Driving a car in a highly-populated city teeming with traffic is not easy. But it does more than just waste time and cause inconvenience, it also affects your car’s mileage and efficiency, which in turn raises your fuel bills. Here are a few simple and effective tips to maximise your car’s mileage.

Keep Your Tyres Inflated

Not only do properly inflated tyres reduce fuel consumption, they also increase the efficiency by 5 percent. You should get your car tyres inflated regularly and once in fifteen days is an ideal interval. However, overinflated tyres are just as bad as under-inflated ones, and thus you should stick to the manufacturer recommended levels.

Maintain the Speed Limit

Maintaining a steady speed limit between 45–55km/h is recommended not only for your safety, but also for saving on fuel consumption. By maintaining a steady speed limit and going easy on the throttle, you will see a rise in the fuel efficiency of your car by around 20 percent.

Lose the Weight

The amount of things you store in your car has a direct effect on its mileage and fuel efficiency. So get rid of the child safety seat you don’t need anymore, that worn out spare tyre and all the junk you’ve stored in the trunk. Drive around baggage-free at least while within city limits.

Roll Up the Windows

At high speeds you should roll up your windows. Even partially open windows at high speeds can impact fuel efficiency by increasing the drag and resulting in rapid fuel consumption. Opposed to popular belief, rolling up your windows and switching on the air conditioner at higher speeds will help you save fuel.

Plan a Smart Route

Before you start your trip, take 2 minutes to check the maps and plan your route. This will not only be beneficial for your mileage but will also save you from the chaos of traffic and congestion; your left foot will thank you too.

Turn the Engine Off

When you keep your engine on while your car is static, you are just burning fuel. Whenever you have to stay in one place for over 3 minutes, whether it’s at a signal or waiting for someone, turn off your engine. However, if you think the wait is going to be short, don’t turn the engine off as starting it back on will only consume more fuel.

How many times has it happened that it began pouring and your car didn’t demand to see a mechanic for repairs? Come monsoon; cars tend to need some kind of repairing or the other, thereby, making you shell out quite a bit on them. But, did you know that timely car servicing coupled with some car maintenance tips can actually help you avoid some of these expenses? Additionally, having a valid car insurance policy can help you avoid financial losses. Take notes as we compile them below to get your car monsoon ready!

1. Examine your car tyres

Check them for any signs of wear out. Today, most of the car tyres come with tread-wear indicators, and if those on your car tyre wear out, it’s time for you to have them replaced. Tyres with good tread depths are important in avoiding oversteer. They let you have a firmer grip on roads, helping you stay secured against aquaplaning when you come across potholes or spilt oil mixed with water while driving.

While you may keep a spare tyre handy, it is important to check the condition of the spare tyre as well. Look for any punctures and check the air pressure.

2. Check the wipers and their washer tank

Wiper blades do the crucial job of wiping the water away from the windshield during rains. But they are usually not used for most of the year, making dirt and grime to accumulate on them. Plus, the summer sun can be harsh on them, causing them to wear out. So check for their proper functioning, and give the blades a proper cleaning with soap water. If you find that the blades have worn out, get them replaced. Also, if the washer liquid has run down, refill using a washer liquid solution or soap water.

3. Insulate the wires and check the electricals

If there is one thing that reacts adversely to rain than mechanical parts, then it’s electricals. Make sure that all the wiring is well insulated and is in proper working condition. If you find any loose wires, connect them firmly together. Check for other electrical systems like fuses and lights. Replace the non-functioning ones. Also, it is utterly necessary that especially the battery is in peak working condition because during monsoons headlamps, wipers etc. are all being utilised to their full potential, causing it to drain out too soon.

4. Test the brakes and check the brake fluids

Brakes are very important in the rains because of the slippery nature of roads. Check the brake fluid to see that it is at the required level, if not, then you’ll have to top it up. Go to a workshop to get the brake pads and discs checked. If the pads are worn out, they won’t provide enough braking power.

Same goes for the disc; a glance can tell you if it is okay or not. If the disc has a very shiny or glazed look, then it needs to be replaced, as the pads will not be able to slow down the car due to lack of friction.

5. Clean the air filter

Your car’s air filter aids your car’s engine to function uninterruptedly. But in the monsoon, due to high humidity level and more dust, the air filter has to put in extra effort in supplying your car engine with pure air. So make sure you clean the air filter in your car and check it for proper functioning beforehand.

While the air filter is one way of protecting the car’s engine, yet another is to secure it with the Engine Protect add-on cover of our Car Insurance policy. It will have your back for any consequential loss to your car’s engine. It will also compensate for the loss arising out of water ingression, engine damage due to oil leakage and gearbox failure. Thus, going out of its way to protect your car’s engine and keeping you from spending on costly car engine repairs.

