Amidst your busy schedules, renewing your motor insurance policy can easily slip your mind. Now-a-days, most insurance companies offer reminder facilities for policy renewal. However, if you still missed the date, it is important to contact your insurance provider as soon as you realize the slip. If the policy has just expired, you may be able to reinstate it without any penalty. Ensure you don't take your car out until you get a fresh policy.

The following steps will guide you through the insurance revival process:

Step 1: Get organized

If you failed to renew your motor insurance policy on time, get in touch with your insurance company and fix an appointment for the vehicle to be surveyed. Once the survey is satisfactorily completed you can go ahead and purchase the insurance policy.

Collect your previous policy documents and all claim-related papers. The insurer requires these papers to look into your claims' history and accordingly you will be entitled for a No-claim Bonus (NCB) on your new policy.

Step 2: Keep your vehicle documents handy

Equip yourself with your vehicle details. These include the city where your vehicle is registered or the RTO's address, first registration date, manufacturer's name and model details.

Step 3: Logon to the insurer's website

Avoid tedious paperwork and simply logon to the insurer's website with the documents and details ready at hand. Click on the online renewal option and fill in the details in the appropriate fields. You can renew your car insurance as well as two-wheeler insurance online, by following quick and simple steps.

Step 4: Fill and crosscheck details online

Make sure to fill in correctly the policy number, vehicle registration dates and other details. Before submitting these details, crosscheck them against the documents in hand to avoid miscommunication. On submission of the renewal form, you will receive a quote from the insurer.

What is third-party car insurance and what it covers

A car owner must carry third-party motor insurance under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This government-mandated requirement ensures that in the event of an accident, he/she can compensate the aggrieved party for bodily injuries/death or material damages and take care of any legal liabilities arising from the accident.

Third-party vehicle insurance is a two-way street. While you might pay a third party in case of an accident due to your fault, this car insurance type can also be availed in case you are at the other end of the line.

Also known as ‘Act Only’ plan, this car insurance variant is specifically designed for damages sustained by a third-party. However, several insurance providers offer personal accident cover to the insured. This ensures that in the event of an accident, the car owner is not only capable of compensating the third-party but can also take care of himself and his loved ones, in case of personal injuries or even death.

Here are a few of the major claims that you can make from a third-party car insurance holder in case of an accident:

• Medical expenses claim in case of bodily injuries incurred due to the accident. You can also claim for treatment expenses for the injuries sustained.
• A compensation claim for physical disfigurement.
• Compensation for loss of earnings due to disability that prohibits from working.
• A compensation claim can also be filed by the dependents of the third-party if he/she passes away due to the accident. This claim is based on the ground of the income lost due to death.
• In the case of a claim filed for damages to the third party, IRDA has capped the compensation ceiling at ₹7.5 lakhs for insurance companies. However, in case the claim exceeds the capped amount, then the deficit has to be paid by the car owner.
• There’s no regulated cap on compensation claims filed for injuries and death.

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the nitty-gritty of third-party car insurance, here is the complete process on how to claim 3rd party car insurance if you are the aggrieved one:

Third-party motor insurance compensation claim in case of disability, injuries or death

• File an FIR with the police immediately after the accident and take a copy of the same.
• Obtain the third-party motor insurance details of the car owner.
• Take a copy of the charge sheet filed by the police against the car owner.
• Hire a motor claims lawyer and file a compensation claim case in the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. Remember, such cases do not fall under the jurisdiction of civil courts. The claim has to be filed in the tribunal court of the area where the accident has occurred or in the area where you (the claimant) resides.
• In many cases, the car owner would suggest an out-of-court settlement, wherein a mutually agreeable amount is settled upon. Although this process is legally permissible, however, it’s best to get the authorities involved in case of an accident.

Third-party car insurance compensation claim in case of property damage

If you’re driving across Whitefield in Bangalore or around Marine Drive in Mumbai, there is a high possibility that you’ll come across these 3 things - traffic that takes an eternity to disperse, a jaywalker who has to make his way through the traffic, and a reckless driver who has to overtake every other vehicle on the road. Add to this the degrading conditions of the roads of our country, and being a driver becomes quite a task.

