GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Since its implementation, the central locking system has become one of the essential safety features in a car. It's a combination of electronic and mechanical components that only allow access to authorised individuals.

Earlier, central locking systems in automobiles used a compressed air mechanism with separate vacuum reservoirs that triggered the locks of all four doors when the key was inserted and turned in a lock. Today's systems use wireless or infrared control, which can activate the mechanism from a distance.

In today's post, we will look at the functioning of the central locking system and how it impacts a car's safety.

The four main components of a central locking system.

1. Actuator:
An actuator is an electric motor that controls the car's central locking system. This component is built into the door and consists of a combination of mechanical latches.

2. Transponder:
It is a system built into the key's bow that determines whether the correct key is being used. As the key approaches the ignition lock, the transponder code is read. When the correct code is scanned, the electronic immobiliser sends a signal to the engine to permit it.

3. Remote Controller:
Remote controllers are increasingly being used in all cars. They are designed to replace the function of the key systems completely. The remote control includes electronic circuitry that sends coded instructions via infrared rays to the receiver located inside the vehicle to permit a keyless entry.

4. Start and stop system:
Unlike traditional ways, which required a key to be inserted into the ignition lock to start the car, engines are now being started using keyless systems where a transmitter – also serving as the central locking controller – is scanned into a reader in the vehicle. Later, the engine is started by pressing a button.

Safety advantages of central locking systems:

• The driver has better control over all the doors. The central locking system allows drivers to lock or unlock all four doors by pressing a single button. This is very convenient since the driver doesn't have to worry about unlocked doors while the car is in motion.

• Since the code is digitally encrypted, it is tough to make duplicate keys.

• If your key is ever stolen, you can simply remove the access right from the software on your phone. It connects with the car's digital lock and terminates access rights. Some automobile manufacturers even allow removing the access remotely.

• In more sophisticated systems, the car's door automatically locks itself after reaching a specific speed limit. As a result, no one, especially toddlers, can open the door by mistake —this helps avoid serious accidents.

• In case of an accident, a central locking system smartly unlocks the door so that help can reach you without having to break anything.

What else assists post-car accidents? Comprehensive car insurance. You can claim all the expenses involved in repairing and servicing your car under your car insurance policy's scope

A central locking system is essential for a family vehicle in practical usage. The ease of access and security that it provides make life easier for all automobile owners. Having a central locking system in your car provides extra security and brings down your car insurance premium. All the reputed car insurance companies encourage car owners to adopt convenient and safe practices. So, go for a central locking system in your car to enjoy a wide array of benefits and deals that you shouldn't be missed out on.

Click HERE to buy car insurance in hassle-free steps.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

As a car owner or enthusiast, it's prudent to educate yourself about vehicle parts. The most confusing of them are fenders and bumpers that keep your car safe. You may have heard the term "fender-bender" from drivers when they get into a car accident and wondered, "What does it mean?" Fender and bumper damages refer to physical damages to your cars, such as dents. If you have recently bought a new car, this article will help you understand the difference between these terms.

However, before diving into fender vs. bumper issues in detail, we advise you to buy new car insurance to ensure your vehicle gets adequate protection against accidental damages and a hassle-free repair and servicing.

What is a car fender?
The fender has been a part of automobiles for a long time now. It is the part of the car that covers the wheels. The section where the fender goes is popularly called the "quarter panel." The quarter panel is the rounded corner of the car that protects the wheels.
In older vehicles, the fender used to be more pronounced. Whereas nowadays, with the modernisation of the structural design of cars, fenders have taken a flatter shape, complementing the car's frame.
Car fenders are an essential accessory for your car, as they play a crucial role in keeping the vehicle and its occupants safe. As the car moves, the tires grab and throw anything that comes in its path, such as small rocks, mud, water, etc. Fenders provide resistance against wind and roadside debris while protecting surrounding areas and nearby people from projectiles from your tyres.

What is a car bumper?
A car bumper has a "bumping" function, which means it acts as a protective perimeter to the body of your car and prevents other objects or vehicles from impacting it. In simple words, it reduces the impact of a collision by absorbing minor shocks. You can find bumpers in two places in your car, one in the front and another in the back.
Car bumpers may not prove very beneficial in protecting your vehicle from high-speed crashes, but they are quite valuable for safety during minor accidents. They also serve to protect pedestrians from severe injury in case of a collision.
Just like fenders, bumpers have also reduced in their size. Previously, they were mainly used for decorative purposes, and people came up with new stylistic designs. However, they have gained quite much attention in the automobile industry in recent years. They are no longer considered decorative items but essential for safety purposes. The effectiveness of rear and front bumpers has saved the lives of numerous car accident victims.

Several car owners struggle to understand the parts of their vehicle, making it challenging to communicate with the mechanics about car troubles. However, educating yourself about them can make all the difference when it comes to the proper maintenance of your vehicle.

Similarly, think of investing in the security of your car and buying new car insurance to ease the concerns that can empty your pockets and leave you frustrated. Understand your role as a responsible owner and do whatever is necessary to keep your four-wheeled companion safe.

