GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Hybrid vehicles are the next significant advancement in the automobile's evolution. They combine the best features of both classic internal combustion engine vehicles and modern-age electric cars. In practicality, both electricity and petroleum power the motor of a hybrid vehicle, making them incredibly fuel-efficient. As a result, a hybrid automobile consumes less than half the fuel as a regular family car. This also means that they are not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable.

Unlike electric vehicles, hybrid cars don't have a plug-in system for charging the batteries. Instead, these vehicles use kinetic energy to charge the batteries. Hybrid vehicles are gaining popularity and are making headlines of a green revolution worldwide. In this article, we'll see precisely how.

1. Lower carbon footprint:
Hybrid vehicles lower carbon emissions while boosting fuel efficiency by combining power from both electricity and fossil fuels. The vehicle generates its power with the help of energy stored in its lithium-ion batteries and supplied to electric motor generators on the electric side. These motors provide power to the wheels while simultaneously generating electricity through regenerative braking. Hybrid vehicles do consume gasoline, but they do it with small engines that produce low emissions. The engines are either employed to create electricity for the batteries or power the electric motors.

2. Hybrid vehicles have better mileage:
In addition to advancements in engine technology, characteristics like lighter chassis material, stronger tyres with greater pressure, better aerodynamics, and a smaller fuel tank helps a hybrid car be more efficient and save money on petrol, contributing to reduced usage of fossil fuels.

3. Hybrid cars make little to no noise:
Among ecologically sustainable automobiles, hybrid vehicles occupy centre stage. They are known for being extremely quiet in urban traffic circumstances, in addition to emitting less pollution. They may be able to lessen urban noise pollution as a result of this. You might not hear anything at all if a hybrid car drives down the street. It’s that swift and silent!

4. Recycled material goes into the making of hybrid cars:
To build automobile components, hybrid car manufacturers blend automotive eco-plastic with regular plastic. This is not only environmentally beneficial but also cost-effective. Its environmental impact is most apparent when looking at the overall effect of mass manufacturing rather than on a case-by-case basis.

5. Car battery production can be environment friendly:
Although hybrid automobiles do not contribute much to road pollution, the production of their batteries can be hazardous if done incorrectly. But the corporations are developing more environmentally friendly production lines to ensure minimum pressure on the planet.

Also, suppose you compare the carbon emission caused by the production of batteries to the carbon emission of cars running on fossil fuels in the longer run. In that case, hybrid vehicles prove to be more sustainable.

Finals Thoughts
Despite being still a relatively new technology, Hybrid vehicles will only get more advanced and sustainable as time goes on. Moreover, as the pollution created by ICE cars becomes a more significant problem, hybrids provide a rational option for a cleaner future.
Like traditional cars are subject to mandatory insurance in our country, hybrid vehicles are no exception. They need to have a motor insurance too. So if you're planning to join this electric revolution happening in our nation, have thorough research on the best car insurance online that provides an insurance cover to your next hybrid vehicle.

Click HERE to know the best car insurance online.

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.

Imagine how you would feel while returning to your parked car and finding it dented out of nowhere. You went to your neighbourhood store for some groceries; that was enough to ruin your day as well as harm your pockets, right? Unfortunately, hit and run parking scenarios are the frequent incidents to be noticed around.

The driver's fleeing with no apology or contact note is the least you can expect to worsen your situation. Such incidents might result in a reactive scenario as well. Here is the guide to help you handle such a situation, considering all the factors and possibilities.

The first step
Note the incident in detail. You may or may not have a witness around or any CCTV camera present always. So, take the notes—the time, date, day, damage level, surrounding, etc. Also, take pictures of the damage/dent/scratch caused to your car.

Inform the cops
After the incident, if the damage is severe, it is essential to follow the legalities and inform the police. Report it to police and solve the incident peacefully. This will also help you get your insurance claim depending on the severity level. Sometimes, a personal injury is likely to happen if you are present in the car at the time of the incident.

Search for the accused driver
A well-mannered driver would always be present at the spot till you return and get it resolved. Or least leave a detailed apology note after such an incident with the contact details. But it's rare to find such. That is why it makes it 'Hit and run,' because people tend to leave the spot irresponsibly out of fear. You may hunt the accused driver either by asking the witnesses about it or watching the CCTV footage if available.

Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance company immediately and register your complaint. Even if you don't have details of the driver who damaged your car or any CCTV footage to prove it, your insurance policy may still save your costs and help you recover damage. Hence, it's always helpful to have a vehicle insurance policy. While many people don’t calculate such risks and ignore the features of a good car insurance policy, get an online car insurance policy that provides financial cover for such damages.

Now you would question what if the driver fled? Will your car get covered in such a situation? Yes, you will get the claim! If the offender runs away from the accident spot without informing or compensating for your loss, then you can contact your insurance company. There are two types of coverage provided by insurance companies.

a. Uninsured motorist/driver coverage
This claim is possible when the person who hit your car is uninsured. Additionally, this is applicable for physical injury, so don’t claim it if there is no human presence in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

b. Coverage of collision
This coverage is a super shield. Regardless of who was at fault, this covers all the compensations for your car accident. You just need to prove that your car suffered a loss due to an unfortunate incident, and that’s it; you get the claim.

On a conclusive note, try to engage with the witnesses. Once in a while, everyone faces such incidents, so remain calm and follow the legal procedures. Consider the opposite person's explanation and look at the whole picture of the accident.

And, the good news! You will be compensated in every possible way if you have a low-risk driving profile and a good insurance policy for your car. So, check online car insurance policy features and see if it provides a comprehensive cover for your vehicle.

Click HERE to learn about the best insurance plans to protect your car.

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.