The year 2017 saw the death of 1.49 lakh people due to road accidents which roughly counts for the entire population of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Accidents or their causes cannot be predicted but one can take certain precautionary measures; having a motor insurance plan will definitely help you drive worry-free and forget about the what-ifs.

What constitutes car insurance?

Based on the coverage, there are two types of motor insurance - third party liability policy and comprehensive car insurance policy. The third-party liability coverage pays for the losses or damages caused by your car to any third party during a mishap. On the other hand, a comprehensive policy, along with the third-party liability also covers the losses or damages caused to your own car in case of an accident.

A comprehensive motor insurance plan provides coverage for the damages inflicted to the policyholder’s vehicle, arising out of accidents, vandalism, riots, natural disasters and calamities, loss due to theft and personal accident. A comprehensive motor insurance hence provides an all-around protection to the insured person and his/her vehicle, and thus, enabling them to drive their car stress-free.

What is the need for car insurance?

With expanding formal sector employment, increasing disposable income and easy financing solutions, owning a car is no more a distant dream for the Indian households. Vehicle density seen on Indian roads is greater than the carrying capacity of our current road network. Along with this increased vehicle density, the chances of mishaps and accidents have also increased, thereby, increasing the need for car insurance.

Adherence to the law

As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, a minimum of third-party liability cover is mandatory for every vehicle plying on Indian roads. The third-party liability cover is the arrangement between the insured and the insurer wherein the insurer promises to cover the costs of damages or losses incurred to any third party (in lieu of a price called the premium) arising out of the mistake or negligence of the policyholder or first party.

Takes care of your liability

The mandatory third-party motor insurance essentially guards a car owner from the legal, financial, and medical liabilities that he/she can incur in case of an accident or a collision. The third-party liability cover policy takes care of the liability you owe to the aggrieved party, in case of a loss or damage to the property, bodily injury, or disability caused at your fault. However, the third-party insurance does not cover the policyholder for any loss or damage to his/her own car or property in case of an accident or theft.

Reimburses the damage

While a third-party insurance covers the damages inflicted to the third party, a comprehensive car insurance  takes care of the damages and losses to your own vehicle as well as damges caused to third party.

A popular way people get scammed in our country is by buying fake insurance policies and not realizing they have been conned, until they make a claim. Save yourself from such a shock by avoiding the fake policy trap with these smart tips.

Rely Only on Credible Sources

It’s not easy to tell if a policy is genuine or fake by merely looking at it, thereby making it important to deal with only credible sources. It’s always safer to buy an insurance policy directly from an insurance company and to eliminate the middlemen, because any dealer or agent can easily print and give out a fake policy.

Buy the Policy Online or Pay by Cheque

In this day and age, buying an insurance policy online is the way to go. It’s not only convenient but also avoids all risk as the payment is made directly to the insurance company. In case you are buying it offline, make sure to make the payment by cheque. Ensure that the cheque is in the favour of the insurance company and not in the favour of any individual.

Read the Policy and Verify Using the Verification Link

It’s essential to take a few minutes and read the policy thoroughly. Most insurers now offer a policy verification link on their website, which you can use to confirm the validity of your car insurance policy. In case of further assurance or to clarify details, you can also contact the customer service of the insurance company.

Buy the Policy from Licensed Insurers

Currently in India there are 33 recognized and accepted general insurance companies. To eliminate the risk of buying a fake policy, you must buy your insurance policy only from one of these 33 insurance companies. You can check the list of these licensed companies on the website of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).

Con artists, however, find a way to duplicate the logo of these companies and still manage to sell fake policies. This calls for an additional safety measure, which is checking the existence of the motor insurance policy. You can do this by simply visiting an official branch of the company in your city or going to their website or writing to them.

