Choosing motor insurance shouldn't feel like gambling—yet claim rejections leave thousands stranded annually. National Insurance Company, trusted since 1906, eliminates guesswork with transparent policies, vast 10,000+ garage network, competitive premiums, and 2026's customer-focused upgrades—simplified claim processes, WhatsApp assistance, digital policy wallets, and enhanced two-wheeler protection. Here's what you need to know.

Company Overview

Established in 1906, National Insurance Company Limited operates from Kolkata as a public sector general insurer. IRDAI registration number 114, granted April 5, 2000. FY 2024-25 motor insurance market share stands at 3.4% with approximately 7.5 million motor policyholders. Motor segment Gross Written Premium reached ?6,789 crores, showing 7.1% YoY growth. The network includes 10,200+ garages across India. Geographic presence spans 1,620+ branches in 820 cities. Digital motor sales constitute 27% of total policies.

Product Categories

Coverage options include:

• Third-Party Liability: Mandatory legal coverage only
• Comprehensive Plans: Own damage + third-party coverage
• Standalone Own Damage: For vehicles with valid TP
• Two-Wheeler Insurance: Bikes, scooters up to 150cc, 150cc+
• Four-Wheeler Insurance: Cars, hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs
• Commercial Vehicle Insurance: Goods carriers, passenger vehicles, taxis
• Electric Vehicle Insurance: Battery coverage, charging station damage
• Add-On Covers: Zero depreciation, engine protection, NCB protection, roadside assistance

Features include IDV-based coverage, personal accident cover ?15 lakh for owner-driver, depreciation as per IRDAI schedule, cashless repairs at network garages, NCB up to 50% for claim-free years, voluntary deductible options, plus 2026 additions—pay-as-you-drive plans, telematics-based discounts, instant digital policy issuance, automated claim settlement.

Claim Settlement Ratio

National Insurance Company posted 86.78% motor CSR for FY 2024-25, below the industry average of 88-92%. The three-year trend shows FY 2022-23 at 85.45%, FY 2023-24 at 86.14%, and FY 2024-25 at 86.78%—demonstrating gradual improvement but slower progress. Motor Incurred Claim Ratio stands at 96.3%. Interpretation: out of 100 motor claims submitted, approximately 87 get settled, indicating need for enhancement.

Network Garages

Network strength includes:

• Total network: 10,200+ garages nationwide
• Delhi-NCR: 440+ garages
• Mumbai: 400+ garages
• Bangalore: 355+ garages
• Chennai: 395+ garages
• Hyderabad: 325+ garages
• Pune: 280+ garages
• Kolkata: 470+ garages
• Ahmedabad: 250+ garages

Authorized service centers include Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Honda, Toyota dealerships. Tier 2/3 cities like Jaipur, Surat, Lucknow well-covered. Cashless approval: spot surveys 3-5 hours, major repairs 30-50 hours. Reimbursement 12-18 days. Complaint ratio: 4.6 per 10,000 policies.

Tax Benefits & IDV Calculation

Key information:

• Tax deduction: No Section 80D benefits for motor insurance
• GST applicability: 18% GST on motor premiums
• IDV calculation: Current market value minus depreciation
• Depreciation rates: 5% (6 months), 10% (1 year), 15% (2 years), 20% (3 years), 25% (4 years), 30% (5+ years)
• NCB benefits: 20% (1 year), 25% (2 years), 35% (3 years), 45% (4 years), 50% (5+ years)

Example: A 3-year-old motorcycle valued ?1.2 lakh has IDV ?96,000 after 20% depreciation. With 35% NCB from 3 claim-free years, premium drops from ?4,200 to ?2,730 annually.

Portability & Claim Rejection Prevention

Portability: Switch insurers while keeping NCB benefits. Apply before policy expiry, submit current policy copy and NCB certificate, new insurer validates NCB, underwriting for vehicle inspection if needed, seamless renewal. Benefit: NCB discount transfers fully, safeguarding accumulated rewards when exploring superior coverage alternatives.

Claim Rejection Prevention:

• DL validity: Ensure valid driving license always
• Unauthorized driver: Only permit licensed drivers
• Vehicle fitness: Maintain PUC, valid registration
• Delay notification: Report accidents within 24-48 hours
• Network garages: Use authorized garages for cashless
• Documentation: Keep FIR, photos, repair estimates ready

Exclusions, Support & Recommendation

Policy Exclusions:

• Driving conditions: Under influence of alcohol/drugs
• Invalid license: Expired or no DL
• Geographical limits: Outside India coverage
• General wear: Mechanical/electrical breakdown
• Consequential loss: Depreciation claims
• Intentional damage: Self-inflicted damage
• War/nuclear: Force majeure events

Permanent Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, consequential losses, mechanical failures without add-on, using vehicle for different purpose than registered, racing or speed tests, existing damages before policy start.

Customer Support: 24/7 helpline available, mobile app features e-card, garage locator, claim tracking, email and WhatsApp support, 1,620+ physical branches. Grievance redressal through IRDAI IGMS portal and Insurance Ombudsman.

Why Choose: Public sector reliability, widespread branch network, competitive premiums, century-plus legacy, strong eastern India presence, improving CSR trend. Limitations: CSR below industry average, slower claim processing, longer reimbursement cycles than private competitors, digital adoption moderate. Compare free at NiveshKaro.com—IRDAI advisors, zero commission, instant quotes!

Disclaimer: NiveshKaro.com offers free guidance via IRDAI advisors—zero commission. Data accurate as of January 2026, subject to change. Verify terms with National Insurance Company. Visit niveshkaro.com today.