Customer ease is always the top priority at ICICI Lombard. As part of this effort, ICICI Lombard has launched a facility called InstaSpect, the mobile self-inspection feature 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.

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 car insurance 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 of other insurance companies who want to make a shift to ICICI Lombard can also use this feature.

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 car insurance policy the customer is prompted to upload the self-inspection video via the mobile app.

During the current pandemic situation, buying an online car insurance policy is the best option as you need not step out of your home for that.

It's imperative to renew your car insurance policy before its expiry date. Failing to do so can not only land you in legal trouble but also expose you to losses like car theft and damages. As per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019, driving an uninsured vehicle in India can attract a penalty of ₹ 2,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 months or both.

However, car insurance renewal may not be easy and straightforward as you think. The biggest obstacle during the current pandemic situation is moving out of your house and visiting the insurer's office to get your policy renewed. Also, the lack of options means that you may have to remain stuck with your current insurer even if it is demanding an unreasonably high premium.

All of these problems can be nullified by opting for car insurance renewal through the online method. For online car insurance renewal, all you have to do is visit your preferred insurer's website, enter your car's details, and pay the premium amount via an online payment method. Below are the reasons which make online car insurance the best option right now.

Convenience of buying from home

The most notable advantage of online car insurance renewal is that you can do so from the convenience of your home. You are not required to step out of your home to visit the insurer's office in order to get your policy renewed. All you need to do is visit your preferred insurer's website and renew your car insurance policy by paying the premium through an online method.

This will protect you from the hassles of visiting the insurer's office physically and will also help you in minimising contact with other people during the current pandemic situation.

Minimal paperwork

Online car insurance renewal involves minimal paperwork. In fact, at ICICI Lombard, you can buy or renew online car insurance policies with no physical documentation. To buy an online car insurance policy, you simply need to fill and sign the proposal form digitally, and choose your desired coverage/add-ons, and make the payment online.

Moreover, the soft copy of your policy document will also be sent to you on your registered e-mail id or WhatsApp number. As a result, you will not only keep yourself protected from the possibility of Covid-19 infection but also ensure that your car is covered.

No need for an insurance agent

By opting for the online route for your car insurance renewal, you can purchase the policy directly from the insurance provider without taking help from an agent or broker. This way, your insurer will save on the brokerage charges it may have to pay to the agent otherwise, and hence, offer a reduced quote for your car insurance renewal.

In case you come across any doubts or jargons while purchasing motor insurance, you can ask us on the chat feature or give us a call at 1800 2666. We're available to solve your queries.

Instant policy issuance

When you buy a car insurance policy online, the policy is issued almost instantly. After paying the premium amount, the policy document is sent to you on your registered e-mail id within a few minutes. It means that, unlike the offline policy, you won't have to wait for days to receive your car insurance policy when you buy it online.

This is because the insurers take no time to issue online car insurance policies. There is no lengthy paperwork as the documents are verified through a computerised process.

With ICICI Lombard's voice bot service, you can register your car insurance claim instantly, right from the accident spot.

Modern advancements in terms of technology have made everything easy and digitised. More and more people are getting increasingly familiar with voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, Google assistant etc. and are demanding such voice-enabled automated solutions to all their problems. In fact, as per Google's voice search demographics, almost 27% of the global population with internet access prefer using voice search technology.

Almost all progressive brands have begun to offer quick and personalised solutions to their customers' queries in chatbots and voice bots. Taking a step ahead in aligning with this trend, we, India's leading private sector insurance company, have launched a unique voice bot service, allowing customers to register their motor insurance claims through a voice call instantly.

Continue reading to know more about this unique facility and how you can make the best use of it.

What is ICICI Lombard's voice bot facility?

As mentioned above, our voice bot facility will allow two-wheeler insurance and car insurance policyholders to register their claim in the wake of an accident instantly. The voice bot service is a highly advanced technological solution, and it works on state-of-the-art speech recognition capabilities to recognise long narratives by the policyholders.

Customers can use this unique facility through their smartphones as well as feature phones. This facility has been tested to ensure it works well even with high ambient noise and with different voice accents.

What's unique about this facility?

A comprehensive car insurance policy protects a vehicle owner against the losses or damages suffered by his/her vehicle during an accident or mishap. However, registering a car insurance claim may seem to be a long and tedious process. A policyholder is required to contact the insurer, submit the relevant documents and wait for the surveyor to get his/her claim passed.

However, with our voice bot facility, registering motor insurance claim has become easy like never before. All the customer needs to do is make a call from the accident spot and follow the instructions. This will protect the policyholder from the hassles of visiting the insurer's office, filling up a claim form, and waiting for a prolonged period to get his/her claim registered.

This voice bot facility is currently available in English and will soon be available in Hindi, Tamil, and other regional languages. This is to provide a technology-enabled facility that helps the majority of Indians to interact with the bot in their native language.