The significance of anti-theft devices in vehicles

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2015, with more than 32,000 stolen vehicles, Delhi topped the list for vehicle thefts in the country. Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Maharashtra came in a close second, with a vehicle being stolen every 13 minutes in UP. These figures are only rising year on year.

The arrests made by the Delhi Police and other state police forces in 2016 reveal how new-age gangs take the help of stolen data, laptops and female members to steal high-end luxury cars. After spending a fortune on your dream vehicle, these numbers across metropolitans and other Indian cities can be startling. Therefore, it is important to check if your vehicle is really secure, beyond the mere lock and key.

Anti-theft Devices and How They Help

With the advance in technology, it is possible to adopt a proactive instead of reactive approach to protect your car. While it is quite unlikely that you can prevent your car from being stolen, there are several warning systems that you can employ to reduce the likelihood of such an event. This is where anti-theft devices play a significant role. The installation of an anti-theft device that is approved by the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI) not only enhances the security of your vehicle, but also lowers your car insurance premium.

These days, most car manufacturers in India provide in-built anti-theft devices. However, you can also install them at a later stage; the cost would be determined by the technological advancement of the device. Basic mechanical systems will cost less as compared to intelligent computerised systems.

What Type of Anti-theft Devices Do You Need?

• Mechanical Immobilisers

These are the least expensive anti-theft devices in the market. Being visual, these should be enough to ward off amateur car thieves. It is recommended to include an immobiliser in conjunction with other anti-theft devices.

Types of mechanical immobilisers include steering wheel lock, hood lock, tire lock, gearshift lock, ignition/steering wheel column and crook locks, etc.

• Electronic Immobilisers

Many vehicles today come with standard car keys and fobs that protect their cars via electronic immobilisers. These built-in transponders or microchips send signals to the ignition and fuel pump system. The ignition will work only if it receives the correct signals or it remains static.

Road trips are fun and let you travel far and beyond with the convenience and luxury of your own car. While Indian highways now have every facility available, from your favourite burger place to medical stores and garages, to ensure a smooth ride you need to be well-prepared. Impromptu or a well-planned trip, ensure the following before driving off for a memorable experience:

Check Tyre Pressure

Too much pressure reduces grip and increases average, while too less will give you a better grip but reduced fuel efficiency. Check the tread of your tyres to analyse their health. In addition, it is not advisable to drive with worn out tyre treads as it can seriously impact the handling quality of your ride.

Fill-up All Fluids

Ensure that the levels of the engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant are at an optimum level. These increase the life and performance of the car engine, thereby reducing the chance of breakdowns.

Upgrade Your First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is your first line of defence against emergencies and life threatening situations that may happen at any time. Be prepared with a first aid kit that contains specific medicines for particular medical conditions that your passengers may be prone to such as asthma, allergy, antibiotics and painkillers.

Carry Spare Tyre, Puncture Repair Kit and Tools

Tyres are exposed to the most wear and tear, which makes it essential to bring along a spare tyre, tool kit and puncture repair kit. Pre-planning can save you from being stuck in middle of nowhere without a spare tyre.

Charge Battery

Check if your battery is properly charged and won’t cause a problem during your trip. Double check for corrosion on terminals, clean it with baking soda, water and a toothbrush to ensure better conductivity.

Fix Washer Fluid and Wipers

Your windshield should be clean from debris and build-ups. Make sure your wipers are clean and working properly. Maintaining the levels of washer fluid and water will ensure a longer life for your wipers and avoid your windshield from being scratched.

Ensure the Safety of Co-passengers

Seatbelts are often considered as an inconvenience. However, studies have shown that people have an exponentially higher rate of survival in case of an accident if seatbelts were on.

Go for a customised seatbelt in case you are uncomfortable or get extenders that ensure you are safe and not suffocating. Although not mandatory, children should never ride in the front passenger seat. Strap them in the back seat, and if possible, get a car seat for toddlers and infants.

If your car has a central door-locking mechanism, ensure you have the child lock feature on. In addition, make sure all your doors are closed properly before you start your car.

