GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Unlike old times, almost all car manufacturing companies are now producing new vehicles with both petrol and diesel variants. With it, the common misbelief of a petrol car being superior is also burning to the ground. The way diesel engines have advanced significantly poses a severe threat to their petrol rivals by being more efficient and economical.

But the debate remains as to whether to go for a petrol or diesel model. Allow us to clear it out for you quickly. Here are the 5 major aspects to compare both the options, and let’s view the results.

1. Performance:
If you are a power enthusiast looking deeply into car performance other than anything, remember that a car’s performance is mainly affected by the amount of weight it carries. However, both petrol and diesel cars offer specific power. For example, if you like instant pick up, a petrol car will impress you better. On the other hand, a diesel car will amaze you with the sudden thrust despite the slow start. So, out of the two variants, decide what suits you better.

2. Prices:
Diesel models are generally more expensive than their petrol rivals, and so is their maintenance cost. Do not let the fuel prices confuse you with the car prices. Although diesel as a fuel is cheaper than petrol in our country, the cars sell at a higher price. It's on you to decide whether to pay more for your car one time or more for your fuel every time.

3. Maintenance expenses:
Do diesel models require a higher maintenance cost? That no longer stands true for every case. Although maintaining a diesel vehicle is still more expensive than a petrol vehicle, it has become comparatively affordable than earlier. It even varies between the different classes of the car and the brand.

4. Fuel-efficiency:
This is something to consider later in all the aspects mentioned earlier. Mileage for diesel vehicles is one of the sole reasons for people to choose them over petrol vehicles. A diesel car will run more kilometres in the same litres of fuel than a petrol car. So, in terms of fuel efficiency, diesel cars are clearly the prize winner.

5. Fuel costs:
India has always had diesel at a reduced price than petrol owing to the subsidies. Although the price gap has reduced continuously in almost all states, this is still a fact. Hence, diesel is cheaper than petrol, with diesel vehicles having a better mileage than the latter. Therefore, despite the initial higher charges, it is proved that a diesel car is affordable after all.

Owning a car is a luxury in itself; hence ensure to get the one most suited to your expectations. Regardless of what type of car you buy, decide it after assessing the running cost, the duration you want to retain it and resell value it brings to you. And when you finally make a purchase, do not forget to buy new car insurance as made mandatory by the laws. Apart from choosing the best vehicle variant, you also need to buy new car insurance for a financial safety net if the unexpected occurs.

To buy new car insurance for your car, 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.

No one likes to think about the possibility of their vehicle being in an accident, but knowing what to do when it happens, helps you a lot. According to a survey, almost 77% of drivers have been in at least one accident during their lifetime. Thus, as per the facts, your chances of getting into a car accident during a 1,000-mile trip are 1 in 366.

After a car crash, your immediate response is to ensure everyone's safety and get medical attention even if the injuries seem minor to you. The immediate aftermath of an accident is quite stressful, and not knowing what should be your next step only adds to the stress.

Therefore, it is time you learn what to do when your car gets totaled post an accident.

After the accident, when you inform your insurance company about the incident to claim your insurance, the company may deem your car to be 'totaled'.

But, first, what exactly does 'a totaled car' mean?

• If the value of repairing the vehicle is more than the value of the car, pre-accident.

• If it can be dangerous to use the car again after the repair work.

Some companies cover the cost of towing the car. Few look after your rental car bills only for three days, whereas some might cover for an extended period. Different companies have different policies for the drivers. Therefore, it is better to be familiar with your private car insurance policy.

Now follow the given steps to claim your insurance settlement.

Step 1
Give your insurance company a call. Many companies have mobile applications where you can click images of the damage and post them, and an inspector will survey the specifics. But, when you think your car is totaled, it will take much more than a basic inspection to verify the damage.
Sometimes, there is not much visible damage, but some damaged parts of the car can cost much more than you anticipate. For this, you will have to trust your inspector to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle.

Step 2
Submit your application, policy details, and police report. Now, all companies have different documentation processes, and you must be sure to understand what papers you will need to submit precisely. Your settlement request would not proceed further unless the company has received all that it needs.

Step 3
Whether you own the vehicle or are leasing it, the insurance company will write a check to you, your lender, or the lease company. The amount of your total loss settlement will be the AVC, average cash value of your car, which depends on the following

• the current market value of your vehicle

• the condition of your car pre-accident as well as its mileage

• other features of the car such as leather seats, power windows etc.

Sometimes fortune turns harsh on us, and it becomes tough to accept the reality. Accidents can happen anytime, and it is rightly quoted that 'Accidents hurt, but not safety.' The recovery post a severe accident is never a peaceful process. Seeing your beloved car turn into crushed pieces of metal is an awful feeling. Don't wait for the worst to happen. Be prepared by buying private car insurance that assures you the complete assistance and compensation you expect during the tough times.

Need private car insurance? Click HERE to get the best insurance quotes.

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.

You may be spending every day driving around in your car but not well aware of its every feature. We can guarantee you that you have missed out on more than one feature of your car. But you have got nothing to worry about as we have you covered.