After the launch of this unique service, our Chief of Service, Operations and Technology – Mr. Girish Nayak – said, "At ICICI Lombard, we strive to be at the forefront of harnessing technology for the benefit of our customers. In line with this approach, we are happy to have unveiled our Voice Bot activated motor insurance claim approval solution. In the new hybrid world, where contactless solutions are the norm, this service will empower our customers to register their motor claims instantly and from the safe environment of their home."

Want to make a motor insurance claim, but not sure how it works? We're here to help! To get your insurance benefits in case of accidental damages, you need to know the right process of filing a claim. It is a simple and straightforward affair if you have insured your car with us.

Before we explain the insurance claim process, let's take a look at the two major types of motor insurance claims:

• Third-party claim – If you damage any third party or their property with your car, then the damages will be covered under a third-party claim. In this case, your insurer will cover the losses to the third party.
• Own damage claim – If your own vehicle is stolen or damaged in an accident, you can make an own damage claim. In this type of claim, your insurer will cover losses to your vehicle. Your car must be covered by a package policy (comprehensive policy covering both third party and own damage covers) to make this claim.

Whether you're filing a third party car insurance claim or an own damage claim, you need to contact your own insurer at the time of accident or theft. You'll then be directed correctly for the next steps – be it heading to a garage, furnishing specific documents, or filing an FIR at the police station.

How to file a motor insurance claim

When you've insured your vehicle with us, you'll find claiming is simple and hassle-free. We’ll assist you with the entire insurance claim process, so that you can rest easy.

Let's take a look at the step-wise process for filing a motor insurance claim with us:

Step 1: Call us on our toll-free number - 1800 2666 - immediately after the incident.

Step 2: Share the circumstances of the event (accident, breakdown, theft, etc.) with our customer relationship team.

Step 3: To help us survey the extent of damage to your vehicle, use the InstaSpect feature on our IL Take Care app. The app is available for download on the Play Store and App Store. You can also track your ICICI Lombard claim status on the app.

Step 4: If your car needs repairs, we'll arrange to pick up to the nearest preferred partner garage.

Step 5: Once your car is repaired, we settle the bill directly with the garage (in case of a cashless garage). You can pay your share of the amount and take possession of your vehicle.

And that’s it! If you’ve opted for our car insurance with Garage Cash cover, we’ll also provide a daily allowance while your car is at the garage. You can use this allowance to pay for auto or taxi fare till your car is back.

Apart from the toll-free number mentioned above, you can also contact us through several other modes:

• Lodge a claim on our website or app
• SMS "CLAIM" to 575758
• Write to us at customersupport@icicilombard.com

Driving brings a sense of exhilaration to most people, especially beginners. It is a life skill that every adult seeks to learn and is extremely useful in our everyday lives. However, carelessness and adventurism while driving can affect the safety of the driver and other vehicles and people on the road.

To keep you safe, we have listed down 10 crucial car driving tips and techniques which every beginner must learn to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

1. Get familiar with your car

You should be acquainted with your car's basic layout before you take it out on the road. While no one learns it in a day, you should at least have the theoretical knowledge. For example, knowing the basics; how to use the buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard, how to place the jack, fuel tank capacity - these are some things that every driver should know.

You should also set your mind for driving your car's category; hatchback, sedan or SUV, as each class has some peculiarities associated with it. For instance, some people consider it challenging to manoeuvre and park SUVs. You should be aware of the vehicle's challenges to avoid any panic while driving.

2. Wear the seat belt

All car drivers must wear their seat belts all the time while driving. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you should follow the habit of wearing the seat belt right while driving a car.

According to a study, almost 75% of car users in India do not wear seat belts while driving, resulting in 15 deaths every day. Not only is it mandatory, wearing a seat belt is an effective way to reduce the possibility of severe injuries in the unfortunate event of an accident or collision.

3. Check and make adjustments before driving

Make sure to adjust your seat, mirrors and steering wheel in the right position before setting off on your drive. You may see people making such adjustments while driving, but as beginners, it is best to make these adjustments beforehand to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe drive.

4. Keep both your hands on the steering wheel

As a beginner, you should not opt for driving with a single hand. It's best to keep your car in control by having a steady grip on the steering wheel with both hands in the' 10-and-2' position or '9-and-3' position.

These are popular techniques for holding the steering wheel, which beginners find comfortable. However, these are not the only techniques and eventually, what matters is the hand-positioning which gives you the maximum ease and comfort.

5. Maintain moderate speed

As a beginner, you should always maintain a moderate or slow speed. While high speed gives an adrenaline rush, remember that you may not be able to handle a car at high speeds in the beginning. You may face difficulty controlling the car if some object or person instantaneously appears before your vehicle, which may cause an accident.

6. Use signal indicators

Car indicators help you communicate with other drivers while driving. Make it a habit to use turn indicators well before switching lanes, going past other vehicles, and making a halt on the main roads. It warns the other car drivers to adjust their speed and gives you the space to make a turn safely.

7. Avoid distractions

You should avoid using your phone or paying attention to any other activity while driving. Mobile phone distractions are already a significant cause of road accidents and endanger you and other people on the road. If you have to take a phone call while driving, park your car at an appropriate spot and then speak. Also, avoid using earphones while driving.