Also read:  How to maintain your car’s health during the lockdown

Customer ease is always the top priority at ICICI Lombard. As part of this effort, ICICI Lombard has launched a facility called ‘Mobile Self Inspection’ that eliminates the need for physical inspection of cars.

ICICI Lombard customers can now record a video of their car on their mobile phones as per the guidance provided in the ‘Insure’ app. This facility saves customers the hassle of having to wait for a surveyor to visit and carry out the physical inspection.

Quick and Easy Renewal

Inspection is mandatory when a motor insurance policy lapses and it causes delay in issuance of renewed policy. Normally, the insurer initiates a process called ‘Break-In’ when a customer applies for renewal of a lapsed policy. In this process, an inspection by authorised surveyors is carried out and the policy is issued based on satisfactory inspection.

However, with the ‘Mobile Self Inspection’ feature, the time taken for renewal of lapsed policy reduces to a few hours from 2-3 days. This feature has made renewal of lapsed policy an easy-going and stress-free process for customers. Customers having car insurance policies of other insurance companies who want to make a shift to ICICI Lombard can also use this feature.

Uploading a Video is Really Simple

For using the ‘Mobile Self Inspection’, a customer needs to have an internet connection; mobile phone with 3 MP or above camera resolution and the video of the car must be recorded in broad daylight. The app also contains a demo video for step-by-step guidance of the ‘Mobile Self Inspection’ process. After making payment for renewal of policy, the customer is prompted to upload the self-inspection video via the mobile app.

The video will be approved as per ICICI Lombard’s underwriting guidelines and after which the policy is generated within a few hours. If the video is found to be unclear, it can be discarded and self-inspection can be recorded again. After uploading the video, the status can be checked in the ‘My Policy’ section on the website or in the App.

If you’ve ever bought motor insurance, you’re likely to have come across the terms Vehicle Identification Number or VIN and chassis number. You must wonder why insurance companies insist on having this information. That’s because VIN is like a genetic identifier for your car. Think of it as the vehicular equivalent of a thumbprint.

What is a VIN or chassis number?

Vehicle identification number or VIN is a set of 17 characters that are unique to the vehicle, like a vehicle’s unique identity code. Yes, it is used interchangeably with chassis number because it’s stamped to the chassis of the vehicle, although strictly speaking, chassis number is part of VIN. If you locate VIN, you can identify the chassis number.

Issuing a VIN to every vehicle is standard practice across the world. It helps to mark out every vehicle whether commercial or private, make, model, manufacturer and year.

But why 17?

The alphanumerical sequence actually denotes important information. The several components of VIN are described below to help you understand your vehicle better. Please note that this is a generic break-up that is followed by most manufacturers.

The first three characters in the VIN are referred to as WMN and symbolize the country of origin and the manufacturer. The first character reveals the country where the vehicle was built. The next two characters reveals the manufacturer.

#DidYouKnow – The Society of Automotive Engineers in the USA assigns WMIs to countries and manufacturers. For India the WMIs are MA-ME & MZ. The Bureau of Indian Standards receives the WMIs from SAE and allots them to Indian vehicle manufacturers.

Vehicle Description Section

The next six alphanumerical sequences are the key to your vehicle’s details. The VDS also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

• The 4th character tells you the vehicle type; whether it’s a scooter or a sports bike and so forth.
• The 5th character stands for engine movement or the power range of the engine.
• The 6th character tells you the type of engine that runs your vehicle. For e.g. whether it is a double strike or single stroke engine.
• The 7th character shows the sequence of design.
• The 8th character denotes the vehicle version.
• The 9th number is a check digit to maintain VIN accuracy.
• The 10th character helps to identify the year of manufacture of the vehicle.
• The 11th character identifies the plant where the vehicle was manufactured.

The character from 12th to 17th is the vehicle’s serial number or chassis number.

Got it! But where in my car is it stamped?

This differs from vehicle to vehicle but it’s usually to be found in the following places:

• On the door frame of the front doors. Mostly it’s the driver’s side but could also be stamped on the passenger side.
• On the dashboard near the windshield.
• On the steering wheel or the steering column.
• In the inner wheel arch towards the left hand side.
• Radiator support bracket.
• On the car’s registration papers.

And where can I find the Vehicle Identification Number on a bike?

As in a car, in a bike too, VIN is located differently in different models. Often, the chassis number of the bike can be found near the handle or the motor. If you still can’t locate it, you’re sure to find it mentioned in your bike registration certificate.

Is it possible to check for it online?

