Is It Worth Filing A Claim For A Minor Dent?

It is always sensible to weigh whether the damage is worth filing a car insurance claim for or is it smarter to wait for another claim-free year.Many of the minor auto-related issues like scratches, door and bumper dents caused by minor car accidents or unforeseen natural disasters can be fixed without costing you big bucks.Reliance General Insurance brings you a check-list of common car problems and their surprisingly simple solutions.

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Chip on my Windshield

Chips are one of the most common types of damage on your car. Sooner or later, most windshields get hit by a pebble or stone that might cause a small chip or crack. However minor, it is potentially dangerous if it is in the same line of the driver’s vision, and also results in emphasizing glare on the glass.

Small chips are easy to repair. If you are far away from the city, the first thing to do is to put some clear plastic tape over the crack to keep away dust, mud, and bird droppings as these later interfere with the repair. Then tend to the crack as soon as possible.



A long scratch on my car body

This is by far the most common nuisance faced by everybody, more so if your car is parked outside the building. You can of course choose to ignore the marks, provided you rub your finger gently over the scratch and cannot feel any great depression.

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If only the surface clear coat is blemished, a gentle polish can hide it perfectly. However, for a deep scratch, painting is the only way to make it less noticeable. Of course, you can try out your painting skills with the nearest matching fingernail polish available in your home, or better to take it to the nearest garage.



Dent on my car!!!

For just a mere dent with no serious damage, the best idea and advice is to get it fixed, rather than file a claim. Do remember not to try doing it yourself as it may make it worse! Take your car to the nearest garage and pay out-of-pocket for the removal of the dent.
In most cases, it is advisable to cover the cost out of pocket and not filing a claim for the same, because fixing a dent costs less than your car insurance deductible.



How can I avoid getting dents in my car?

Following some simple rules will help you to avoid dents as much as possible. When parking your car, try to look for an area with little traffic.Be a polite parker when you do need to park next to someone and always keep a safe distance always from the next car.
Try opening your door carefully and giving yourself enough room to do so while parking since you do not want to dent someone else’s car and yours at the same time.

Watch the weather report. If it looks like a storm is brewing, keep your vehicle sheltered. Keeping your vehicle in a garage is always a good idea even during the day if not travelling.

Avoid gravel road and roads covered with rocks as they speak of trouble when it comes to dents on vehicles. Rocks and gravel can chip paint and cause scratches as well.



My Car is dotted with Stubborn Sap

Do not fret if you are unable to wash the stain with normal soap and water. There is a simple yet magical solution to this. Pour a drop of rubbing alcohol directly on the sap spot, rub with your fingertips, and watch the marks disappear. No need to rinse, either. The alcohol will evaporate.



Let go of smaller claims

Never rush to make a claim for every small dent on your car. You are entitled to a no-claim bonus (NCB) for every claim-free year. If you don't make any claim on your car insurance policy for a few years, the NCB can reduce your premium cost by as much as 50%. Many a times, it has been seen that what you spend on repairs in the garage could be less than the amount you stand to lose as no-claim bonus.


Article Source: https://www.reliancegeneral.co.in/insurance/articles/year-2012/December/reduce-car-insurance-premuim-with-no-claim-bonus.aspx

Five myths about auto insurance

There are many factors that play an important role in deciding your auto insurance premium amount. While most of the determinants are commonly considered by different insurance providers, some may differ. However, in the process to understand these factors, you my often come across some common beliefs about auto insurance, which are nothing but myths.

At the time of buying an auto insurance, it is important to know about the things that decide the price of your policy and it is equally important to differentiate between fact and fiction?

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Below are some common myths about auto insurance -

 

Myth – 1: The colour of your vehicle decides the cost of auto insurance policy

One of the most common believes is that colour of  your car is one of the deciding factor of your car insurance premium. In addition, the notion that red cars cost more to insure. However, the fact remains that, atleast till now, your insurance premium does not directly depend on colour of your car. 