8. Be confident and calm

The most important driving tip is to be confident and calm while driving. It is natural to be a bit nervous while driving as a beginner, but that should not affect your morale while on the road. A panicked mind can prove to be dangerous for you as well as others. Drive only those distances you can safely cover initially. It would help if you gradually increased the travelling distance once you're confident about your driving skills.

The used car market in India has seen exponential growth over time. In the last few decades, the stereotypes around buying a used car dissolved in practical reasoning. This gave way to the boom of the used car market, which is currently 1.3 times the size of the new car market in India. While buying a used car, one of the chief concerns a buyer has is surrounding the car insurance policy ownership. In this article, we've tried to address this topic by answering the possible questions you may have about used car insurance. Let's get started.

Why do I need car insurance?

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, every motor vehicle plying on Indian roads must have a third-party motor insurance policy. Driving any car – old or new – without a valid car insurance plan is illegal and punishable by law. Apart from the legal obligation, there are other vital reasons to procure car insurance.

• Coverage against risks: A comprehensive car insurance policy for used cars acts in the same way it does for new cars. When you buy a second-hand car, you should get it insured to protect it from all sorts of risks and adversities. Not that it nullifies the chance of a mishap, but it covers the expenses you may incur afterwards.
• Road accidents: Should a car ever meet with a road accident; car insurance covers damages to the vehicle and death/permanent disablement of the owner-driver. It also covers any third-party liability that may arise due to the collision.
• Natural calamities: A comprehensive car insurance policy will cover any damage caused to your car by natural disasters like earthquake, storm, flood, volcanic eruptions etc.
• Third-party liabilities: If your car collides or causes damage to a third-party due to negligent driving, you are required to pay for the damages out of your pocket unless you have a valid third-party car insurance policy. With car insurance, the insurer will take care of all the expenses you owe to a third party.
• Security against car theft: If you happen to lose your car or if someone steals it, you can claim cover under your car insurance policy. Your insurer will compensate you for the car's value, according to the Insured Declared Value (IDV) fixed at the time of policy purchase.

So, what happens to my second-hand car's insurance?

Suppose you have bought a used car with a valid car insurance policy. In that case, you need to transfer the insurance policy in your name when you transfer the used car's ownership. Some people transfer the policy in their names while some opt for a new car insurance policy altogether. Whatever the case is, there is only a 14-day window to transfer a car insurance policy ownership. To transfer the car insurance policy of a used car, you need these documents –

• Original Registration Certificate (RC) with the new buyer's name
• Forms 29 and 30 that bears the signature of the previous owner
• Certificate of insurance
• A copy of the car policy
• The transfer fee and the transfer of registration certificate
• New proposal form
• New copy of the registration certificate
• Old policy document
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous policyholder
• No Claims Bonus (NCB) difference amount, if there is any

Now, if you are not lucky enough to have an existing car insurance policy on the second-hand car, don't fret. You can always buy a new car insurance policy for your used car.

How do I buy car insurance for a used car?

The process of renewing car insurance or buying new car insurance online is pretty straightforward. First, you need to read about the policy and learn its inclusions/exclusions. You can head to our car insurance page on ICICI Lombard, one of India's reliable insurance providers.

For getting used car insurance online, you need to visit the our car insurance page and –

• Enter your mobile number
• Enter your email address
• Enter your used car's registration number
• Click on the 'Get Quote' button

Consider performing a proper car inspection before buying a car insurance policy. You may be required to furnish the report of the car inspection done by a professional. You should also check the previous insurance claim history.

The No Claim Bonus (NCB) on a car insurance policy often creates confusion for the new owner of a used car. NCB is the insurer's reward to the policyholder, for not making any claim during the policy year. People often mistakenly think that they are entitled to the NCB benefits as the new policyholder of a used car insurance policy. However, the NCB benefit is for the previous policyholder only. The newest owner of the car is not entitled to any of the NCB benefits.

In 2019, the central government declared a 'war on air pollution' and launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The programme aims to reduce pollution by 20 to 30 per cent by 2024.

What exactly is PUC?

Every car that runs on petrol or diesel emits smoke. If periodic checks aren't conducted to keep this in control, it could lead to massive air pollution. This is where PUC certification comes in.

Basically, the PUC Certificate is the legal record of a vehicle's pollution levels. The certification mark is provided to vehicles that successfully undergo the PUC test. It shows that the vehicle's emission is within permissible levels and follows all the standard norms. The Indian government's Central Motor Vehicle Act of 1989 has mandated the PUC Certification, which means every vehicle must have a valid PUC.

Cost and validity

• The cost of the PUC test is minimal. Based on the vehicle and fuel type, it varies from ₹60 to ₹100.
• When you buy a new car, it comes with a PUC certificate, which is usually valid for one year.
• Once this period is over, you have to take the vehicle for periodic checks. New certificates are issued each time, and the older one is then nullified.
• A new certificate comes with six months' or one year's validity, if and only if the reading is within limits. If the reading fluctuates, the certificate's validity is decided based on that reading.