Yes, you can. VAHAN, the Ministry of Roads and Transport’s online registry database hold vehicle registration details through which you can track down your vehicle details. Just follow these steps:

• Visit the VAHAN website
• Click on Know Your Vehicle Details
• Type your car’s registration number
• Hit ‘Search Vehicle

In order to meet privacy norms, the website does not provide the entire chassis number.

Good to know! What role does VIN or chassis number play in motor insurance though?

Well, the better we know your vehicle, the better we can help if the need arises. Knowing the Vehicle Identification Number/chassis number of your car or two wheeler, at one go, gives insurance players like us information that is crucial. In insurance, chassis number is reviewed to authenticate ownership and existence of the vehicle. For e.g., a car may have been written-off/stolen and sold again to an unsuspecting buyer. The insurance company, through VIN can authenticate the car or bike at the time of policy purchase. This helps to end fraud and counter bogus claim settlements. Vehicle Identification Number specially comes in handy during a claim where total loss of the vehicle has been declared. It’s also used to track down theft. The only instance where chassis number changes is when an insurance company pays a claim for replacement of the vehicle body. The chances of this happening, however, are few and far in between. But in case it does, the RTO is immediately notified.

#DidYouKnow- Chassis number can also be used to identify the type and exact shade of paint used on the vehicle. This information however, is only available with the manufacturer-repairer. VIN can also be used to order specific body parts of your car in case they need replacement.

Aside from insurance, VIN also becomes important if you’re thinking of buying or selling a second hand vehicle. By running a check on the car’s Vehicle Identification Number or chassis number, you can also establish if the vehicle has been obtained by illegal means , whether it has been used in any bike insurance or car insurance fraud, if it has ever been put up for auction, etc. Manufacturers also use VIN to issue car recalls, so it’s handy information to have if you’re buying a second hand car. By doing some research you can see if the particular model was ever recalled owing to any defect.

#DidYouKnow- VIN can also be used to get a FASTag in case a RC hasn’t been issued to the owner of a new vehicle.

Will keep this in mind going ahead. But going back in time a little, when was VIN first used?

The implementation of VIN started in the year 1954 and like every alien attack on screen ever, in the United States of America. If you scrutinise economic history, you’ll notice it coincides with the car manufacturing boom that happened in late post-war United States. It was a time when cars started to get made in large numbers and with greater engine capacity. Although from 1954 – 1981, there was no standardisation so manufacturers used different formats. In 1981, the US Department of Transport required all vehicles plying to have a 17 character VIN. This pretty much set the format for the rest of the world.

Driving your own vehicle may provide immense pleasure to you. Apart from signalling the new-found independence and financial stability, it reflects your pride and status. However, regardless of the reason, purchasing a new car or two-wheeler also brings along certain legal responsibilities with itself.

Before the wheels are in motion, the law requires you to have a valid driving license and a motor insurance plan for your vehicle. While the former is obvious, a car insurance or bike insurance policy is mandatory since it covers you against the third-party liabilities that you may incur while driving on-road, apart from securing your newly-purchased machine against damages and mishaps.

Similarly, you need to obtain the Registration Certificate (RC) of your vehicle from the registration authorities under the Public Vehicles Department of India. As per the 2017 amendments to The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, driving an unregistered vehicle without proper registration address is illegal and considered a punishable offence.

What is Vehicle Registration?

Registering your vehicle with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your area is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. It includes the process of imbibing the credentials of your vehicle in government records after its due verification. It helps in establishing a link between the motor vehicle and the owner of that vehicle.

As per the law, a car, two-wheeler or any other type of vehicle must have two high-security registration plates (HSRPs) installed at the front and back of the vehicle. If one of these number plates are missing, then the vehicle-owner or driver can be fined by police or other authorities.

These HSRPs contains the registration number of the vehicle in modern Hindu-Arabic numerals with Latin letters, as prescribed by the RTO. The registration number of the vehicle follows a specific format. For instance, if the number plate reads ‘MH O4 EG xxxx’, the break-up of it is as follows:

• ‘MH’ are the initials of the state in which the vehicle is registered. In this case, ‘MH’ stands for Maharashtra.
• ‘04’is the code of the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In this case, it represents the Thane and Mulund region of Maharashtra.
• ‘EG’ are two letters which represents the series of alphabetical order in which all the cars are registered within the specified RTO.
• ‘XXXX’ is the four-digit unique registration number allotted to the vehicle.

You can even opt for customized registration numbers by paying a supplementary fee to the RTO. Additionally, the RTO also holds an auction for classic or fancy numbers as well.

Why is it Important?

Registering your vehicle is mandatory under the law and is also essential for establishing the proof of ownership of your vehicle. It is required for the purpose of sale of the new vehicle or for the transfer of ownership of the vehicle when you plan to resell it. Cars and two-wheelers with proper vehicle registration are only permitted to ply on Indian roads.

