss and can also cause legal complications while making claims.
Rapid increase in Trend of Online Insurance
In the past few years, India has observed an increase in online insurance purchases. Factors like use of day to day smartphone usage, digital literacy and the pandemic driven requirement for no contact services have reinforced individuals to shift to online platforms. While these portals give transparency and convenience, the lack of a physical advisor means buyers have to be extra cautious. Insurance contracts are legally binding agreements and even a small mistake while purchasing can affect the validity of claims in the future.
Ignoring Policy Terms and Exclusions
The biggest common insurance mistake in India is not reading policy documents precisely. Online buyers mostly lightly go through the terms and conditions and depend on the highlights given on aggregator websites. But exclusions, waiting periods and particular conditions are there as well.
The doctrine of utmost good faith can be applied here, which means both insurer and insured have to fully disclose all the material facts. If buyers could not understand exclusions then disputes may rise when claims are denied and courts generally take the side of written contract and not the verbal assurances.
Tip: Make sure to download the full policy wording and not just the product brochure. Take time to review/ recheck exclusions, sublimits and definitions. Consulting a financial advisor or legal expert for interpretation can help as well to prevent these types of disputes.
Misrepresentation or Incomplete Information
Another general error is giving inaccurate or incomplete information while filling proposal forms. Buyers may lie about their smoking habits, not tell about preexisting medical conditions or misreport income levels to get lower premiums. And this can seem harmless but can have serious legal implications.
Under Section 45 of the Insurance Act 1938, insurers have the right to deny claims within the first three years if material misrepresentation is catched. Courts have constantly upheld the insurer’s right to deny claims where incomplete material facts affect the risk. So, even if premiums are paid on time, claim settlement can be denied due to false or incomplete declarations.
Tip: Make sure that all personal, health and lifestyle information is true and complete. If you are in doubt then be on the safer side and over disclose details rather than concealing them. This makes your legal standing strong, in case of denial in claim.
Choosing Cost Over Coverage
Many individuals focus mainly on the premium amount and not on the sufficiency of the coverage. Selecting the lowest cost policy can result in incomplete security. Choosing inadequate coverage does not make the insurer liable for extra financial required beyond the agreed sum assured. Courts and consumer forums impose the principle of contracts being binding only to the agreed point.
Tip: Rather than choosing the cheapest premium, compare and calculate the policies based on the comprehensiveness of coverage, claim settlement ratio and reputation of the insurer. Also consider affectation and rising medical costs while deciding coverage amounts.
Not paying attention to Claim Settlement Ratio
Claim settlement ratio (CSR) indicates the percentage of claims an insurer clears up in a financial year. Loads of online buyers ignore checking this essential parameter as they assume every insurer functions uniformly. But, CSR shows the dependency of an insurer in fulfilling claims.
A low CSR could mean a greater probability of claim denials which can lead to extended litigation. In many Indian consumer court cases insurers with not good claim histories have been told to compensate policyholders but this type of litigation is time consuming and stressful as well.
Tip: Make sure CSR data from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) annual reports. Go for insurers with invariably high ratios, preferably above 90%. This decreases the chances of disputes and makes sure quicker claim processing.
Ignoring Riders and Add Ons
Online platforms mostly show the basic policy without focusing on optional riders like critical illness cover, accidental death advantages or waiver of premium clauses. Buyers who leap from these add ons will surely later regret their decision when facing unforeseen financial requirements.
Legally, once a policy is purchased without a rider then the insurer is not bound to extend those advantages even if the buyer presumes differently. Courts follow the principle of contract sanctity and do not take into consideration claims which are beyond the agreed terms.
Tip: Calculate if riders can enhance your financial protection. For example a term policy with an accidental death rider should ensure higher payouts in case of accidental death. Pay attention to add ons that match your particular needs before finalising the policy.
Not Maintaining Proper Documentation
Many buyers fail to keep digital copies of policy documents or payment receipts and while claiming any disputes the documentary evidence is important. Without any strong proof the policyholders can face complications in consumer forums and courts.
Tip: Always download and safely maintain your policy documents. Maintain both soft copies and physical copies and make sure that family members know where to retrieve them. This safeguards legal rights in case of disputes.
Conclusion
Purchasing insurance online offers easiness, convenience, transparency and efficiency. And the shortage of professional guidance means buyers have to be attentive against general mistakes. Misrepresentation, inadequate coverage, ignoring exclusions and poor documentation are mistakes that convey both financial and legal consequences. If you do not want to make these mistakes then individuals should precisely research policies, disclose accurate information, review legal terms and maintain proper documentation.