Contents of the PUC certificate

Following are the contents of the certificate:

• A serial number that helps the testing centre monitor when your car went through the test.
• The car's registration number.
• The date on which the test was taken and the expiry date.
• The actual PUC test reading.

It’s crucial to identify and address winter car problems at the earliest.

A dip in the mercury doesn't affect just you, but also your car. During winters, your vehicle is likely to face several mechanical problems, as its metal tends to shrink. Therefore, you must take precautionary measures and be prepared to deal with problematic situations. Read on to know some common winter car problems and how to overcome them.

Thickening of fluids

In places where the temperature reaches sub-zero levels, car fluids such as oil, anti-freeze, etc., tend to become less viscous. As a result, they become less mobile, and their free flow is restricted. This can hamper your car's performance.

To avoid this, it's advisable to leave your vehicle's engine running for at least 10 to 15 minutes for fluids to warm up. It's also a good idea to change fluids before winters' onset to maintain recommended fluid levels.

Dead battery

This is one of the most widely experienced winter car problems. A dip in temperature below the freezing point overworks the battery, causing it to falter. Also, since a lot of energy is soaked from the battery to power different systems such as car heater and fog headlights, the same is likely to diminish its performance.

A vital step in winter car care involves buying a new battery before the onset of the cold if the current one is already 4 to 5 years old. If you don't intend to do so, do check if the present one can last through the season.

Failure of wiper

This problem happens because of the failure to clear the windshields before starting the wipers. During cold weather, wipers freeze to the windshield, and when they are turned on, the blades may tear. Also, as these blades are made from rubber, pressure from ice or snow can break them.

During winters, one of the basic car maintenance tips is to turn your vehicle's fan controls and heater on. Also, if you live in a place where temperatures drop significantly, consider installing high-quality beam winter wiper blades.

Freezing of fuel lines

Another common winter car problem - your vehicle's fuel line may freeze because of condensation forming in the gas tank. The problem amplifies when you are running low on fuel, and cold temperature may prevent the fuel from reaching the car's engine.

One of the most important winter car care tips to overcome a frozen fuel line is to park your vehicle in a warm area. If you can't find a warm garage, you can place an electric heater near the fuel lines to warm it up. Avoid using an open flame heater if you are using this method, as it can result in an accident.

Failure of starter motor

The starter motor helps start your car. During winters, the motor has to work hard to turn the engine on, which puts a lot of stress on it, causing it to fail. While there's nothing much you can do about it, you must continuously avoid cranking the engine.

Give it a minimum of 25 to 30 seconds to get started. It's also advisable to check for corrosion on the starter terminals and ensure proper insulation from moisture. To prevent starter motor failure, keep the engine in top shape and check out for any unfamiliar sound while starting your vehicle.

Fluctuation of tyre pressure

A dip in temperature also results in the fluctuation of your car's tyre pressure. Pressure fluctuates because air when cooled contracts. With a drop in mercury levels, individual molecules take up less space within the tyre. As a result, they exert less force on the walls of the tyres.

Therefore, you must always check the tyre pressure indicator before starting your car and ensure it's up to the mark. Note that low tyre pressure can also result in a complete blowout during driving, causing an accident.

Cracking of alternator belt

An alternator belt is responsible for charging the battery that powers all the electronics in your vehicle. During winters, the alternator belt cracks and a faulty alternator causes electrical and battery issues.

As fluids thicken, it takes more time for the alternator to charge the battery, and this might cause it to crack. If you get to hear a high-pitched sound while starting your car, then it's an indication of a worn alternator. For a smooth ride, do inspect the alternator and get it replaced immediately if it's faulty.

Corrosion of spark plugs

A car's spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture. During winters these plugs, which are mostly made of ceramic, crack. Corroded spark plugs will reduce the efficiency of your vehicle, and they also cause starting problems.

As part of your winter car care, check these plugs before the cold season and get them changed if they are faulty. If you find a drop in acceleration, then it's an indication of faulty plugs.

Buying a new car fills your heart with joy. Imagine you drive down to your friend's porch to express your happiness and surprise him in your new car. After a short discussion, you find out that you paid an enormous sum on motor insurance compared to him.

To avoid such a scenario and ensure you get a good deal on your car insurance, you first need to know what factors influence car insurance costs. Read on.

What factors determine car insurance cost?

Car insurance cost depends on your driving behaviour

When renewing car insurance, the insurance providers emphasise your driving behaviour and consider your past claim records. Suppose there are frequent insurance claim requests on your claim history. It implies that the vehicle owner has poor driving behaviour and is likely to claim damages in the future too. In that case, the insurance provider may ask for a higher premium.

Following traffic rules and careful driving helps to maintain a clean driving record. Additionally, you can avail of a No Claim Bonus (10% - 50% discount on premium) on your renewal premium if you don't make any claims during the policy term.