Avoid Drinking and Driving

This one is a no-brainer. When you drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances, it compromises your alertness and sense of judgement. This can cause harm to you as well as others around you. Don’t do it.

Light up Appropriately

This includes headlights, high beams, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and reverse lights. A bad light can easily cause an accident during night-time.

If you are one of those people who have more than one car at home, or have multiple cars registered on the same address, then you would understand the problems that crops up where insurance is concerned. Having multiple cars mean keeping tab of their premium payment dates, renewal dates and going through a lot of paperwork. But, there are car insurance plans available in international markets that provide comprehensive coverage for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 cars.

These insurance policies are known as multi-car insurance, and though they are not yet available in India, we take a look at some of the pros and cons that they come with.

Advantages

• Discounts: This is among the biggest benefits of purchasing a multi-car insurance policy. The insurance company is willing to give better deals if there are more cars being insured under the same policy. A great bargain can be had as most insurers are open to discounted rates in view of the long-term association with customers. Further, it is always beneficial to offer discounts and sign up the whole family, rather than have a single policyholder’s car insured with them.
• Different Drivers: In this policy there is a main driver, and there are named drivers - people who drive the car other than the main driver. It doesn’t matter from the insurance aspect as long as any one of these drivers is in the driver’s seat. The only criterion is that the car should be registered at the same address.
• Paperwork Simplified: With multi-car insurance, it is easier to manage the insurance policies for multiple cars, as they all come under one policy. You only have to remember one renewal date, and make one premium payment for all your cars. The result is less hassle and less paperwork.

You belong to the elite club of owners for whom cars are an extension of their identity, a prized asset, a reason worth spending money, often for overhauling.

While complex repairs should be left to the technical experts, you can surely carry out some effortless preventive maintenance yourself. Here are some do-it-yourself tips to keep your car in great condition:

Car Tires

Pressure: Checking the tire pressure regularly is important as ideal pressure conditions have a bearing on fuel efficiency and driving comfort.

Cleaning: The tire treads should be regularly cleaned with water and sponge. Heat and static electricity generated in moving tires pick up dirt and grime from the road. Cleaner treads enhance the tire life.

Tire Rotation: Exchanging the tires every 8,000 km will balance the wear rate of tires, at the same time ensure improved car performance. Tire rotation is also vital for achieving an even tread wear and a long tread life.

Time to Let Go: Check the tread wear indicator on your tire to know if it is time to replace your tire. A worn out tire poses severe hazard on the road, to you as well as others.

Car Body

Wax and Polish: To maintain the painted surface of your car, opt for good quality wax and polish. A polished car is not only good to flaunt but also serves you for a longer life.

Cleaning: Always remember to clean bird droppings from the car immediately, as they contain acidic fluids that corrode the surface leaving a visibly dull patch. Also avoid body stickers, as the adhesives can damage the paint.

As per the new directive laid out by the Supreme Court and enforced by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), it is now compulsory for vehicle owners to buy a long-term third party Car Insurance policy. Earlier, you would get a one-year cover from your motor insurance policy but now, as per the order, the mandatory third party insurance cover for cars is three years and for two-wheelers it is five years.

So, if you have purchased a car or two-wheeler post September 1, it is compulsory for you to buy three-year and five-year third party liability covers respectively. Companies have already started selling these products. But, before you purchase any policy make sure that you compare the premiums and discounts.

A comprehensive motor insurance package consists of a third party liability cover, and an own damage component along with different, optional add-ons like zero depreciation and engine protection. Though initial costs of new vehicles would increase, a long-term policy brings several advantages.

Increase in Initial Premium Payment

For private cars, the long-term premium for three years will be approximately 3 times the one-year premium amount, whereas for two-wheelers the premium for the period of five years will be approximately 2.4 to 5.5 times that of the one-year premium amount.

This translates to a one time insurance premium outgo of ₹24,000 compared to ₹7800 for a private car exceeding 1500cc. In the case of bikes with an engine capacity of more than 350cc, the premium would go up to ₹13,000 compared to ₹2300 that is the norm.