How to obtain the registration number of your vehicle?

As soon as you purchase a new vehicle, the dealer applies for its registration at the local RTO. Upon the receival of an application to register a vehicle, the RTO provides a temporary registration number so that the vehicle can be driven on road for RTO visits and other official errands. After the issuance of temporary registration number, you will be provided a permanent registration certificate within a month or so, confirming the ownership of the vehicle in your name.

The registration certificate for a newly purchased vehicle is valid for 15 years and then it has to be renewed every 5 years. In case you’ve to move to another state or union territory, you can drive your vehicle with the previous registration address for a maximum of 12 months, post which you need to re-register it with the local RTO.

How to Change your Vehicle Registration?

Under special circumstances such as the one mentioned above, you may have to re-register your vehicle with the new RTO and apply for the change in its registration address. For this, you need to visit the local RTO, where you want to transfer the vehicle, along with the following documents:

• Application in Form 33
• Original Registration Certificate
• Proof of new address
• Valid motor insurance certificate
• Pollution under control certificate
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO
• Attested copy of PAN card or Form 60 and Form 61 (as applicable)
• Chassis & Engine Pencil Print
• Signature Identification of owner

Are you planning to buy a used vehicle in India? You're not alone! Second-hand bikes and cars are purchased both online and offline daily in our country. However, before you make a purchase, it is always best to be prepared for the paperwork that you'll have to take care off. Don't fret, we've done the homework for you and put a document checklist together. Take a look!

Vehicle purchase document

The first document you need to collect is the original invoice of the vehicle. Check for the owner's name, chassis number, engine number and other essential details. It will help you confirm the real owner of the car or bike and also help you determine whether the vehicle is being sold for the first time. If the seller is not able to provide it, he/she should give a receipt to serve the purpose.

Registration document

The most critical bike or car document that you need while purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is the registration document also called a Registration Card (RC). You will need to transfer the RC to your name. Visit your RTO and submit the following documents to begin the transfer process:

• Original RC
• Form 29 & 30
• Copy of bike/car insurance papers
• Copy of valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Copies of residence proof, such as a voter ID, passport or electricity bill
• Crime Report of NCRB

If the RC is missing, submit Form 26 and copy of First Information Report (FIR) filed at the police station to the RTO for a duplicate RC.

Download RTO forms

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

In case there is a bank seal on the RC book, it means the original buyer took the vehicle on loan, and the RC cannot be transferred to you. You will need to take Form 35 stamped and collect an NOC from the car or bike loan provider/bank, stating loan clearance. The seller must also submit RTO Form 28, which is an NOC proving no liabilities exist on the owner, which can legally prevent him/her from selling the vehicle.

Transaction documents

You will need to make the purchase/sale agreement or the sale transaction receipt with the vehicle owner. The agreement must be executed or notarized on a stamp paper. You will also need to issue a delivery note or challan, which indicates you've taken the physical delivery of the vehicle from the owner, and you will be henceforth responsible for all types of litigation, traffic offence, etc.

Tax receipt

Road tax payment at the right time is a must for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. It is typically paid at the time of registration. Collect the RTO road tax receipt copies from the owner of the vehicle before sealing the deal.

Motor insurance

Third-party legal liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in India, including both cars and bikes. If you start driving the pre-owned vehicle without insurance, you may end up paying an unnecessary fine. Motor insurance also protects you from accidental damage and natural calamities. So transfer the insurance policy for the used vehicle in your name. The insurer may ask for an inspection of the car or bike before transferring the policy to you.

It is a good practice to check the number of claims the owner has made on his car insurance policy or bike insurance policy in the last few years, as this will indicate the number of accidents and repairs the vehicle has seen.

If the insurance policy has expired, you need to buy a new one before taking the vehicle on the road. Check our motor insurance policies online to secure your ride.

Pollution certificate

Before purchasing the vehicle, make sure that the owner has the Pollution certificate. The PUC document is mandatory for all vehicles. If you don't have the PUC certificate, you may have to pay a hefty fine on the road. If the owner does not furnish the PUC document, get the pollution test done for the vehicle before possession.

Payment documents

When you make the payment to the seller, keep a couple of copies of the DD/cheque you issued. Also get a few copies of the payment receipt, duly signed by the seller.

Don’t let the documentation process intimidate you

Are you excited to sell your car and upgrade to a better model? That’s wonderful, however, selling a car comes with an additional set of responsibilities! While you may be focusing a lot on buying your new car, there are a few things you have to consider in regards to selling your old one.

You need to ensure that you transfer your motor insurance policy  and other documents in the right manner to avoid any issues that may arise in the future. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth handover.