The car insurance premium depends broadly on the type of car you buy. And it's pretty straightforward. Expensive cars have higher maintenance and repair costs; therefore, the insurance premium for such vehicles is relatively higher. In simpler words, cheaper car models may come with lower insurance premiums. Bear in mind that insurance for diesel cars may cost more than their petrol counterparts.

On the other hand, you can save considerably on insurance costs if you install safety features (like anti-theft devices) in your car.

Buying comprehensive car insurance for a brand-new car may cost higher than an old model. However, it depends on the insurance provider's policy. Compared to new cars, old vehicles cost less to repair, but they are more susceptible to damage because of wear and tear.

Now that you know the primary determiners for car insurance price, keep reading to understand how to save on car insurance.

How do you get the best car insurance deal?

Take a quote

You can head here on our website and enter your vehicle details and personal information to take a quote. Once you see the quote, you can customise it with the coverage you need to check the price change. In this way, you can go for the lowest-priced premium on the coverage that suits your needs best.

As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is mandatory for every vehicle plying on Indian roads to have a valid motor insurance policy. Non-renewal of motor insurance can land a vehicle owner in trouble, with a fine of ₹2,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both. Hence, it's essential to renew your car insurance policy promptly.

However, before renewing your car insurance, there are certain factors you should keep in mind. For example, rather than physically visiting your insurer's office, you can choose to renew your car insurance policy online. This way, you can complete car insurance renewal quickly and conveniently from the comforts of your home.

Read ahead to know some useful tips you should keep in your mind while renewing car insurance online.

Do it yourself

Rather than depending upon someone else or asking a broker to do it on your behalf, you can always renew your car insurance policy yourself. New-age insurance companies have simplified the process of online car insurance renewal. All you need to do is head here to our website, enter your renewal details and pay the premium online.

When you renew your car insurance policy yourself, you are in a better situation to analyse your requirements, determine the extent of coverage, and make an informed decision.

Renew well before the expiry date

As mentioned before, driving an uninsured car is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Hence, you should renew your car insurance policy well before its expiry date. Additionally, renewing your car insurance before its expiry date may save you from the hassles of getting your car re-inspected by the insurance provider.

Also, suppose you fail to renew your car insurance policy even after 90 days of its expiry date. In that case, you will lose out on your accumulated NCB as it will automatically get reset to zero.

Determine the type of cover

While renewing your car insurance policy, you can add/modify your policy coverage and add-ons. There are two types of car insurance cover you can avail of – standalone third-party car insurance liability cover or a comprehensive cover (third party liability + own damage cover).

As per the law, you should mandatorily renew your car insurance policy's third-party component before its expiry date. However, a wise decision is to opt for the comprehensive cover since it also keeps your car financially protected against the damages, should there be an accident or collision.

Choose the right IDV

When you opt for a comprehensive car insurance policy, you're required to set an Insured Declared Value (IDV) of your vehicle. This will be the maximum value the insurance provider is liable to pay in case of the total loss of your car.

It's important to choose the right IDV for your car. In case you choose a lower IDV, you may not get enough compensation if your car gets damaged beyond repairs. On the other hand, if you choose unnecessarily high IDV, it may swell up the premium amount for your car insurance renewal.

Don't forget to claim NCB

NCB or No-Claim Bonus is the insurance provider's discount to the policy buyer after every claim-free year. So, if you haven't made any claim during the current policy period, do not forget to claim NCB at the time of renewal. By claiming the NCB, you can get up to a 50% discount on the car insurance premium calculated (for own damage cover), which you need to pay during your car insurance policy renewal.

Keeping in mind environmental concerns and the population’s reliance on fossil fuels, the Indian Government plans to move towards complete e-mobility by 2030. In the Climate Risk Index 2020 released by GermanWatch, India ranked fifth in the global vulnerability ladder. This makes it all the more critical for India to adopt electric vehicle technology.

However, despite concerted efforts by the Government, sale of electric cars and two-wheelers in India hasn't reached its pinnacle yet. According to a study by Castrol, most new car buyers in India won't be purchasing electric vehicles until 2025. Many reasons can be attributed to this slow sale of electric cars in India, such as lack of infrastructure, high car pricing, and the time-taking battery charging process. We recommend you to buy a car insurance with your brand new electric car to ensure protection against any unforeseen circumstances.

What exactly is an electric car?

An electric vehicle or an e-car runs on an electric motor instead of conventional petrol, diesel or CNG engine. It gains its power by utilising the electricity stored in the motor's battery. Here, the electric motor does the job of a fuel engine. You can recharge the battery of an e-car again and again. Today, there are three kinds of electric cars available in India:

• Solar-powered electric cars which can be recharged using solar energy
• Hybrid electric cars, which can be powered by both internal combustion and battery
• Electric cars which are entirely battery-operated

What are the advantages of using electric cars?

Apart from being environment-friendly, electric cars offer dramatically lower operating and maintenance costs as compared to conventional petrol and diesel cars. Let's look at some of the advantages of using an electric vehicle:

• Puts the environment first

  Electric cars are environment-friendly. Since they derive their power from a battery instead of internal combustion engines, they do not produce any emissions. Thus, electric mobility can help a long way in reducing air pollution in urban Indian cities.