Long-term motor insurance policies will be advantageous because as vehicles age and depreciation increases, many people tend to skip renewals or simply forget about renewing the policy. This initiative by the Supreme Court and IRDAI will help improve the penetration of insurance and bring more vehicles under the ambit of insurance.

Don’t Forget Discounts on NCB

Since the tenure of the motor insurance policy has increased to three years for cars and five years for two-wheelers, the annual benefit that NCB offered can no longer be passed onto the customer. The NCB benefit will only be available on expiration of policy tenure. Since the NCB discount is only applicable after the policy expires, insurers are offering upfront discounts on premiums to counter this loss to the customer.

“Customers can get dual NCB benefits in long-term. First, upfront NCB discount in price and secondly, higher NCB discount benefit as against existing NCB grid during renewal after three years. We are awaiting for the regulator’s approval.” says Sanjay Datta, Chief, Underwriting, Claims and Reinsurance of ICICI Lombard General Insurance.

Go For the Appropriate Combination

As the risk of accidents are high in case of two-wheelers, it makes sense to go for a long-term comprehensive cover. The advantage here is that the renewal rates are also extremely low. On the other hand, car-owners should dive deeper to pick the right combination of motor insurance cover. The overall cost of a long-term package will be cheaper in this case, but you have to consider the large one-time outgo on purchase.

The recent Kerala floods caused catastrophic damage not only to human and animal life but also to the buildings and cars. In fact, it was estimated that cars worth ₹1000 crores were submerged during the floods.

While such natural disasters don’t come with a warning sign, we can do our best to stay prepared for the aftermath, like purchasing motor vehicle insurance to take care of any expense that may arise due to natural disasters. Water damage can destroy everything from your car’s interiors to your wheels. Read on to find what to do if your car is flooded with water.

Step One: Call Your Vehicle Insurance Provider

Much like any other accident, the first step in your checklist should be to call your vehicle insurance company in case your car is flooded.

Step Two: Do not Try to Start the Engine

While your first instinct when your car is flooded would be to try to restart the engine, resist this temptation. If water has already entered your car engine, trying to start your car can destroy the engine.

Step Three: Assess the Damage

Survey the extent of damage before you take the next step. Debris and mud create a waterline around the interior as well as exterior of your car.

• Water level above the dashboard: Your motor vehicle insurance company will consider the car has been totalled and will require a professional assessment from a mechanic.
• Water below the bottom of the doors: Move to Step Four

Step Four: Open the Doors

If your car is flooded, its interiors, if left unattended, can allow mould to grow. Once you open the doors and roll down the windows, do the following:

• Place towels on the floor
• Get the car to a higher ground

Step Five: Disconnect the Battery

Before you check the other parts of your vehicle, disconnecting the battery can protect you from electric shocks.

Step Six: Look Under the Hood

Do not start your engine if you see any of the following:

• Water droplets on the dipstick
• High oil level
• Water in the air filter

Step Seven: Change Oil and Air Filter

The next step to take if your car is flooded is to change the fluids. You can either carry out these repairs yourself or wait for a mechanic:

• Change the engine oil
• Change the transmission fluid

Step Eight: Check Other Signs of Damage

If you have an older vehicle, chances are the fuel system is not sealed. In this case, you’ll need to check out the following fluids:

• Braking fluid
• Clutch fluid
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid

A comprehensive motor insurance cover prevents your financial situation from getting severely affected in the event of your car getting involved in an accident. An accident can result in your car getting severely damaged or destroyed. There are also times when the car is damaged beyond repair and has to be declared a total loss.

When a car is declared a total loss or is stolen, then the motor insurance company pays the insured, the Insured Declared Value or IDV. In layman terms, IDV can also be called the current market value of your vehicle.

The Definition of IDV

IDV is the maximum amount that the insured can claim from the vehicle insurance company in the unfortunate event of his car being stolen or declared a total loss. The value is based on the manufacturer’s selling price and is arrived at by deducting the depreciation of the vehicle. Furthermore, the IDV is solely the value of the vehicle as well as the accessories fitted, and does not cover the cost of insurance or registration.