• Importance of the Documentation Process
  You will continue to be held responsible for any liability related to the car, even after you sell it, if you don’t follow the proper documentation process. To free yourself of future liabilities associated with your car, you need to pay attention to two aspects of the process, transactional and RTO.


• Transactional Documents
  Once you’ve finalized the deal with the prospective buyer, you should get a sale affidavit and delivery note signed by them. Make sure to attach the prospective buyer’s identity proof and address proof like PAN Card and Aadhaar Card. Don’t forget to attach the cheques that you are receiving as the payment to the sale affidavit. It’s essential to get the sale affidavit notarised and signed as it acts as an agreement transferring all vehicle related liabilities to the buyer.


• RTO Documents
  Here are the important car insurance transfer forms required by the RTO.


• Form no. 28
  This is an application for receiving an NOC from the registering authority. This is essential as it acts as proof that you have no unresolved liabilities or obligations related to the vehicle.


• Form No. 29
  This form acts as a notice to the RTO that the vehicle is being sold by the owner and that all required documents have been handed over to the buyer.


• Form No. 30
  This form acts as a confirmation to form no. 29.


• Clearance Certificate
  The clearance certificate is a simple application made to the RTO, informing them that your vehicle has been sold. It includes the details of the buyer, seller and the vehicle.


• Motor Insurance Policy Transfer
  The buyer doesn’t have to take a fresh policy for the car, you can simply transfer your existing policy to them when you’re selling a car to them. Vehicle insurance transfer will also rid you of any legal issues that may crop up later. You must fill a fresh proposal form and submit it to the insurance company. Attach all the documents listed above as well as the previous policy. On receiving these documents, the insurance company will pass the endorsement of transfer. The entire activity must be completed within a period of 14 days. Now you know the steps you need to go through for a hassle-free handover of your car and its policy cover. As important as it is to transfer your old car’s policy, it’s also crucial to get an insurance cover for your brand new ride.

The advancements in technology have left no industry untouched. From automobile to aviation, every industry has adopted technology to come up with innovative products to woo their customers. Like other industries, the insurance industry as well has started implementing technological developments in their business operations, making it easier for their customers to access and buy their products.

Talking about the motor insurance sector, it has seen a rapid transformation in recent years. From innovative insurance products to Artificial Intelligence (AI) based premium calculation, technology has impacted this industry in multiple ways. Let's have a look at some of the most significant technological advancements that are revolutionising the motor insurance industry:

Use of telematics for premium calculation

The insurance companies have adopted a concept called 'Usage Based Insurance' where telematics devices are attached to vehicles to monitor the risks associated with it. These telematics devices record the driving patterns of vehicle owners, including the distance travelled by them each day, the average speed at which a vehicle is driven, and how safely it is being driven.

These records are then used to calculate vehicle-specific motor insurance premiums, based on the risk associated with each vehicle. For example, if a car is regularly driven at high speeds on highways, the insurance premium for it will be higher as compared to a vehicle which is being driven at low speeds inside a city.

The adoption of telematics ensures a fair price for car insurance customers as it increases affordability for those who drive less and practice safe driving habits. It also helps insurance providers to accurately determine accident damages and reduce the number of fraudulent claims.

ICICI Lombard is one of the few insurers in India that uses this technology to offer vehicle-specific motor insurance policies. A vehicle owner can choose an insurance plan for his/her vehicle, based on the kilometres that he/she shall be driving in a year. In case the coverage gets exhausted, there is an option to get a top-up.

Installation of dashboard cameras for maximum car security

Insurers have started installing cameras on the dashboard of a car. These cameras can record forward, sideward, and even rearward videos. These recordings can be beneficial and can be used as evidence in case a policyholder gets involved in an accident. It provides insights about the accident to the insurers and helps them to determine the authenticity of a claim.

This will not only help in bringing down the fraudulent claims but also in expediting the claim-settlement process. Not only for four-wheelers, but some insurers are also even providing helmet cameras for two-wheelers to record an accident scene.

Smartphones apps for every insurance-related help

Many insurers in India have introduced their smartphone apps with which a user can get any help related to his/her motor insurance policy within minutes. The apps can be used for multiple purposes, such as to buy or renew the policy, raise a claim, or call for roadside assistance in case the need arises.

Additionally, these apps can be synced with car's dashboard camera so that it can record videos of an accident, record conversations with witnesses and other parties involved in the accident, and capture any relevant document on the scene. Through these apps, the policyholders can also get on a video chat directly with the insurer's representatives and justify their claim.

Use of blockchain technology

Many motor insurance companies in India have started integrating blockchain technology into their existing workflows. This helps other insurance players to access data regarding insured vehicles, including smart card details, owner details, telematic records etc.

