Choosing the Right Tyres to Keep Car Insurance Costs Low

How to Buy Car Tyres

Most people are not aware of how to choose the right tyres for their cars. Buying the correct tyres can save you from having to file a claim on your car insurance, and protect you and those travelling with you. Here are the salient points to keep in mind when buying tyres.

Tube vs Tube-less

Opt for tubeless tyres, since these are a lot safer than those with tubes. Tubeless ones are less prone to bursting, and also provide more cushion in case there is a puncture while the car is being driven. Tubeless tyres are more expensive than ones with tubes, but make up for it in terms of safety, which is important in terms of vehicle insurance.

Size

You can go for the same size as your original tyres, or you can decide to upsize your tyres. There are two decisions to make here.

a) The size will depend on the size of the rim. A larger rim will give you more maneuverability, but at the cost of ride quality and comfort.
b) The size of the tread can also be widened. Don’t go for an increase of more than 20mm in the width of the tread. A wider tread is appropriate if your car has a lot of horsepower, if you want to be able to drive fast or take fast corners. Don’t opt for a wider tread if you want to keep your steering light, you don’t want to disturb your fuel economy, and you frequently drive in peak traffic.

Rubber Compound Used in the Tire

The rubber compound determines the traction and tread life. The quality (or softness) of the rubber is directly proportional to the speed rating of your tyre and the amount of traction you will get, and inversely proportional to the tread life. The higher the speed rating, the better the grip provided by the tyre. The quality of the rubber also determines whether your car will screech when approaching the limits of traction, or just let out a faint sound. Having good traction can help protect against accidents and keep your motor insurance cost low.

Tire Load and Tread

Always buy a tire that can carry your car’s load. Make sure that the tread is appropriate for the kind of roads and weather you frequently encounter. Having a summer tread for driving in the snow can cause dangerous accidents and high car insurance costs.

Choose Car Insurance as a Responsible Vehicle Owner

Being a Responsible Vehicle Owner in an Indian Metro

Believe it or not, there is one death every four minutes due to a road accident in India. And several of them are either due to irresponsible driving or due to improper driving etiquette. Being a responsible car owner is not difficult really. It is just about adhering to the laws and norms, and being sensitive to the needs of other drivers on the road. And, of course, having car insurance is mandatory. We look at some other measures to undertake when driving on the Indian city roads.

Being a Responsible Driver in an Indian Metro

Some of the norms to adhere to include:

• Always follow the rules: Remember, rules are made for your safety and you need to follow them for ensuring a safe experience for yourself and your fellow drivers on the road. So, use a seat belt, keep your driving license updated and carry it with you, make a copy of your car registration papers and stock them in your dashboard. Carry a copy of your updated motor insurance policy as well. In case of accidents or any other problems, you may need to produce these documents to the traffic police.

• Follow Traffic Rules at all Times: Always resort to lane driving and never indulge in over speeding when driving through city roads. Remember, it is important to be patient. Never let road rage get the better of you. Many a times, the conflict could well get out of control. Make sure you obey the traffic lights too.

• Refrain from Distractions when Driving: It is important to maintain focus while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and refrain from distractions as much as possible. Be aware of your surroundings. Drive within the suggested speed limit in order to remain in perfect control of the vehicle.

• Keep Pollution in Check: It is important to carry out PUC checks periodically and seek a clearance certificate. You can easily track these PUC mobile vans down, at multiple locations along prominent roads. All it takes is a short stopover and you get a fresh certificate. Remember, this is how you can also do your bit for the planet you live in.

• Consider Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is well maintained, especially if you are using it on a daily basis. Take it to the service station for a complete checkup regularly. A well maintained vehicle also means reduced fuel consumption.

Owning a car is a pleasure and there is a lot more you can do apart from ensuring your car insurance is up to date. You need to be a responsible driver to ensure your own safety and the safety of others around you.

Things You Need to Know to Buy the Best Car Insurance Online

Top Things You Need to Know About Buying Car Insurance

You are required by law to buy insurance for your car. Not only should you be protected against theft and damages due to accidents or natural calamities, but also from third party liability (just in case you are liable to pay damages for injuring a third party during an accident). Read on to learn how to choose and buy the best car insurance online.

How is Premium Determined?

Your premium depends on the following factors:

a) City of registration and domicile: Premiums are higher for urban areas with dense populations, or for areas near highways.
b) Make and model of the car: Large vehicles such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs) or commercial vehicles have to pay higher premiums as they tend to have more claims made against them.
c) Fuel type (petrol or diesel): Generally diesel vehicles have a 10%-15% higher premium.
d) Age of the vehicle: For vehicles less than five years old, depreciation is applied based on the years of use to the ex-showroom price to find the Insured Declared Value (IDV). For vehicles older than five years, the market price is taken as the IDV.
e) Claims history: If the car owner has previously claimed an insurance payout, then the premium will be higher.
f) Driver history: The age and profession of the driver is taken into account. If the car has multiple drivers, the premium for that car’s insurance goes up.

How Can I Reduce My Premium?

When buying vehicle insurance online, compare the rates and coverage offered by the different insurance companies. Also, take into account the claim settlement ratio. You can then choose the cheapest one given the coverage offered, and you are all set for online car insurance.

a) Voluntary deductibles: If you volunteer to pay a certain deductible, or can settle small claims on your own without claiming insurance, the cost of the premium for your car’s insurance can be reduced.