How Is It Calculated?

The vehicle insurance  company calculates the Insured Declared Value based on several data points. Most of these data points are found in the Registration Certificate of the vehicle. Information such as the city of registration, date of registration and type of registration can be found on this certificate; apart from other details of vehicle like the make, model, cubic capacity and ex-showroom price.

Percentage of Depreciation

As the age of the vehicle increases, the percentage of depreciation also increases. In fact, depreciation kicks in as soon as the vehicle leaves the showroom. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has stated that the maximum declared value of the vehicle cannot be more than 95% of its showroom price.

This means that depreciation takes away 5% from the showroom value of the vehicle, the minute it leaves the showroom, and this percentage stays till the vehicle is 6 months old. After that, the motor insurance company calculates the depreciation based on the following chart.

What is Telematics?

Telematics is the latest buzzword that has piqued the interest of various industries. It covers all types of telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation, road safety, electrical engineering (such as sensors) and computer science (such as multimedia and internet).

Applications

• Auto Insurance Telematics

Telematics are increasingly being used in motor insurance, with the introduction of Usage Based Insurance (UBI). The idea behind this is a pay-as-you-go system. For example, a driver who is rash and reckless will be charged for future premiums more than a responsible driver. It also eases in direct customer interaction and validation of claims in case of an accident.

• Intelligent Vehicle Technologies

The evolution of telematics has led us to Intelligent Vehicle Technologies. IVT comprises of electronic, electromechanical as well as electromagnetic devices. These devices are used in conjunction with computer controlled devices and radio receivers to aid in artificial intelligence. This helps car safety systems for making rides safer for the users.

• Wireless Vehicle Safety Communications

This kind of telematics aid in car as well as road safety. Road hazards, location and speed of traffic are transmitted on short range radios. This keeps the drivers and home users updated about the most recent traffic conditions in your area, thereby greatly reducing the chance of accidents and traffic congestions.

• Tracking of Shipments

Telematics is also used to track freight containers using Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) for increased security and safety. This feature is becoming increasingly important as more shipping companies are modernising their business infrastructure.
Similarly, tracking the movement and position of trailers can also be carried using a mobile network or geo-satellite communication. This software directly updates the tracking details through a PC or web-based software.

• Driverless Cars

Google was the first to present us with a working prototype of self-driving cars. Since then, there have been numerous driving tests that have been deployed. The future of this technology looks promising.
However, there are few kinks that need to be adjusted. Companies garnered a lot of heat in the news due to minor accidents caused by driverless cars. Regardless of these trivial issues, we are looking towards a bright and innovative future.

Whether or not you’ve named your car, we know it’s very dear to you. However, in the busy nature of life, the task of periodic car repair and checks can be a little unrealistic. But your car still requires frequent maintenance checks for reducing future repair costs, extending its life and increasing its performance.

With these five basic DIY car maintenance and car service tips, you can take good care of your prized possession without having to be a mechanic.

• Change the Wiper Blades
  Wipers must be changed at least once a year. Old wipers trap dirt and rub it into the glass, which if allowed to go on for too long can be dangerous. Eventually this will lead to a haze effect that will scatter sunlight, blurring vision. This is a safety hazard as it will compromise your view of the road while driving. Most wiper blades are easy to change and come in a varied price range.


• Maintain the Tyre Pressure
  Maintaining the right tyre pressure will not only keep you safe but it will also help you save some extra money. Both, overinflated and underinflated tyres, are a problem because they reduce the grip, work the engine harder and increase the chance of a blowout. Moreover, tyres with the right pressure will increase your car’s fuel efficiency and longevity.


• Check the Oil Level
  It’s essential to check your car’s oil level as frequently as recommended by the manual. Oil lubricates all the moving parts in the engine so they don’t wear and tear to a point of dysfunction. A lack of oil, or the presence of dirty oil, increases the risk of overheating and shortens the life of the engine. A well-oiled engine will significantly increase the car’s efficiency and life. So get into the habit of regularly checking your car’s oil level and go for a oil change when required.