This makes it easier for them to identify the claims and verify its authenticity. It also helps the insurers to reduce the time required for the underwriting of claims. They can now easily tap into online databases and check the vehicle owner's data and quickly assess the claim amount to be paid.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 came into effect on September 1, 2019, with an intent to curb road accidents in India and boost road safety. This massive update to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 has led to the introduction of fresh penalties and license requirements for vehicles along with new operating standards for both personal and commercial motor vehicles.

The new Motor Vehicles Bill brings forth a jaw-dropping surge in the fines for traffic rules violators. The Bill also seeks to spread awareness towards road safety and aims to discourage drivers from flouting traffic rules and regulations.

Here are some of the key points of the Motor Vehicles Act (Amendment) Act 2019 that you must know:

• Mandatory Motor Insurance:

The Bill instructs the Central Government to create a special Motor Vehicle Accident Fund that will be designed to provide compulsory vehicle insurance to vehicle owners. Car insurance and two-wheeler insurance offered by the Government has been targeted to ensure:

• Medical treatment for road accident victims under the ‘golden hour’ scheme.
• Monetary compensation to the next of kin of a person who has died in a ‘hit and run’ accident.
• Monetary compensation to the next of kin for a person grievously injured in a ‘hit and run’ accident.
• Monetary compensation for to other victims as identified under the new guidelines.

• Vehicle Recall:

Under the amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019, the Central Government reserves the rights to recall a vehicle of any make and model if it poses a persistent threat to drivers, environment or the public at large. The ‘recall’ use has been hailed as a great step towards bringing accountability in the auto industry. With the recall clause, a vehicle manufacturer will be liable to:

• Provide full reimbursement to the vehicle owner against the recall.
• Substitute the recalled vehicle with a replacement vehicle that has similar or higher specifications.

• Road Accident Compensation:

The amended act prescribes compensation and immediate cashless treatment for accident victims with the ‘golden hour’ period. Under the clause, the golden hour is described as the ‘one-hour’ post a major accident, wherein prompt, life-saving medical treatment can be given to the victim, thus saving his/her life. The act also envisions providing interim relief to third-party insurance claimants, seeking compensation.

• Minimum compensation in case of death in a hit & run case: Rs. 2 lakh.
• Minimum compensation in case of grievous injury in a hit & run case: Rs. 50,000.

• Legal Protection for Good Samaritans:

Under the good samaritans provision, any civilian administering aid (medical/non-medical) to an accident victim will not be pursued with legal/criminal action due to the death of the victim. The same is applicable in the case of seriously injured victims. However, the legal cushion is based on three factors:

• The assistance given to the victim should be in good faith.
• The assistance should not be based on rewards expectations, monetary or otherwise.
• The assistance given should be entirely voluntary.

• Increased Penalties:

The main talking point of the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 is the steep rise in the monetary penalties for traffic violators. Despite facing opposition from various sections, the hiked penalties have been enforced and have already witnessed rigorous implementation. If you drive without motor insurance then you will have to pay high penalty.

A majority of the states have welcomed this surge aimed at reducing traffic violations, drastically. Below is the full list of traffic violations and their revised fines as per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019:

Traffic Violations & Increased Penalties

Traffic Violations	Previous Fines (Rs.)	Revised Fines (2019) in Rs.
Travel without a ticket (public transportation)	200	500
Driving without license	500	5000
Overspeeding	400	● 1,000 for light vehicles ● 2,000 for medium vehicles
Driving under the influence	2,000	10,000
Dangerous driving	1,000	Up to 5,000
Vehicle speeding/racing	500	5,000
No helmet	100	1,000 + 3 months suspension
Driving without insurance	1,000	2,000
Two-wheeler overloading	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
No permit vehicle	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
No seat belt	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
Riding without a helmet	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
Juvenile offences	N/A	25,000 fine for the guardians with 3 years jail term. Juvenile to be tried under the Juvenile Justice & Protection Act
Violation of licensing by cab aggregators	N/A	25,000 to 100,000
Driving post-license disqualification	500	10,000

• Insurance Cover – Top Priority

Be it car insurance or two-wheeler insurance, getting vehicle insurance policy done right has become a top ’to-do’ on everyone’s list. You can buy car insurance online or get your vehicle insured through third-party insurance companies.

With the implementation of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, rules and penalties have become stricter, thus getting yourself the obligatory insurance cover is of greatest significance.

The enforcement of the Act will ensure that the vehicle owners, especially who have two-wheelers will now be more inclined to opt for vehicle insurance. Now, if you are wondering how to avoid the steep fines and penalties for traffic violations, then simply follow this:

“Wear a helmet, put the seatbelt on, don’t drink & drive, stay in your lane, keep your license handy, and most important of all, keep your car and your loved ones safe with motor insurance."

