- Date : 21/05/2018
- Read: 4 mins
Check the below pointers to avoid any hassles in your car insurance policy when relocating
Relocation has become a common occurrence nowadays. People are moving to different cities for work opportunities and personal reasons. It involves a new place, a new home and a new social circle. But, there are some important changes to consider when you move. For example, relocation affects your car insurance policy if you are taking your car with you. So, here is a checklist to help with relocating your car insurance as well.
Changing the registration
If you are planning to stay in a new state for less than a year, you do not need a new registration number. But in case, you are moving to a different state permanently, or for more than a year, you might need to re-register your vehicle with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). Before applying, you must show a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current RTO. There are specific charges applicable in the process of re-registration such as road tax, octroi charges, etc.
Related: How to save money while renewing motor insurance
- Intimating the insurance company
While changing car registration details, inform your car insurance provider.
There are two reasons for this:
- One, your insurance provider requires your car’s registration number. This number is in the policy document. You need to communicate any change to the company. Otherwise, it will create problems at the time of making a claim. Your actual registration details and the details with the insurer should match. Only then will a quick claim settlement be possible.
- Two, update your address details. So, any communication sent by the insurance company can reach you without delay. So, inform the insurer of the change of registration number and the change of address.
Related: Mr. Apte, Ms. Sharma, & Mr. Iyer - The story of their car insurance [Infographic]
Car insurance premiums are calculated based on your location. Suppose you move to a metro or a city with a higher risk of accidents, then your premiums might increase. So, when you move, recalculate the premium of your car insurance policy. Pay the differential premium, if any.
Related: Don't break your head. Here's all you need to know about vehicle depreciation
- Review your coverage
When you move, your coverage needs might change. Your new location may be flood-prone in the monsoons. Increase the scope of your car insurance to protect against such problems.
Many coverage options are available at an extra premium, such as an engine protect add-on. This covers engine damage due to water-logging. So, review your coverage and choose suitable add-ons based on your location.
Related: Driving without these documents could cause you a lot of problems
- Find out the preferred garages
Familiarise yourself with network garages in the new city. Cashless claim settlement is possible only if repairs are done at a preferred garage. Thus, find out the list of preferred garages in your new locality. You will know where to take your car in case of any damage and avail cashless repairs.
Related: How Car Insurance Rates were Affected in 2017
Consider a different insurance provider
You might want to change your insurance company, especially when moving to another state. This is because your premium rate could vary depending on whether you live in a metro or non-metro city. You could also get extended coverage at a lower rate of premium, which will work in your favour. Additionally, if one car insurer is more popular in one state as opposed to another, it might be easier to commute and approach them for any queries, issues or claims.
You would have accumulated some No Claim Bonus (NCB) in your policy. You can transfer your NCB by obtaining an NCB certificate from your existing insurer. Submit this to the new one. Your new policy will have the NCB intact. If you are changing insurers along with your city, it helps to know about the porting process.
Related: How to choose the right car insurance company?
To sum up
A new move is an adventure where you can expect the unexpected. However, when it comes to car insurance, know what to expect when you are relocating. Check the above pointers to avoid any hassles in your car insurance policy.
Relocation has become a common occurrence nowadays. People are moving to different cities for work opportunities and personal reasons. It involves a new place, a new home and a new social circle. But, there are some important changes to consider when you move. For example, relocation affects your car insurance policy if you are taking your car with you. So, here is a checklist to help with relocating your car insurance as well.
Changing the registration
If you are planning to stay in a new state for less than a year, you do not need a new registration number. But in case, you are moving to a different state permanently, or for more than a year, you might need to re-register your vehicle with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). Before applying, you must show a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current RTO. There are specific charges applicable in the process of re-registration such as road tax, octroi charges, etc.
Related: How to save money while renewing motor insurance
- Intimating the insurance company
While changing car registration details, inform your car insurance provider.
There are two reasons for this:
- One, your insurance provider requires your car’s registration number. This number is in the policy document. You need to communicate any change to the company. Otherwise, it will create problems at the time of making a claim. Your actual registration details and the details with the insurer should match. Only then will a quick claim settlement be possible.
- Two, update your address details. So, any communication sent by the insurance company can reach you without delay. So, inform the insurer of the change of registration number and the change of address.
Related: Mr. Apte, Ms. Sharma, & Mr. Iyer - The story of their car insurance [Infographic]
Car insurance premiums are calculated based on your location. Suppose you move to a metro or a city with a higher risk of accidents, then your premiums might increase. So, when you move, recalculate the premium of your car insurance policy. Pay the differential premium, if any.
Related: Don't break your head. Here's all you need to know about vehicle depreciation
- Review your coverage
When you move, your coverage needs might change. Your new location may be flood-prone in the monsoons. Increase the scope of your car insurance to protect against such problems.
Many coverage options are available at an extra premium, such as an engine protect add-on. This covers engine damage due to water-logging. So, review your coverage and choose suitable add-ons based on your location.
Related: Driving without these documents could cause you a lot of problems
- Find out the preferred garages
Familiarise yourself with network garages in the new city. Cashless claim settlement is possible only if repairs are done at a preferred garage. Thus, find out the list of preferred garages in your new locality. You will know where to take your car in case of any damage and avail cashless repairs.
Related: How Car Insurance Rates were Affected in 2017
Consider a different insurance provider
You might want to change your insurance company, especially when moving to another state. This is because your premium rate could vary depending on whether you live in a metro or non-metro city. You could also get extended coverage at a lower rate of premium, which will work in your favour. Additionally, if one car insurer is more popular in one state as opposed to another, it might be easier to commute and approach them for any queries, issues or claims.
You would have accumulated some No Claim Bonus (NCB) in your policy. You can transfer your NCB by obtaining an NCB certificate from your existing insurer. Submit this to the new one. Your new policy will have the NCB intact. If you are changing insurers along with your city, it helps to know about the porting process.
Related: How to choose the right car insurance company?
To sum up
A new move is an adventure where you can expect the unexpected. However, when it comes to car insurance, know what to expect when you are relocating. Check the above pointers to avoid any hassles in your car insurance policy.