• Lower operational costs

  On average, electric cars usage may help a person reduce up to 70 to 80 per cent of his/her fuel expenses. From the maintenance point of view, electric vehicles have 75 per cent fewer moving components than conventional cars, which translates into lower maintenance bills.

• More savings

  The Government of India has taken several steps to increase e-mobility in the country. One of them is offering reductions in road tax charges and vehicle registration fees for electric vehicles. The Government also provides subsidies and incentives to the consumers purchasing electric cars.

• Reduction in BoP deficit

  India needs to import oil from foreign countries to meet its citizens' demands. In the financial year 2019-20 alone, India imported crude oil worth 120 billion dollars, which increased its Balance of Payment (BoP) deficit with foreign countries. Switching to electric cars can help in reducing this deficit.

Are electric cars gaining popularity in India?

Though electric cars' sales were not too encouraging during the initial years, it's slowly gaining popularity among the Indian car buyers. Many top automobile manufacturers, including Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Renault, have come up with some best electric cars for the Indian market. These cars are loaded with features and do not compromise on the power factor.

As per Google trends, electric cars' interest among the common Indian consumers has risen during the last few years. According to industry leaders, the future of the automotive industry in India looks to be electric. There also comes a need of having a motor insurance with your future electric vehicle, because these revolutionary innovations still don't guarantee to safeguard your vehicle under some unforeseen incidents.

We all love our cars, no matter what their make and model may be. Many of us want to make our vehicle stand out from others on the road. That is why we sometimes opt to modify our cars with aftermarket products or accessories. Car modification may include as little as putting a tint film on window glasses, to as much as changing the entire look of the car with spoilers, alloy wheels, etc.

However, did you know that not all car modifications are legal in India? Any illegal changes to your car may land you in trouble. It can either lead to your car getting seized or you being penalised by the traffic cops. Hence, before you take your car out for any modification, you must know about the illegal car modifications not allowed in India.

In this article, we've listed some of India's most common illegal car modifications, as described under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Read on.

1. Tinted window glass with less than 50% visibility

This is one of the most common illegal car modifications many people make to their car. Unless you're a VIP or VVIP, applying tint film on your car's window glasses which reduces visibility by more than 50% is illegal in India. You cannot even use sunshades on your car's windowpanes as per the latest laws.

As per rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act (CMVA) of 1988, the glass of the windscreen and rear windows of all cars in India should have minimum visibility of 70%. Also, as per the Motor Vehicle Act, motor insurance is mandatory while driving a vehicle. Whereas, for glasses of cars' side-windows, a minimum visibility of 50% is compulsory. Anything less than that, and you would be on the wrong side of the law.

2. Using fancy and loud horns

This is another common traffic law that many car owners flout in India. Changing a car's horn with a different sound or enhanced loudness is something many people prefer in our country. However, the Government of India has laid down a prescribed set of guidelines for the horns of cars running in the country.

As per these guidelines, horns louder than 100 decibels are not allowed for general cars or four-wheelers. It means that if you install fancy aftermarket horns in your car – such as sirens or pressure horns – you could be penalised as per the existing motor vehicle laws.

3. Installing loud exhaust pipes or silencers

Exhaust pipes are located at the back-bottom of a car and act as a passage for the exit of high-pressure exhaust gases into the atmosphere. They are also known as silencers in India. The company-fitted exhaust pipes in cars have catalytic converters and hence, they not only regulate the amount of emissions that are released into the air but also controls the overall sound levels.

Installing aftermarket exhaust pipes that are fancy and loud are illegal in India under rule 120 of the CMVA. It's because they can cause more air as well as noise pollution. Further, such exhaust pipes may not be fit to conduct a Pollution Under Control (PUC) test, which is mandatory to drive a car in India.

4. Use of fancy registration plates

Many people in India wish to install designer registration/number plates on their cars. These fancy number plates come in various shapes and sizes. If you also have the same wish, remember that not all fancy registration plates are legal in India.

As per the Motor Vehicle laws, all new cars are required to have IND embossed high-security registration plates (HSRPs) only. In the case of old cars, the car owner needs to make sure that the letters on the number plate are in a legible font and not something fancy. In case a traffic police officer catches a car driver with an illegal number plate, he/she might have to shell out hefty fines.

Although only third-party car insurance is mandatory as per Motor Vehicle laws in India, we recommend every car owner procure comprehensive car insurance. Unlike third-party insurance, a comprehensive plan like our Private Car Package Policy protects you against damages to third parties as well as damages to your own vehicle.

However, since a comprehensive car insurance policy provides greater coverage, it comes with a higher price tag. And that is why many car owners may refrain from buying such a policy. But, by doing so, they expose their vehicle to the risks of theft and damages.

If you don't want to spend more on your car insurance, you can reduce your premium by opting for a voluntary deductible while buying the policy. In this article, we'll explain what voluntary deductible means, how it can help reduce your premium, and whether it's beneficial to opt for it or not. Keep reading.

What is a voluntary deductible in a car insurance policy?

