Car insurance and inspection – things you should know

15 May 2019

Owning a car has become very easy these days thanks to car loans. It is also the best kind of vehicle that takes care of the transportation needs of your family members. But when you buy a car, you should also ensure you purchase a good car insurance policy that offers comprehensive coverage. Also, there will be times when you would have to submit your car for inspection to your insurance provider. Here’s all you need to know about car insurance inspection and everything related to it.

When is vehicle inspection required?

There are several different scenarios that call for the inspection of your vehicle by your insurance provider. They are as under:

• Failure to renew insurance policy on time: If you do not renew your insurance policy before it expires, your policy can lapse. If the policy is not renewed before its expiration date, the insurance provider may ask you to bring your car for inspection.

• Switching between insurance policies: Typically, you do not need to get your car inspected if you hold a third party liability insurance policy. However, should you choose to switch from the aforementioned insurance policy to a comprehensive insurance policy; your car requires inspection before a premium amount is determined.
• Switching between insurance providers: If, you are unhappy with your current insurance provider, and find a policy/company that better suits your needs; you can switch the insurance provider. However, you have to complete the vehicle inspection formalities.
• Accidental claims: In the event that your car is in an accident and you are filling a claim, then car insurance inspection becomes mandatory. The insurer assesses the damages endured by the vehicle to determine the compensation amount.
• Policy transfer: If you purchase a second hand car, you have to transfer both, the vehicle and the insurance policy in the name of the new owner. The new owner can either cancel the existing policy or continue with it, but he must submit the car for inspection.
• Add on riders: If you purchase add-on riders on your existing car insurance policy such as anti-theft devices or a CNG kit for instance, you need to get your car inspected.

Verification of vehicle and driver insurance:

Before insurance providers begins to physically assess the actual vehicle, they prefer to verify the details of the policy holder – his name, driver’s license, policy number, vehicle insured and coverage applicable under the policy. This inspection is done to ensure that the vehicle is legally covered and the insurance is up-to-date.

The exterior of the car:

After checking the documents, the insurance provider brings on a car mechanic to examine the car, beginning with the interiors. The license plates and windows are inspected and the windshield is checked for possible cracks. The mechanic also examines the doors and wiper-blades to ensure there is no damage. The blinkers, exterior lights and bumpers are also checked.

The interior of the car:

An article on what is checked in a car inspection cannot be completed unless we make a mention of the car’s interiors. The insurance company’s mechanic examines various elements such as the steering wheel and column, the horn and its sound, the brakes, brake pads, brake pedal and parking brake. Your seatbelt is also checked to see if there is any wear and tear.

The interior of the car:

An article on what is checked in a car inspection cannot be completed unless we make a mention of the car’s interiors. The insurance company’s mechanic examines various elements such as the steering wheel and column, the horn and its sound, the brakes, brake pads, brake pedal and parking brake. Your seatbelt is also checked to see if there is any wear and tear.

The car’s engine:

Once the exterior and interiors are checked, the engine is also examined for any damages or leaks. The car’s exhaust, fuel, battery, transmission, emission systems and coolants are also checked along with the engine.

Chassis

This is the final check required where the insurance provider’s mechanics will check for shocks, axles, coil springs and the frame of the car.

Final words:

As you can see, it is very important to renew your car insurance on time. Failure to do so, results not only in you having to forfeit your no-claims bonus and discounts on premiums, but also of having to go through the entire vehicle inspection for insurance procedure which can be quite time-consuming.