Can Tinted Glasses Affect Car Insurance?
Car owners often wonder whether having tinted windows can affect their car insurance premiums or claims. If the tinted film on the windows exceeds the limits specified by the RTO, car owners may face difficulties claiming motor insurance.
It is important to note that tinted windows do not affect the process of buying a car insurance policy. However, when it comes to making claims, non-compliant tinted glasses can lead to claim denial.
Despite the previous directive of the Supreme Court and the traffic police's efforts to prevent the use of tinted vehicles, cars and buses with dark glasses are still visible. As a result, the Union Road Ministry has written to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to prevent owners of vehicles with windows and windscreens darker than the permissible limit from claiming insurance. The aim is to crack down on vehicles with tinted windows to reduce crime.
Many believe that the regulation will be beneficial from a safety perspective, and vehicle owners will take the guidelines on tint more seriously. On the contrary, many others believe this move may not be useful because some car owners may remove the film of their vehicles after an accident to claim insurance.
Traffic police believe that the directive will make their job easier, but they need the infrastructure to check the exact percentage of light transmission of factory-fitted tint on vehicles.
How to Remove Tinted Film from Your Car?
There are various methods available to remove window tints from your car. The first method involves using a hairdryer or a heat gun to melt the glue, which makes it easier to peel the tint away. After melting the glue with the heat, you can use a clean towel to rub away the adhesive and then wash the windows with cleaner.
- Another method is to use a fabric steamer to melt the glue and remove the tint. This method also allows you to clean the upholstery of your car.
- The next method is the solar peel. You will require a spray bottle containing soapy water, a couple of black plastic garbage bags, another spray bottle of ammonia, and a tarp. You need to spray soapy water on the outside and quickly cover it with one of the bags. You can then spray ammonia on the inside of the window, cover it with the second bag, and allow it to bake in the sunlight for at least 20 minutes before removing the bags.
- The fourth method involves using old newspapers to remove the tint. You can wet the tint film with hot, soapy water and cover it with newspaper. One can proceed to meticulously remove the tint by utilising long strokes. If the film doesn't come off easily, you can soak it for another half hour.
- The final method is to peel the film away using a razor blade. After peeling the film, you need to remove the leftover glue.
What are the Alternatives to Tinted Glass?
Detachable sun shades made of mesh are an affordable and safe option for blocking UV rays, light, and heat while reducing visibility from outside the car. They come with vacuum suction to attach to the glass but can be inconvenient to remove and put back when rolling down the windows.
Retractable drop shades are a more sophisticated option and roll up and down with the window glass, providing a premium feel to the cabin. Clear films are the best option for minimising light and heat, and 3M’s CR-70 is a good option as it allows complete visibility without being too dark. Indian law permits manufacturer-fitted films, and better than having nothing to protect the car’s interiors.
A new solution introduced in the Indian market is Dark Green UV Cut Glass. This reduces the thermal load inside the cabin and eliminates more than 82% of UV radiation while complying with Indian regulations. This is RTO-approved, making it a viable alternative to other options.
While several options are available in the market, it is always important to consider the cost, convenience, and legality before making a choice.
Conclusion
Tinted glass is a popular addition to cars in India. However, strict regulations surround the usage of tinted glass in India, and violating them can result in fines and penalties. According to Indian laws, car windows must have minimum visibility for front, rear, and side windows, as well as windshields.
Any modifications that reduce visibility below this level are considered illegal. While some popularly known manufacturers of tinted films have presented new technology that allows for greater visibility, the Transport Ministry is determined to prioritise national security and women’s safety. As a result, the only car windows currently allowed to be tinted are those the manufacturers have tinted.
It is important to be aware of the applicable legalities before opting for window tinting. Violating the RTO's rules and regulations can land you in a legal tangle. Hence it is vital to follow these rules to maintain legal status while driving on Indian roads.
Furthermore, non-compliant tinted glasses can lead to claim denial in case of a motor insurance claim, so it is important to ensure that you choose tinted windows in compliance with the law.