Sunday, 3 September 2017

Tips and tricks to choose the best car insurance plan for yourself

While buying a car, you do an extensive research on which car should be bought as you don’t want to go wrong with this decision. Then why does it happen that insuring your car is left on the discretion of your insurance agent? He suggests you a plan and without a second thought, you insure your car without knowing the minute details which can help you save quite a few bucks and get you the same cover at subsidized rates. Also, insurance is compulsory for every vehicle which runs on Indian roads as per “The Motor Vehicles Act”.

Few tricks and tips if you are aware of can give you some of the best deals while insuring your car. Let us have a look at it in detail.
Pay small claims from own pockets
Often it happens that your car is slightly damaged and its repairs might cost you a small amount. Such expenses should not be claimed from the insurance company as it will impact your no claim bonus.
Transfer your No claim bonus
No claim bonus is a reward in the form of discount offered by the insurance company to the person holding the policy for driving safely and making no claims throughout the year. This benefit is transferable from one car to another of the same owner. So, if you happen to buy a new car and sell off your old car, do not forget to get your NCB transferred on your new car. This can substantially reduce your premium.
Install anti-theft devices
Anti-theft devices like a GPS vehicle tracker or electronic immobilizers. However, these Anti-theft devices should be approved by the ARAI i.e. Automobile Research Association of India. Insurance companies provide a discount of 2.5% on the premium if the car has inbuilt anti-theft devices.
Opt for deductibles
You can avail voluntary deductibles in which if you claim any expense, a fixed amount will be paid from your pocket and the balance will be reimbursed by the insurance service provider. Voluntary deductibles offer a discount on the premiums.
Renew car insurance before due date
Do not forget to renew your car insurance. Make a reminder of the due date and make payment before the due date to avoid unnecessary issues. Suppose, you fail to pay a premium on time, the policy might lapse and to renew the policy is equivalent to getting a new one. Your vehicle might be inspected again, the IDV will be calculated in a revised manner and the premiums could also be inflated.
Buy car insurance online
Now, you can compare the plans offered by various insurance companies and opt for the one which fits your need the best. Websites offer you all round the clock customer assistance and help you evaluate the options available in the insurance market. Also, great discounts are offered to buy online as it eliminates insurance agent commissions and extensive paper work. Buying a policy online provides you a great deal at a click of the mouse.
Do not forget the fine prints
Many times, the low premiums are tempting for people to buy a plan without reading the fine prints in entirety. Remember to read the terms and conditions before buying a plan. It might involve an investment of a little more time but it will be worth in the long run.
With the evolving technology, you can now buy almost everything under the sun be it gold, property, grocery, insurance with the help of internet. It only demands to be careful and knowledgeable about the purchase you wish to make. With the help of above tips and tricks, you can ensure your car at cheap premiums with all the desired features.


Friday, 1 September 2017

Top #5 Ways to Cut Your Car Insurance Premium

While I was way too excited to drive my new car, I was well aware of the additional obligations coming my way. Knowing that insurance is mandatory while driving on Indian roads, I decided to insure my car as soon as I get the possession of my car. However, with an ongoing EMI for home and car, household expenses and children’s education cost, I wanted to buy a car insurance plan which will not pinch a big hole in my pocket. So, my basic aim was to buy a car insurance which can be cheap as well as best for me.

I spoke to one of my friend who is an expert in car insurance segment. He recommended me that there are few factors which can help me lower my car insurance premium. Let me explain you the top 5 factors which can help you reduce your car insurance premium considerably.
  1. Don’t make claims for small damages
  2. No claim bonus
  3. Opt for voluntary deductibles
  4. Policy renewal on time
  5. Ensure your car online
Don’t Make Claims for Small Damages
While driving you might have a small scratch the repairs of which might cost you a few thousands of rupees. Pay such small expenses from your own pockets so that you can avail the no claim bonus on your next premium.
No Claim Bonus
No claim bonus, commonly known as NCB, is a discount offered by the insurance company for driving safely and not claiming any bonus during the insured period. This bonus starts at 20% and can go up to a maximum of 50%. The NCB is transferable. Suppose, you are availing NCB for the past 2 years and you happen to buy a new car by selling the old one. You can transfer your NCB from your old car to the new car as it is a reward given for safe driving.
Opt for Voluntary Deductibles
Deductibles are the amount of loss (caused due to the vehicle being damaged) the policy holder will have to bear from his own pockets before making a claim with the insurance company. Ideally, there are 2 types of deductibles one is compulsory deductible and other is voluntary deductible. As the name goes, a compulsory deductible is mandatory and inbuilt with the policy. The voluntary deductible can opt at the will of the person buying car insurance. The insurance company provides a discount on premiums if you opt for voluntary deductibles.
Suppose you opt for a voluntary deductible of Rs.5,000, a discount of up to 25% can be availed on the premium. Your car is damaged due to an accident and expenses come to Rs.20,000/-. In such case, the insurance company will pay 14,500/- ( 20,000- 5000 {Voluntary Deductible} -500 {Compulsory deductible}.

Policy Renewal on Time
Renewing policies on time have its own set of advantages. First is you can claim the benefits of accumulated bonus and second is you don’t need to get your vehicle being inspected again. If your policy lapses, it is same to like buying a new policy with the premium being calculated again and the vehicle being inspected.
Ensure Your Car Online
Online buying of insurance is trending these days. You can compare plans of the various insurance company and select the one which suits you the best. 24/7 customer assistance, hassle free, paperless and convenient is some of the benefits of buying online. Also, you can get great discounts at the time of buying the insurance plan.
Above points when looked upon carefully can ensure you get the best suitable car insurance plan. After getting my new car, I insured my car at some great discounts. You should also take the above points into account before insuring your car.  

Source: Top #5 Ways to Cut Your Car Insurance Premium