A voluntary deductible in a car insurance policy refers to a fixed amount that the policyholder agrees to pay out of his/her pocket while buying car insurance. Unlike compulsory deductible, the voluntary deductible component is purely the car owner's choice and is not imposed by the insurance provider.

Let's understand voluntary deductible with the help of an example. Suppose you've purchased comprehensive car insurance with a voluntary deductible of ₹2,500. Now, let's assume that your car got damaged in an accident, drawing a bill of ₹20,000 for repairs.

In such a case, your insurer will deduct a compulsory deductible (which is fixed by the regulatory authority based on your vehicle engine capacity) along with your chosen voluntary deductible from the claim amount. Assume the compulsory deductible is ₹1000. In this case, you pay ₹1000 + ₹2,500 = ₹3,500, and the insurer pays ₹16,500.

How does voluntary deductibles help in reducing premium?

When you opt for the voluntary deductible under your car insurance policy, you reduce the liability of your insurer by promising to bear a part of the claim amount. As a result, your insurance provider sees a reduced payout on claims, therefore choosing to reduce your premium to a certain extent.

The amount of voluntary deductible chosen by you is inversely proportional to the premium amount you need to pay. It means higher the voluntary deductible, lower the car insurance premium. However, you should note that a voluntary deductible is not available for third party car insurance policies.

The maximum discount that you can avail on your motor insurance premium by opting for a voluntary deductible is listed in the table below:

The monsoons are the time of the year when car insurance claims witness the most significant surge. Water-logged streets, slippery road surfaces with more potholes and poor visibility are only a few factors that make any vehicle more prone to damage.

Water and mud penetration can further cause damage to the engine of your car, repairing of which can be financially and mentally cumbersome. It is, therefore, prudent to understand what precautions to take and the insurance cover needed to protect your car’s engine, when the rains are around the corner.

Water Ingression – How Bad Is It For The Engine?

At the time of monsoons, water logging is the primary reason why your car can halt in the middle of the road, leaving you stranded. It happens when water enters (ingresses) into the engine of your car, resulting in its breakdown. This is accelerated when you try to restart the engine in a water-logged street. The phenomenon is known as Hydrostatic Lock, essentially meaning the seizure or freezing of your car’s engine.

Water enters your car’s engine through the air filter. For ignition, the car needs its piston to function smoothly. But when water ingresses into the cylinder, it replaces the air-fuel mixture required for combustion with water. As water is non-compressible, the piston is not able to complete its reciprocating movement. The engine, therefore, is not able to function and your car does not start.

Possible Effects of Hydrostatic Lock

Your car is not vulnerable to damage because of a Hydrostatic Lock; it rather results in severe damage because of the action taken out of it. The water ingression does not let your vehicle start. However, normally in such situations the driver attempts to continuously crank the engine, posing a threat to its other parts and exacerbating the effect. The functioning of the cylinder wall, piston and the connecting rod can be considerably affected.

The extent of damage due to Hydrostatic Lock varies from engine to engine, also depending upon the degree of water ingression and cranking. Certain spare parts of a car’s engine, if affected, are difficult to be replaced and the whole engine or the particular damaged half would need replacement.

 However, in the Indian scenario, this seems true for anyone who lays his hands, or for that matter legs on a vehicle.

Deep potholes, malfunctioning signals, unruly fellow drivers, erroneous pedestrians, persistent roadside hawkers and beggars, all this and much more add to the daily daredevilry of Indian motorists. Here are some common problems only an Indian motorist can empathize:

Inadequate road systems

India's road network is among the most extensive in the world, stretching across 48,65,000 km and 1324 km expressways (2014 statistics). Unfortunately, it is also among the toughest to navigate. Improper planning and poor execution leave well-publicized roads and highways unable to cope with more than a modicum of use. Sketchy repairs and poor maintenance add to the woes.

Adequate planning precedes any modern town or city. Unfortunately and significantly, various factors are at play leading to unplanned haphazard development, with even major cities being connected only by 2-3 arterial roads. The huge increase in the number of motor vehicle owners compounds the issue. The resultant gap between expectation and reality leaves the end-user, the motorist, facing truly testing times.

Indiscipline on roads

Motorists make it worse for themselves and others by not adhering to rules, with the argument that in today's world there is no room for latecomers, as a lame justification to compromise on safety. This warped logic only adds to other motorists' problems.

A damaging statistic shows that most road accidents in India occur during the so-called rush hour, when people are in a hurry or fatigue and limited attention spans distract them. For the pedestrian, who has to rely on public transport and battered footpaths, the chance to thumb already sketchy road-rules is a natural temptation. In addition, the footpaths are often encroached by street vendors - another aggressive institution peculiar to India. At the receiving end of such 'inter-turf wars' is the Indian motorist.M

Get to know the pros and cons of an electric car

Whether you’re thinking of purchasing an electric car because you want to keep up with the technological advancements, go green or save on fuel costs, here are six things you should know before you make this decision.

