When you’re looking for an auto or home insurance quote, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the details insurers request. At Money Moksh, we believe understanding what information you need before you click “get quote” makes the process smoother. It also helps you compare your options effectively. Here’s a simple guide on what to prepare, why it matters, and how it can help you get better value.
1. Why organizing your information matters
When you fill out your details correctly for an insurance quote—whether for your car or home—you help the insurer evaluate risk, set the right premium, and minimize the chance of unpleasant surprises later. A sloppy or incomplete quote form can lead to higher premiums, missing coverages, or even claim denials. In short, being accurate and honest results in a better quote and more peace of mind.
2. What you’ll need for an auto insurance quote
If you’re seeking an auto insurance quote, here are the key pieces of information you should have ready:
- Vehicle make, model, year of manufacture: Insurers use the car’s age and brand to estimate risk, including repair costs and parts availability.
- Registration number and variant (engine capacity, fuel type): In India, engine size and fuel type affect premiums.
- On-road value or declared value (IDV) of your car: This helps determine how much the insurer pays in a total loss.
- Usage details: Personal use or business/commercial use? Higher usage often means higher risk.
- Location of parking: Do you park in a covered garage, an open space, or on the street? This affects risk of theft and vandalism.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) history: If you have a claim-free history, many insurers offer discounts; you’ll need your previous insurer details.
- Existing or previous policy information: Expiry date, coverage details, and any claims made help the new insurer assess you correctly.
Having this information ready saves time, avoids back-and-forth, and gets you a quote that matches your risk profile.
3. What you’ll need for a home insurance quote
Switching to the home part of the auto or home insurance quote, here’s what you should gather:
- Type and age of property: Is it an apartment, independent house, or villa? How old is the building? Construction year matters because older buildings may have higher risks, like plumbing issues and structural wear.
- Location and address: City or town, neighborhood, whether the home is in an area prone to floods or earthquakes.
- Built-up area and value: Insurers use the built-up square footage and construction cost or sum-insured value. You may need a recent market valuation or reconstruction cost estimate.
- Construction material and roof type: Brick, concrete, wood, or asbestos roof? Materials affect the risk of fire, water damage, and termites.
- Contents and valuables: Do you want just structural cover (walls, roof) or also contents (furnishings, electronics, jewelry)? Some policies offer add-ons for high-value items.
- Previous claims or damage history: If your home has had past water damage or fire claims, disclose this.
- Occupancy and usage: Do you live there full-time, or is it a rental or vacation home? Is part used as a home office? Usage affects risk.
- Security and safety measures: Fire alarms, burglar alarms, CCTV, gated community, and nearby fire stations are all factors insurers consider when assessing risk.
Having this information ready means that when you ask for a home insurance quote, you’ll receive an accurate premium and avoid surprises later on.
4. Questions to ask and compare when you receive the quote
Once you have the quote, consider these details beyond just the premium amount. For both auto and home insurance quotes, think about:
- What is included or excluded? What perils does it cover (fire, theft, natural disasters, liability) ?
- Are there any add-on riders (like zero depreciation cover for cars or earthquake coverage for homes) ?
- What is the deductible (how much you pay) versus the sum insured ?
- How does the claim process work? Is it digital or offline? Is there a network of garages or hospitals? Are service reviews positive?
- Are there any special discounts (for security features, low mileage, or a claim-free history) ?
- What are the renewal terms? Does the premium increase upon renewal? What is the policy term ?
- Are there any hidden fees or premium locking clauses ?
- How flexible is the policy if you need to adjust it (like modifying contents cover in home insurance or adding an additional driver in auto insurance) ?
Using these comparative questions helps you choose not just the cheapest option but the best-value deal for your needs.
5. Current trends and news in the Indian insurance market
At Money Moksh, we keep you updated with what’s happening. Here are some relevant trends related to getting an auto or home insurance quote in India:
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is pushing reforms in the motor insurance sector, such as digital policy issuance, telematics “pay-as-you-drive” models, and simplified processes. ~ [The Economic Times]
- The Indian motor insurance market continues to grow—motor insurance grew 25.6% in FY25, driven by vehicle sales and digital inclusion. ~ [India Brand Equity Foundation]
- Fraud and fake policies remain a concern. Investigations found around 80,000 fake vehicle insurance policies issued in one year between 2022 and 2023 in India. ~ [The Economic Times]
- Technology-powered violation detection is increasing. One district saw an 11,550% spike in fines for driving without valid insurance this year. ~ [The Times of India]
- In home insurance, climate risks (like floods and cyclones) and the use of parametric insurance models are gaining attention in India. ~ [Reuters]
What does this mean for you? Simply put, insurers are using more data, regulatory checks are stronger, and processes are more digital. So having correct and complete information when you request a quote is even more important.
6. A closer look at how different information affects your quote
Let’s explore how different inputs influence the premium and quote you receive:
- Age of car or home: Older assets may have higher premiums due to wear and tear, costlier repairs, and increased risk.
- Usage profile: A car used 50 km a day in city traffic carries a different risk than one used 5 km a week in a quiet neighborhood. A home used as an Airbnb also poses different risks compared to a permanent residence.
- Location risks: For autos, parking in an open area in a busy city increases the risk of theft and vandalism. For homes, low-lying areas or flood-prone zones raise the chance of water damage.
- Declared value or sum insured: This sets the limit of what the insurer might pay. Under-declaring risks inadequate coverage; over-declaring may mean paying more than necessary.
- Security and safety features: Insurance companies reward you for lower-risk measures, like alarm systems, gated communities, and CCTV for homes; and anti-theft devices and garage parking for cars.
- Claims history: A clean past claims record usually leads to lower premiums; frequent claims or significant previous damage might increase premiums or exclude certain covers.
- Add-ons and riders: Seeking extra coverage (like zero depreciation, natural disasters, or jewelry cover) will increase premiums, but it may bring valuable peace of mind.
7. A step-by-step plan to prepare for your Auto Home Insurance Quote
Here’s a simple three-step process to follow:
- Gather your data: Use the checklists above and collect relevant details for your car or home.
- Decide your coverage scope: Think about whether you want basic coverage or a comprehensive plan. For car insurance, consider third-party only versus own-damage plus add-ons. For home insurance, decide between basic structure coverage or including contents, valuables, and natural disasters.
- Compare quotes and ask the right questions: Use at least two or three insurers or comparison platforms. Specifically ask about exclusions, risk factors, premium breakdown, and claim support. Use the information you gathered to provide accurate details so your quotes are meaningful.
Conclusion
At Money Moksh, we believe that getting an auto or home insurance quote should feel empowering, not confusing. By taking the time to collect the right information about your vehicle or home, your usage, location, and risk profile, you set yourself up for smarter comparisons, better coverage, and fewer surprises. In today’s fast-changing Indian insurance market, with digital processes, tighter regulations, and increasing risks from fraud and climate events, the importance of preparing well before requesting a quote has never been greater.
So the next time you click “Get Quote,” do so with confidence: you’re prepared. Because at the end of the day, insurance is not just about premiums—it’s about protecting what matters to you.