Buying a used vehicle has taken centre stage as people believe that second hand vehicles are not a bad investment. A well maintained second hand car saves you a lot of money, gives you the same satisfaction as a new car, and keeps providing quality transportation for many years at a much reduced rate.

Did you know that a new car loses 11% of its value on the way home? And significant vehicle depreciation occurs in the first few years of use. But with a used car, the bulk of depreciation has already happened!

Here is the catch; tons of pre-owned vehicles are available in the market, and narrowing down the best deals is rather complicated when you do not have enough knowledge. So, to save your time and money, here are 7 common mistakes you should avoid when buying a used car.

1. Not enough research:
Do not rely on the car dealer blindly about everything. Before you take a decision to buy a car:
• Note down your requirements
• Figure out what things are non-acceptable to you
• Decide what model and price fit best to your needs

2. Not having the test driving:
Test drive is your chance to inspect the car’s condition thoroughly. Check the engine noise, brake, clutch control, steering components, gearbox, air conditioning, and how comfortable you are when in the driving seat. It is better to ask a car expert friend to accompany you for the test drive. And do not make the mistake of taking a short test drive; this is your time to feel the vehicle and help you make the right decision.

3. Ignoring the online reviews:
They are there to help you buy a perfect vehicle. Though every business receives a few negative comments, only if there are consistently bad reviews about a dealership or a car model, think twice before buying it.

4. Not getting it checked by a mechanic:
Remember always to get a professional’s second opinion. Please do not pay for the car you are interested in unless you get your trusted mechanic to verify your choice. Otherwise, you might find many unpleasant surprises down the road.

5. Skip reading the car documents and paperwork:
Agreed, this is the most tedious part of buying a car, but diligently checking the paperwork will help you understand the whole process. You will also be aware of the perks provided by the dealer, which you can take advantage of! Also, proofreading all the documents will ensure the trust factor and the authenticity of the car and the previous owner.

6. Relying on appearance:
It is essential to understand that a car’s performance is the main factor determining its overall condition. Sure, a good-looking car will make a good impression on the people around you, but it is not hard to paint your vehicle and add a few accessories to make it look polished and new. Instead of relying on external factors and aesthetics, focus on the car’s performance to decide the value for money.

7. Not asking about the history:
Ask whether any car parts were changed, or major repair work was performed on the car. Please do not trust the dealer’s word here as they might trick you into buying a car with a bad history. It is crucial to confirm whether the vehicle was involved in an accident or holds any other concerning history.

Buying a used car means no excessive fees or tons of paperwork, plus the lower car insurance renewal. And you still get to buy a certified and thoroughly inspected vehicle. Also, along with your RC documents, ensure that the dealer transfers the insurance in your name too by checking the car insurance renewal status.

Buying pre-owned cars is not a luxury asset, instead an opportunistic investment done for fulfilling dreams. So go for the best deal for your driving experience!

Are you buying a used car? HERE is everything you need to know about car 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.

Whether you're looking to purchase your first pickup vehicle, minivan or heavy-duty truck, there are several aspects to consider beforehand. The process of buying a commercial vehicle can be daunting for first-time customers. An excellent place to start is to gain enough basic knowledge about trucks to understand how they will meet your requirements. In contrast, existing truck owners should focus on increasing the benchmark performance of their present fleet.

If you fall in either of the categories, here are some pointers to help you while buying a commercial vehicle.

1. Research your way into it:
Regardless of your level of knowledge about commercial vehicles, most showrooms would be happy to assist you. However, doing some comprehensive research as part of the purchase process will help you better understand commercial vehicles before going to a dealer.
Talk to people in your known circle who own commercial vehicles. Find out what goes into daily and long-term maintenance, and get details about performance and cost. Read through buyer reviews and do plenty of research online.
This may appear a tedious task, but buying a commercial vehicle is a significant investment. If you go for the wrong product, it can cost your company in the longer run.

2. To help you make a better decision, ask yourself these questions:

What kind of chassis am I looking for?
Chassis is your vehicle's structural backbone. Fuel will be wasted if you use a chassis that is too large for your needs. On the other hand, a tiny chassis might cause your vehicle to get overloaded, requiring you to make additional trips, wasting time and fuel, and reducing efficiency.

How much power do I require?
When the vehicle obtains the best torque at a low engine speed, the overall fuel consumption is lower than when the engine is operating at maximum speed. So choose a vehicle with an engine designed to provide maximum torque at the speed at which the vehicle will primarily operate most of the time.

What type of tyres am I looking for?
Tyres support your truck in operating at its maximum design speed safely. When moving, they should provide as little resistance as possible. If your vehicle involves driving on high-speed routes, low-rolling-resistance tyres might be beneficial. For small trucks, remember that tyre maintenance is more important than tyre selection.

Which fuel will my truck need?
Although most commercial vehicles run on diesel, alternative options are gaining popularity due to growing fuel prices and environmental concerns. Hybrid electric engines can be helpful for trucks dealing with a large number of small deliveries.

An increase in fossil fuel prices may make these alternative fuels more tempting for your applications. Still, given the current market, you should do thorough research because these options have challenges, fewer refuelling or charging stations, to name one.

Purchasing a truck is a significant financial investment for anyone. A good vehicle can be your business's maker or breaker. It is an asset that needs regular servicing and maintenance to perform at its best. In addition to doing extensive online research for some valuable takeaways to buying a commercial vehicle, you also need to study online motor insurance that can provide financial cover to your vehicle against any mishap. While making the most impactful investment of your life, it is also crucial to get online motor insurance for your purchase to help you be carefree when it travels miles for your success.

To know more about online motor insurance plans for your next commercial vehicle, click HERE .

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.