Failing to notice each of your car’s features is quite common and happens to all of us. The reason could be because it is not in your direct vision or sometimes, we are just too caught up to notice it. People are not familiar with these high-tech vehicles yet, and it is understandable.

Allow us to introduce you to these amusing features that you probably overlooked.

1. A trunk that doesn’t require you to use your hands: Some new cars have these sensors that automatically unlock and open the trunk when you wave your palm in front of a sensor or detect your smart key in your pocket.

2. Extra storage space: Few cars come with hidden storage under the passenger seats or beneath the foot space.

3. Rearview mirror that dips: The rearview mirror has adjustable settings to keep you from blinding by headlight glare? To switch between “day” and “night” settings, you only have to utilize the tab below the mirror.

4. Sensors for lane centering: Another feature of self-driving technology works based on a camera installed behind the windshield to scan lane lines and alarm you if you go out of the lane.

5. Hooks for hanging things: Also called the takeaway hooks, these are commonly located near the headrests and above the rear doors. You will also find spaces to hang your shopping bags if you look closely.

6. Fuel-efficient body frames: Some cars feature aluminium frames instead of steel bodies to reduce their weight. It makes the car more fuel-efficient as it increases the speed and eventually improves the mileage.

7. Magic seats: This seat system allows you to fold the passenger seat entirely to increase your boot space.

8. Colour-coded cables: Many modern-day cars come with different colour cables in the hood so the driver can quickly know what to look for between maintenance. The oil cap, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid cables are all colour-coded for convenience.

9. Amplified soundproofing: Accelerometers fitted on the vehicle detect the motions and vibrations that generate noise. Then the Bose RNC technology sends a cancellation signal directly to the car’s sound system.

10. ESD: It stands for Electronic Stability Control. This feature automatically applies the car’s brakes to regulate a turn in tight corners or bad weather.

These are the top ten overlooked yet valuable features of newly produced cars that we accumulated for you. So, acquaint yourself with all the fantastic features of your vehicle and make your driving more comfortable and hassle-free than ever.

As much as it is fun to discover your car’s crazy features, it is crucial to look after its protection. Overlooking your car’s functions may not be a big deal, but ignoring your car insurance renewal is. Do not forget to keep your car insurance renewal on time to avoid interruption in receiving the policy’s benefits in terms of safety during the time of mishaps.

To buy or renew car insurance online, 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.

The craze of upgrading the look and feel of bikes has been a massive attraction, especially for the youth. These modifications are mainly made on the aesthetics or performance of the bike. However, people spend hefty amounts to get these modifications without considering their influence on the vehicle's insurance premium.

Also, know that not every modification is for looks and performance; some are for ensuring security. So, the question remains, how do all these modifications affect the insurance premium?

Below, we've explained all the types of modifications and their effect on your vehicle insurance premiums.

1. Modifications aimed at performance enhancement:
All bikers seek greater performance from their motorcycles. Whether it's a small or large modification, most of them enjoy altering things that they feel would considerably improve the performance of their bikes. Changes are done for faster acceleration, better handling, and effective braking.
Typically, insurance companies view such bike modifications as 'risky,' as more incredible speed increases the likelihood of an accident. As a result, they charge a higher premium for bike insurance.

2. Modifications aimed at aesthetics improvement:
Aesthetic changes improve your bike's visual appeal and give it a distinct appearance. For example, you may customize your bike by changing its colour, altering the seat cover, adding fibre components to bulk up the bike, or adjusting the headlights to make it look sporty. These upgrades come with an increased danger of your bike being stolen. As a result, the cost of your insurance premium may shoot up.

3. Modifications aimed at security:
Not all bike upgrades raise the value of the bike. Security upgrades might help you save money on your bike insurance premiums. Such changes are to reduce the likelihood of bike theft. Increasing the security of your bike with sensors, locks, and other such equipment can help you save money on your bike insurance.
Insurance companies provide discounts for installing anti-theft systems because they perceive it as a deterrent to theft. As a result, it is a win-win situation for both the insurer and the insured. To get benefits on your bike insurance rate, make sure you only install gadgets that have been certified by the Automotive Research Association of India.

4. Modifications aimed for specially abled persons:
If a rider is differently abled, his bike will be modified to accommodate his impairment, thereby allowing him to ride more comfortably and conveniently. There are no additional fees for such modifications. Instead, the insurance provider offers a discount to make these modifications.

Several factors influence the premium amount whenever you modify your bike. As a result, you must notify your insurer of any changes while purchasing bike insurance online or physically.

We all want to make our bike unique by personalizing it. However, before you make major changes to increase its appearance and worth, you may seek clearance from the ARAI and RTO about all the modifications. As previously indicated, modifications made for safety purposes will not raise insurance premiums, but those made for aesthetic reasons can be pricey. When purchasing or renewing bike insurance online, make sure to inform the insurer of any changes to avoid any hassles at the time of claim settlements.

Click HERE to get the best two-wheeler insurance for your modified bikes.

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.