• Keep it Clean
  Keep your car clean inside out. This may sound basic but it is very important. Your car is subject to sun, acid rain, grease, smog and insects. Initially their chemical compounds will eat away the paint and eventually they will attack the metal of your car. Give your car a good wash regularly, remove all the non-essential things cluttering your car and vacuum it on the inside on a frequent basis.

In India, about 75% of the annual rainfall is concentrated in 3-4 months of the monsoon season. This results in heavy discharge from rivers causing widespread floods during this period. Floods are also the most commonly occurring disaster amongst natural calamities in India.

Floods in India

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basins carry 60% of the total river flow of the country and are responsible for major floods. The National Flood Commission states that about 40 million hectares of land area in India is prone to floods. On an average, about 8 million hectares of area are affected by floods yearly.

The major flood-prone regions in India include West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. In recent times, the central portion of the country has also become habitual to the dense rains and flash flood events.

One recent example of such havoc is the Chennai floods that occurred in 2015. Chennai, which happens to be India’s fourth-largest city, witnessed a monolithic devastation due to flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall. Reported to be the heaviest rainfall in more than a hundred years, it cut off more than 3 million people from basic services for days. The disaster is marked as the eighth-most expensive natural disaster of the year, causing losses of about ₹ 20,034 crores.

Losses That Could Occur Due To Flood Damage

It is crucial to know the possible losses to automobiles in order to estimate the proper reimbursement that you can claim under car insurance. Conditions for loss can be classified as claimable and non-claimable cases.

Claimable Conditions

• Car engine
  The car's engine is its heart. Waterlogging in vehicles during floods could lead to severe damage of its engine, the replacement or repair of which is a costly affair. Insuring your car can save you from this loss by providing proper coverage against engine damage.
  
  
• Interiors of the car
  Apart from the engine, floods can also affect upholstery and other car interiors. In case of cleaning required, you can be covered for the same under car insurance. You can also avail of coverage on replaced parts with zero deduction. However, in case of replacements, the value will be associated with the replacement value as per the report of the surveyor.

Winter driving can be tough with low visibility on greasy roads. Moreover, harsh climatic conditions in the winter season can test your driving skills, even if you’re a seasoned driver. Furthermore, foggy days bring in poor visibility, and hence you need to be extra vigilant and cautious while driving under under challenging winter road conditions.

Inclement weather coupled with dangerous driving and flouting of traffic rules have added to the rising count of fatal road accidents in recent years. Here are the top tips that will help you stay safe on the road and avoid the possibility of any mishap while driving in snow and winter weather:

• Lane Driving is Safe Driving

It’s always dangerous when a driver suddenly switches lanes and that too on a greasy, snowy road can be even more menacing. So, make sure you stick to a single lane while driving in snow or winter road conditions with limited visibility to reach your destination safely.

A sudden change of lane can startle the other drivers, leaving very little reaction time and can easily lead to collisions, often fatal ones. Avoid accelerating aggressively to overtake on slippery roads during the winters and when it is snowing so that nothing unexpected occurs abruptly.

• Blink Your Indicators

All those fancy lights on the exterior of your car are there for a reason and not only to jazz up your ride. When driving in winters, or snowy weather, make sure you always turn on the directional indicators before turning left or right.

While driving in snow or very low temperatures, it is extremely important to give indicators as it isn’t just about safety but also a roadside courtesy that you’d also like to be extended.

It is also advisable to let your indicators blink all the time when you are driving in these tough winter road conditions with low visibility. This will help the cars behind you gauge the appropriate distance to avoid collision on slippery winter roads with sharp turns.

• Keep Your Windows & Windshield Defrosted

Clean your windows and windshield inside and out at regular intervals to ensure that you have the best visibility while driving. One of the perils of winter driving is the fogging up of the windshield and windows from the outside. This severely limits visibility and can lead to accidents.