Are you a car enthusiast who spend hours admiring the masterpieces with wheels from around the world? Have you been pining for a specific car, luxury or vintage, that is not available in India? We feel your pain; it’s quite the disappointment when the thing you most desire is not available in your country.

Don’t worry! You can always purchase a car and import it to India and drive your dream car in your own country. A motor insurance policy will provide the financial security to your imported car against any loss or damage it may suffer during any unforeseen circumstances. Here are some of things about importing a car in India you must know as per the provisions laid down by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):

When Can You Import a Car?

You are allowed to import a car in India only under the following circumstances:

• If the car is not manufactured by Indian companies.
• If the car is not registered in any other country, under any of their laws.
• If the car is not leased or loaned at the time of importing.

The Type of Car You Can Import

It’s important to know that the process of importing a car in India is permitted only through certain custom ports. They are as follows:

• Mumbai
• Nhava Sheva
• Delhi Air Cargo
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Cochin
• Tughlakabad

Things to note when importing a car via dealer

You can always seek help of a dealer to import your new ride to India, which will make the process easier and quicker also you need to buy car insurance for your imported car to protect against unforeseen circumstances. . However, in order to do the same, you need to follow certain guidelines as listed below:

• Get the Road Worthiness Certificate issued by any testing agency of the country from where you’re importing the car. This is to ensure that your importation certificate is compliant with the rule 126 under Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
• While importing the car, you must submit a written proof that serves as a confirmation that the compliance certificate as required under rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 will be submitted within six months of the importation process.

Import Duties on Cars

This can be one of your main concerns while importing a car in India. Following are the applicable import duty rates for importing a car in India:

Exceptions

Opting for a used car leads to more savings and enables you to buy a premium model in the same budget.

When it comes to buying a car, you need to take a lot of crucial decisions, such as, what will be your budget, the type of car you wish to purchase, the make, model, and colour of the car, choosing a car insurance whether you will make the full down-payment upfront or avail the services of a car loan. One such important choice that you need to consider is whether you would like to purchase a new car or opt for a second-hand car.

While purchasing a brand-new car can be an exhilarating thought, opting for a 2nd hand car has its own advantages. According to the market surveys, the used car sales in India have gone up by 50% during the past one year, mainly due to the entry of organised players in the segment and greater assurance of the vehicle being sold. Read more to know about the 7 major benefits of buying a second-hand car instead of a new one and how it can be a smart decision for you:

Facilitates affordability and savings

The most specific advantage of opting to purchase a second-hand car instead of a new one is that it facilitates more affordability and hence, increases your savings. You can own a pre-owned car of your preferred make and model at a much lesser price when compared with a new car of the same model. For example, you can own a 3-year old Maruti Swift Dzire at an approximate price of Rs.3 to 3.5 lakhs whereas the new car will cost you around Rs. 6 to 8 lakhs, depending upon the variant. However in this case, motor insurance is something you should always rely on

Minimizing the depreciation of your vehicle

The value of a new car starts depreciating from the moment it is driven out of the showroom. Typically, the market value of a car decreases by about 20% per year for the first few years after its purchase. This means that a new car will lose roughly 50% of its value during the first two to three years. Though various cars have different depreciation rates, some luxury cars have a steep depreciation rate over the first few years.

Cars that are in low demand also lose their value quite significantly over time. You can avoid that hit by buying a second-hand car as it would have already suffered its maximum depreciation by then and will not lose much value in the forthcoming years. Some of the factors that you should keep in mind before calculating the depreciation and buying a second-hand car at much cheaper rates include:

• Brand: Some brands have prolonged value due to their popularity, while others lose their value significantly due to increasing competition. Thus, thorough research can get you close to 60 percent of a car’s price in three years.
• Vehicle Condition: It is recommended to check the fuel exhausts and any oil leaks before choosing your second-hand car which gives you the power to bargain better and save money on future repairs
• Performance: A car offering better distance per liter of fuel is your best bet as it will not only save you money but is also an indicator of a car’s good performance.

Avoiding the registration fees and other charges

When you buy a new car, you will have to make numerous payments to the Government, such as one-time registration fees, road taxes, and other RTO charges which swell up the on-road price of the vehicle. Opting for a used car is instead a better option to avoid these extra charges as it would have been already paid by the first owner of the vehicle. This, in turn, will help you get full value for your money and you don’t need to shell anything extra out of your pocket to take your favorite car out for a spin.