Your auto insurance premium is broadly based on the make, model, body type, engine size, the age of the vehicle, but probably not the colour of your vehicle. Your auto insurance premium may also depend on the age, driving record and credit history of the driver. The other factors that shall act as deciding factors for the price of your policy are the repair cost of your car, its safety record and the anti-theft provisions for it. Almost all insurance providers offer discounts for features that lowers the risk of injuries or theft.

Myth – 2: Your car insurance rate is independent of your credit score

Your credit score gives an idea about your financial stability and management. There might be possibilities that many insurance companies may consider your credit score before offering you a car insurance.

Myth – 3: The minimum amount of liability auto insurance, mandatory by law, is sufficient

Nowadays having auto insurance is compulsory in most of the countries. Thereby, the myth states that having only the minimum amount of auto insurance, as mandated by law, is sufficient.

However, factually, because accidents cost more, you will require more liability insurance than what has been mandated by law. In case of accidents, it has been often observed that many people opt for only minimum required amount of auto liability insurance and end up paying more out of their pocket.  

 

Myth – 4: Someone else driving your car will be covered under his/her auto insurance, in case of an accident

Many believe that your insurance policy will cover only you and your car or a third party. However, there are policies which offer coverage for drivers who are not owners. Therefore, if your policy has such a cover then even if your car is been driven by someone else, in the event of an accident he/she shall get cover under your policy. The losses incurred during this event by your vehicle too shall be covered by your insurance policy. Therefore, do not let anyone drive your car if you are not familiar with his/her driving record.

 

Myth 5 – Private auto insurance policy covers both personal & business use of your car

Your private car insurance will cover you only for your personal usage and not business. If you use your car for business purpose, you will require a passenger carrying vehicle insurance or goods carrying vehicle insurance.

Article Source: http://www.reliancegeneral.co.in/insurance/Car-Info/Five-myths-about-auto-insurance.aspx

Log on to internet to get best automobile insurance quotes

Of the long list of nearly 20 car companies in India, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are leading the league. Competition between these two is such that often one can see if Maruti launches a new model for a particular segment of market, sooner or later, Hyundai is seen following the trail; and vice-versa.
In 2012, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Maruti Alto, Maruti Wagon R, Hyndai i10, Hyundai Eon, Hyundai i20, etc were among the best selling cars in India.

(pic courtesy:goaonwheels.com)

Generally, these cars are owned by middle grade families in India, thus making a large number. These cars are known for best services and pick-ups. So much so that one will often find these brands on highways or even the foothills of the Himalayas. Someone who loves and enjoys driving will always prefer a car which he/she can take for long trips as well. They are very particular about having a good car.

It is indeed important to buy a good car for better mileage, pick-up, etc services; and it is equally important to have a good automobile insurance for the car you buy.   Today, with fast paced technology, buying a good automobile insurance policy has become easier and faster through the medium of internet. One can buy his/her automobile insurance online with just a single click of the mouse!

Many insurance companies offer online automobile insurance plans, which are instantly issued through internet. The online medium offers various automobile insurance quotes, hence, gives you an option of choosing the best policy which meets your requirement. Automobile insurance quotes vary from company to company. Similarly, the benefits covered under a car insurance also differ.

Most of the insurance companies will provide you with 'Quick Quote' page on their websites. In this page, you would need to share some specific details such as your name, address, mobile number, email id, city, car model, manufacturing year, registration date, etc. Once you have shared these details, you will get a quote instantly. As stated earlier, this 'auto insurance quote' will be different for different company, thus, you will have to make your choice comparing these quotes and your needs.

An automobile insurance is valid for the period of a year. After this tenuer, you need to renew your motor insurance policy. The same facility is also available over internet. At the time of renewal , if you haven't filed any claim to the insurance company, you can apply for a no-claim bonus and enjoy a reduced rate of the premium in the renewed automobile insurance.

Primary factors that decide your premium are - IDV of the car, cubic capacity, zone of registration and age of your car.

Reliance General Insurance is among the top private players which offers online automobile insurance policy - Reliance Private Car Insurance Policy. Automobile insurance policies can be both comprehensive and third party cover only.

Article Source: http://www.reliancegeneral.co.in/insurance/Car-Info/Log-on-to-internet-to-get-best-automobile-insurance-quotes.aspx