The onset of monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching heat. Rain adds to the beauty of any place and prompts everyone from the lone backpacker to the family traveler to plan a vacation between the months of June to September.

A torrential downpour can make one think of going for a long drive or having a hot cup of coffee, but the thought of taking out an insurance policy is unlikely. But the weather that comes with so much expectation also has its own set of challenges and with every passing year, the devastation caused by the rains is taking a dangerous toll on our wealth.

If you are planning to hit the backwaters or hill stations for your vacation, then you cannot miss the safety precautions to be taken while visiting the beaches or hilly areas during the rainy season as such places are prone to natural calamity. The danger is greater. ,

For most car drivers, the rainy season is nothing less than a nightmare. The last thing a car owner can think of is their car breaking down in the middle of the road and other cars littering your windshield with dirt. So, unless you have fully prepared your car for this season, there are chances that your car may have to face the wrath of the monsoon season.

Here is a checklist to prepare before taking out your car in the monsoon rains for a hassle-free drive.

1. Check Tires: Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a car, yet they are extremely important as they have a huge impact on the way a car is driven.
2. Battery and Wiring: Low visibility due to heavy rain, landslides or fog in some places can lead to overuse of your wipers and lights which will put more strain on your car battery. To avoid the occurrence of any crisis, check if it needs to be replaced beforehand.
3. car lights: Make sure all lights including parking lamps, headlamps, tail lamps, brake lights, fog lights, number plate lights and indicators are working properly before leaving for a drive.
4. brake: Water can damage the internal parts of the vehicle and adversely affect the braking distance of the car. No matter the conditions or the weather, properly functioning brakes are a necessity. However, worn brakes can further increase the braking distance, and are also prone to failure.
5. wiper blade: Driving during rain can dirty the windshield glass, affecting visibility. Also, driving in dense cloudy or foggy weather increases the chances of an accident. Make sure wiper blades are working properly. You can also take an extra microfiber cloth to clean the windshield.
   
6. Keep your car covered Apart from internal damage, monsoon rains can cause heavy damage to the exterior of your car, if not covered properly. It is advisable to keep the car covered at all times to save the time spent on cleaning the windshield glass frequently.
7. Check for Leaks and Corrosion: Considering the climate prevailing in most parts of India, check for any signs of moisture around windows, sunroofs, doors and carpets. Cars are more prone to rust during the rainy season, given the high levels of humidity and changes in temperature.
8. Pre-Monsoon Service: An ideal way to keep your car monsoon ready is to have it professionally cleaned and polished before the onset of monsoon.
9. Buy Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy: A motor insurance policy with suitable add-ons can come in handy for car owners during the monsoon season. Now that the monsoon has come to an end in a phased manner, it is imperative for vehicle owners to understand that there is a need to protect the property from the risk of rain.

Third-party liability insurance, mandated under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, does not provide protection against situations arising out of heavy rainfall. To protect your car from problems like water shut-off, tire burst, engine damage due to car breakdown or any other natural calamities, consider buying:

• engine protection cover The engine is one of the most expensive parts of your car, and engine maintenance can be expensive. Cars with low ground clearance are more prone to engine failure on a waterlogged road. Your car could wear out due to an engine failure, making this add-on cover almost a necessity.
• 24 hour roadside assistance cover: If your car is stuck in the middle of the road then just a phone call to the insurer can get you relief with this add-on cover.
• EMI protection cover: If your vehicle is undergoing repairs at the insurer’s network garage for more than 21 days, you can cover the EMI charges that you should pay. This will be possible only if the EMI payment is due within a time frame of more than 21 days. Example – 21 days – 1 EMI, 42 days – 2 EMI. This add-on is applicable for up to 3 EMIs only.
• NCB Retention Cover: After accumulating your No Claim Bonus (NCB) percentage over the years, if you make a claim, the percentage becomes zero and you have to start all over again. When you opt for this add-on and make your first claim, your NCB percentage will remain unaffected.
• Zero Depreciation Cover: The value of your car depreciates with age, which can affect your claims. If your car is involved in an accident and you file a claim for it, you may not be able to recover the full cost of replacement parts as the value of replacement parts depreciates over time. The zero or zero depreciation add-on prevents the cover value from depreciating, so you can recover the maximum possible amount from the claim.

Different types of car insurance plans to choose from:

Car insurance covers damages caused by road accidents, parking accidents or anything that damages your car. Reliance General Car Insurance can protect you in such situations with the benefits offered under the policy, depending on whether you opt for a third party, own damage or comprehensive plan. To know more about these plans,
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