Document Checklist for Buying a Second-hand Car

Second-hand car buyers should check the following documents thoroughly before confirming the purchase:

• Registration Certificate
• Purchase Invoice of the car
• All documents for existing insurance policies
• Documents for the service history of the car
• Forms- 28, 29, 30, 32, 35
• Invoices for Road Tax
• Pollution Control Certificates
• Owner’s Manual

Full assurance and warranty for the vehicle

Until recently upon purchasing a motor vehicle, you had the option to customise the license plate with colour, language and font of your choice. However, all of this has changed with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) bringing about amendments in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

The new mandate requires all vehicles sold on or after 1st April, 2019 to be affixed with High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs). and to have a motor insurance for your vehicle is also a important factor. These plates will form a uniform pattern of displaying motor vehicle registration numbers across the country. The Ministry has taken this step to curb vehicle theft and enable easy tracking of lost or stolen vehicles.

Let’s discuss further about this new rule, how the new plates look like and how these are different from the ones already existing in our vehicles:

How do I get an HSRP for my vehicle?

According to the Ministry’s new rule, a vehicle manufacturer has to provide these HSRP to the dealers along with the vehicle. Once you make a purchase, the dealer will stamp the allotted registration number on the plates and fix them to your vehicle. You should have a two wheeler insurance or a car insurance along with the high security registration plate to stay protected during any emergencies.

Auto makers need to ensure that dealers have the necessary infrastructure to place the mark of registration on the HSRPs and print the third registration plate, wherever required. The new rule also states that the cost of an HSRP and the cost of affixing it to the new vehicle after placing the mark of registration should be included in the price of the vehicle. Thus, if your dealer demands an additional amount for the HSRP, you know that it is against the rules.

Moreover, the HSRPs come with a guarantee of 5 years, wherein if it is damaged or its letters or numbers fade away, the dealer who fitted the plate will replace it free of cost.

What does an HSRP look like?

The HSRP are made of aluminium and come with reflective tapes. They are hot-stamped with a chromium-based hologram of the Ashok Chakra in Blue on the top-left corner. At the bottom-left corner, a 10-digit permanent identification number (PIN) is etched with laser. In the middle of the chakra hologram and the laser code, ‘IND’ is inscribed in Blue.

‘INDIA’ is inscribed in font size 10, font type Arial Bold and colour Blue at an angle of 45-degree in hot stamping foil across all letters and numbers on the plate. The plates also feature two non-removable snap-on locks that, if somehow removed, will remain non-usable.

Besides the front and rear registration plates, a chromium hologram sticker with high refractive index is affixed on the bottom-left corner of the windshield from the inside. This self-destructive sticker is the third registration plate that contains details like the 10-digit PIN, the actual registration number, the engine and chassis numbers, the date of first registration of the vehicle and the name of the registering authority.

The specified background colour of the hologram sticker/third registration plate is orange for diesel vehicles, light blue for petrol and CNG vehicles and for grey for other vehicles.

Does my old vehicle need a new HSRP?

As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), existing vehicles will also have to switch to the new HSRP. For the purpose, you have to visit your car dealer. You will be required to surrender your old registration number and destroy the number plate.

After the process of registration is over and the HSRP is affixed to your vehicle, the new registration number will be electronically linked to your vehicle.

Why is HSRP important?

You might wonder why your existing registration plate needs to be changed at all as it seems to serve its purpose well enough. However, it must be noted that the old number plates are very easy to tamper with, which makes stealing a vehicle very easy. Also, the first thing that thieves generally do after stealing a vehicle is remove the number plates.

Further, some of us customise our vehicle’s number plate very artistically, which makes it difficult for anyone, including the police, to read. Consequently, the police fails to track down such a vehicle in case it is lost or stolen. The uniquely styled HSRPs are a one-stop solution to all these problems as these plates are tamper-proof and act as a deterrent to thieves.

Things to know before getting a CNG Kit

Spiralling petrol and diesel costs are enough to convince car owners to get a CNG kit. When petrol costs ₹72 per litre, diesel costs ₹ 60 per litre and CNG costs only ₹43 per kilogram*, it is obvious you will consider getting a CNG kit for your car.

A CNG kit can bring a stark improvement in your car's mileage. It can reduce the average cost per kilometre by ₹3 to ₹5 depending on your car's model. It is not only economical but also eco-friendly. But befor. CNG kits are a smart choice to save on fuel cost and reduce pollution and similarly a car insurance policy is recommended to cover the increase in the maintenance cost of the vehicle. you plan to buy it for your car, here are a few things you should know:

Compatibility and Licensing

Before getting a CNG kit you must check your car's compatibility with the CNG fuel system because not all cars are compatible with it. Even if your car is compatible, you will further need approval from the government to get a CNG kit.

Getting an approval from the local authorities can be hectic and time consuming. Once approved, you will get a 'Registration Certificate' (RC) branded with “fuel change” after which you can use the CNG kit. However, if you plan to get the kit for a new car, it will take much less time than converting your old car and getting its RC stamped.