Click HERE to buy new car insurance with the best benefits.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Regular car maintenance is a worthwhile investment since it allows a vehicle to operate more effectively and safely. Moreover, it helps avoid the need for expensive repairs in the future. Changing the engine oil improves the performance of your engine by spreading heat and keeping an appropriate temperature in the combustion chamber. In addition, you must remember that a well-maintained car helps you secure a car insurance renewal easily with added advantages like no claim bonus.

It is critical to use the proper lubricant for your vehicle to achieve optimal engine performance. There are many types of car engine oils available, and determining which one is best for your car is not an easy task.

How do you know which engine oil is best for your car? Here are the things you must consider.

1. Oil Viscosity:
When it comes to engine lubricant or engine oil, viscosity is a measurement of the thickness of the oil and the resistance to flowing. It is necessary to match the oil viscosity to the ambient temperature since thick oil does not agitate around the engine. Optimal viscous lubricant promotes energy efficiency while also preventing friction between components. Look at the care guide for your car's oil needs.

2. Analyse the previous engine oil's performance:
One of the essential things you should do when changing your engine's oil is to assess how well the prior engine oil performed. Changing your engine oil at specified intervals is vital to ensure smooth performance and safety.
Suppose the previous engine oil was refined, and there was no need for engine maintenance. In that case, you can use the same oil and brand without hesitation. It's best to choose an oil with the same manufacturer certifications as the one specified in your car manual if you can't find the one you need.

3. Type of car you have:
The type of vehicle is the most crucial consideration when selecting engine oil. There are several important factors to consider when buying engine oil for your car, including whether it is old or new, if it runs on gasoline or diesel, and if it has a high-performance engine or not, the brand, the series, and so on.

4. Follow the advice of the manufacturer:
It is suggested to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for engine oil changes in your vehicle. The importance of these guidelines becomes much more apparent when you own a new car that is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Use only the engine oil recommended by the manufacturer during this period because using a different oil could invalidate the warranty and affect your car insurance renewal.

5. Environmental factors:
The choice of engine oil is influenced by whether or not the vehicle is subjected to high-temperature conditions. Choosing an engine oil that can handle low and high temperatures is essential when driving in harsh climates.

It is critical to choose the appropriate engine oil for your engine to run at peak performance. Furthermore, the proper engine oil will improve the engine's performance and the car's overall fuel efficiency.

It is highly suggested that car insurance renewal be done before the due date to receive uninterrupted insurance benefits for a prolonged time. So consider these five factors the next time you're shopping for engine oil to get the best results.

Click HERE to get your car insurance renewal done before expiry.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Several state and national highways link India's vast geography. The country's roadways network stretches over 5 million kilometres while consistently increasing and is one of the largest roadway networks globally.

This vastly interconnected system is financed by the Indian Government that collects a sum of taxes from the citizens for the regular maintenance of the roads. Therefore, it is integral for every citizen to pay their taxes on time for the smooth functioning of the roadway system.

What is Road Tax?
When purchasing a vehicle, an individual must pay the base manufacturing price and a few extra charges. These additional charges typically include registration fees, relevant motor insurance, and a motor or Road Tax. The road tax is a sum of money paid while purchasing a vehicle in the state or country. The tax differs in all states as it is subjected to different tax structures and clauses.
A certain amount of road or toll tax is levied on vehicles using the state or national highways. These taxes differ according to state regulations, highway distance, and other relevant factors.

Who determines the Road Tax?
These Government bodies typically determine the road tax:

1. The state government levies the state vat tax, toll tax, annual or lifetime motor vehicles tax, and passenger and goods tax.

2. The Central Government levies the GST, customs duty, central excise, central sales tax, and other additional charges depending on the vehicle category.

Who has to pay the Road Tax?
While purchasing a vehicle, motor insurance is not the only cost that the individual must incur. The road tax is a compulsory tax that the individual must pay while purchasing a new vehicle. In India, this tax is charged on both private and commercial vehicles. Every individual who purchases motorised vehicles such as bikes or scooters, cars, auto-rickshaws, or even buses and trucks, needs to pay the tax irrespective of the vehicle's size.
Although the vehicle's manufacturing cost price primarily determines this tax, it is typically calculated considering other factors such as the motor or engine capacity, seating capacity, weight, and cost price. Thus, the road tax paid by every individual differs based on the vehicle as well as the state of purchase.

When and Where to pay the Road Tax?
An individual must pay the road tax for a vehicle during its registration. Depending on the state's mandate, the tax can be paid with flexibility, either one-shot payment or in yearly instalments. The vehicle owners may choose to pay the tax offline or online as per their convenience. If one is shifting their residence to another state, they need to re-register their car in the RTO of the new state and then repay the road tax.
To sum up, paying the road tax is an essential duty of every vehicle owner as a responsible citizen to help contribute and maintain the country's roadway network. However, being responsible for your vehicle's safety is equally important, and you can achieve this by purchasing a motor insurance plan that offers complete protection to your valuable asset.

Click HERE to know more about motor insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.