During the winter season, it is important to immediately get rid of the fogged-up windshields without ending up creating a mess of smudges. Go for fresh dry air intake by lowering down your windows for a while as the air in your car is already humid which further adds up to windshield fogging.

Hence, periodic cleaning is a must to maintain a decent vision of the road ahead and the traffic around you.

• Watch The Road

SIt gets difficult to control your car while driving in snow as it skids. So, enhance your winter driving tips to deal with the skids. Aim for where you want to go and not where your car wants to take you. This will help you keep your wheels pointed towards the path you want to take.

When driving in winter road conditions, make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and maintain an adequate distance between your car and the one in front of you. Vigilance is the key and following this tip will also give you enough time to react in case of an emergency and avoid traffic accidents

• Avoid Speedy Driving

Sure we all want to burn some rubber and feel the thrill of going over 100 km/h. But this stunt in winter driving is a strict NO! And also generally inadvisable... Winter is all about fog and low visibility on snowy or greasy roads and hence you should keep an eye on the speedometer.

Driving at low-speed allows you to have a better reaction and stop time.

There might be instances when you might think that there’s no vehicle ahead of you. However, take into account the low visibility and keep your speed in check to avoid any unfortunate surprises. Refrain from accelerating aggressively!

• Keep Headlights on Low-Beam

While winter driving, make sure your headlights are on low beam, even in the daytime. While it might seem like a good idea to use high beams, it does just the opposite. High beams tend to reflect the fog and further diminish your visibility.

Also, driving with high beams create a lot of discomfort for oncoming drivers and can prove extremely dangerous for them as they are nearly blinded by the high-intensity light. Driving in winter weather is not only about your personal safety but also the safety of fellow drivers.

What are the NCB discount rates?

The no claim bonus feature gets you discounts in the premium ranging from 20% - 50%. However, the discount rates are dependent on the age of the policy and when the last claim was made.

Can the No Claim Bonus be waived?

Yes, the no claim bonus can be waived on the following occasions:

1. If a claim has been made
Any claim made from the policy resets the bonus to zero. This is followed, regardless of the size of the claim, or even if the claim was made because of theft of the vehicle.

2. Expiry of policy
The no claim bonus will be cancelled if the policy has been expired for a span of over 90 days.

Usage-based insurance has the potential to radically change the insurance industry

Car insurance now sold by general insurance companies in India is one-size-fits-all product. It does not differentiate between driving patterns that range from high risk to low risk. The time has come for insurance companies to hop onto telematics-driven, usage-based insurance.

You would have heard of investigators searching for the black box after every aircraft crash. The black box records all the technical and voice data while the aircraft is in flight. That piece of instrument is key to demystifying every crash or accident involving an aircraft.

In usage-based insurance, a similar mechanism is installed in a car to record braking history, acceleration pattern, time of the day a vehicle is driven, the road taken etc. The big difference, when compared with the black box in an aircraft, is that the car driving history is not just recorded but through use of telematics is relayed live to the insurance company.

In the near future, a car bought in India will come with a black box, on-board sensors, a dongle or a mobile phone app, and internet connectivity that would make it a connected car -- the car connected to other devices at home, office, other cars, and your insurance company.

What is Usage-based Insurance?

Usage-based car insurance made a debut about a decade ago in Europe and North America. Driving information is accessed online or on apps, which allows customers to monitor their driving patterns and improve their driving habits to earn discounts on insurance premium. Insurance companies offer mileage-based, and driving habits-related discounts.

Usage-based insurance is alternatively called Pay As You Drive (PAYD) and Pay How You Drive (PHYD). All the data that telematics will transmit to insurance companies will power greater data analytics and offer driver’s insurance options such as Manage How You Drive (MHYD). The number of drivers in the US and Europe opting for usage-based insurance is estimated to touch 100 million by 2020.

Car owners are likely to opt for usage-based insurance as it not only offers lower premium for low-risk driving, but it will also encourage safe driving and prevent high number of deaths due to road accidents.

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