The Pros of an Electric Car

• Energy Efficient
  The energy efficiency of a car means the amount of energy from the fuel source that is converted to energy that actually propels the car. An electric car is far more energy efficient than a conventional car. Gas powered cars only convert around 20 percent of the energy into car movement, while electric cars convert about 60 percent.


• Environmentally Friendly
  Electric cars rely on rechargeable batteries and don’t release any tailpipe emissions, which are a major source of air pollution. Electric cars also lead to reduction of overall emission and fuel usage. The fuel that is used can be derived through renewable resources like solar energy.


• High Performance
  An electric car is a high performance vehicle with a motor that’s not just smooth and quiet but also requires less maintenance. The electric car motor reacts quickly, making the car more responsive and make driving a more enjoyable experience.

Who doesn’t love to go on long drives? The journey along with friends, family is almost always a memorable affair. Unless, you encounter a car breakdown. A breakdown can happen without warning and at any time. There is no assurance that your car won’t fail even if it has been properly maintained, thus it is always better to be prepared for any eventuality than to regret later. Here are some of the things that should be there in every car emergency kit.

Spare Tyre

One of the most important components here. Most of us think that the spare tyre in the boot is in flawless and ready-to-use condition. But, that is not always the case. Over time, the spare tyre kept in the boot loses air, resulting in lower tyre pressure. It is advisable to check the tyre pressure before embarking on long journeys.

A spare tyre is the only thing that can help you, when you encounter a puncture/flat tyre on the road. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

Tyre Jack

That spare tyre is worthless when you don’t have a tyre jack to lift the car up. A jack is a mechanical device designed to lift heavy loads. With a maximum lifting capacity of 3 tonnes, it can easily lift your car up so that you can get to working on the real problem: replacing the punctured tyre.

Jumper Cable

The jumper cable is required when the battery of a car goes dead, or runs out of charge. This problem is more common than you think. Turning off the engine and continuing to use electrical equipment requires electricity from the battery. Some people overdo this, and end up exhausting the car’s batteries.

Jumper cable is a great way to solve this issue, but you’ll need another car with a healthy battery to do a jumpstart. If the journey passes through a remote area, it is better to go equipped with an emergency battery booster.

A report published by Transport Research Wing under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revealed that 17 deaths occur in road accidents every hour in India. As per the data cited in the report, 4,80,652 road accidents were recorded in the country, which led to 1,50,785 deaths last year.

Indian roads are among the most unsafe in the world. While there is no substitute to responsible and attentive driving, here are some high-tech safety features that ensure a safe and smooth drive.

Adaptive Cruise Control

The modern day cruise control can, not only maintain a constant speed, but it can adjust the throttle and brakes to keep a safe distance from any object or vehicle in front of your car. If the system senses a potential collision by using sensors and radar, it will tighten the seat belts and apply the brakes.

Periphery Sensors

The technology is designed to notify you about the objects or vehicles in your blind spot during driving or parking. It will alert you with a light, sound or steering vibration if you are about to collide with a car or an object. This high-tech feature may even give you the luxury of reversing the car without even turning back.

Heads-Up Display

You might be forced to look into the navigation screen or your dashboard which means to take your eyes off the road. This is not only annoying but also dangerous while driving the car. Heads-up display puts the navigation and other information right there on the windshield in front of you. It means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road even for a second.

Lane Keeping Assist

The system assists you in driving in your lane. It uses cameras to detect the lane marking and determine if a car has drifted across its marked lane, giving a visual or audible notification. The system turns itself off when you use directional indicators to take a turn. More advanced technology can even steer you back in your lane if you are moving far away from it.

Want to cancel your car insurance policy? Relax, the process is quick and easy

There may be situations where you might want to cancel your car insurance policy. In such cases, there might be a certain amount of money that you might have to pay to your insurance company as fees. Whether or not the fee is charged will depend upon the time when you cancel your plan.

For instance if you cancel your policy during the term of the insurance, a fee will be charged. If the annual premium has been paid and there is still time left on the policy, then the insurer will be responsible for reimbursement of your premium amount on cancellation.

Reasons for Car Insurance Policy Cancellation

There may be various reasons why you would want to cancel your insurance policy. For instance, if you want to sell your car, the old insurance will serve no purpose and you will have to get it cancelled.

There could be other reasons too, such as theft of your vehicle, disposal of your car due to the age of the vehicle and dissatisfaction with your insurance company due to various reasons such as a high premium, stringent policy clauses, lower sum assured or some similar reason.

The Process of Cancellation of Your Car Insurance Policy

Having an auto insurance policy is imperative for everyone who owns a car. If you choose to apply for a cancellation, you must buy another policy. To begin the process of cancellation, intimate your insurance company about your decision to cancel the policy in writing. This will set the process of cancellation in motion, with the entire process taking not more than 15 days.

Once the cancellation process is completed, the insured will receive a letter confirming that the policy has been cancelled; any pending dues that are to be refunded by the insurer will also be mentioned in this letter. That’s not all. You will also need to follow-up with your insurer to collect the Certificate of Insurance. This certificate will come in handy when you go for a new insurance policy.