Violence broke out during a workers’ protest at the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Noida on Monday, with reports of stone-pelting, vandalism, and vehicles being set on fire. A car was also seen torched as tensions escalated between protesters and the police, prompting heavy deployment of security forces to restore order.
The unrest comes amid ongoing demands by workers for wage hikes and better working conditions. A day earlier, District Magistrate Medha Roopam had held a high-level meeting with labour officials to address concerns, including overtime pay, bonuses, and workplace safety, while urging workers to maintain peace.
While authorities work to stabilise the situation, the incident raises a critical question for residents and vehicle owners:
What happens if your car is damaged or burnt in such unrest?
Are Riot Damages Covered by Insurance?
According to Paras Pasricha, Head of Motor Insurance at Policybazaar, the answer depends on the type of insurance policy you hold.
“If a car is burnt during a protest or riot, it is typically covered under a comprehensive motor insurance policy, which includes protection against man-made events like riots, vandalism, and fire,” he said.
This means that if your vehicle is insured under a comprehensive (full) policy, you can file a claim for damages caused during such incidents.
Who Is Not Covered?
However, those who only have a third-party insurance policy, which is mandatory in India, are not protected against damage to their own vehicle.
Third-party insurance only covers damage caused to others, not losses suffered by the policyholder’s own car.
Shashi Kant Dahuja, executive director and chief underwriting officer, Shriram General Insurance, said, “Incidents such as a vehicle being damaged or burnt during a protest are classified under man-made risks. In a comprehensive motor insurance policy or a stand-alone Own Damage (OD) cover, such events are generally covered, subject to policy terms and conditions. The coverage extends to damages caused by fire, vandalism, or riot related incidents, provided the policy is active at the time of the incident.”
However, customers should ensure that they have opted for an OD or comprehensive policy, as a basic third-party policy (mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act) does not cover damage to one’s own vehicle and only covers loss caused to a third party vehicle by the policyholder. Timely intimation of the incident and proper submission of documents are also important for smooth claims processing, he added.
What Should You Do If Your Car Is Damaged?
In case your vehicle is caught in such violence, experts suggest taking the following steps immediately:
- File an FIR at the nearest police station without delay
- Document the damage with photos/videos
- Inform your insurer promptly
- Keep all relevant documents ready, including policy details and registration papers
“Filing an FIR promptly and maintaining proper documentation is crucial to ensure a smooth claims process,” Pasricha added.
Why This Matters
Incidents like the one in Noida highlight an often-overlooked risk — damage from civil unrest. While many vehicle owners opt for cheaper third-party policies, such situations underline the importance of comprehensive coverage. With rising instances of protests turning unpredictable, insurance is not just a legal requirement, but a financial safeguard.
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