A car insurance is an important part of the process of buying the car from start. And a vehicle inspection is a crucial part of car insurance. Hence, it deserves special focus. It is done initially at the time of buying the policy and at the time of renewal of the same policy.
While at the time of buying the policy along with the car, the process is merely a formality. However, at the time of renewal, it can give you trouble. Since, your car is older, its condition can be far from what it was when you bought it. This means that your coverage, benefits, and terms of the policy might have tobe different too.
However, there are only a few scenarios under which the vehicle needs to be inspected during car insurance renewal. Hence, to help you understand the process better, we will take you through these scenarios and what role vehicle inspection plays during renewal of the policy.
Scenarios in which you must go through car inspection during policy renewal
Failing to renew policy before due date
Every policy has an expiration date. If your policy expires before you make your next premium payment, your insurance plan lapses and your coverage becomes null and void. If that happens trying to restore your coverage will require a car inspection.
Switching policies
As any financially sound individual would do, you may always be on the lookout for better coverage for an affordable price. If you find another option at the time of policy renewal, you may have to go through car inspection again. Moreover, a car inspection is not necessary while buying a third-party liability plan.
However, if you choose to switch to a comprehensive plan, the insurer will inspect your car thoroughly.
Switching providers
If you do not like the service and coverage that your current insurance provider offers, renewal serves as a great opportunity to switch to another. However, a new provider will surely inspect your car before renewing your policy.
Policy transfer
If you end up buying a second-hand vehicle, the car’s ownership and its insurance policy is transferred to you. You can either cancel the policy or you can continue with it. Either way, the insurance provider will inspect the car before transferring the policy in your name.
What does car inspection include?
A car inspection is a thorough check of the car’s condition and its credentials. Hence, before your car is physically checked, the insurance provider will check your name, driver’s license, coverage applicable, policy number, among other things. The purpose of this inspection is ensuring that your car is legally sound. Here are some things included in the car inspection:
Car exterior
After your documents have been checked, the insurance provider will authorize a mechanic to examine your car. He/she will check your license plates, windows, and windshields. Your doors and wiper blades will also be examined to ensure they are not damaged. Other parts that are checked include blinkers, exterior lights, and bumpers.
Car interior
Your car might look fresh and new on the outside, but the car’s interior is a different story. While damage to the outside of the car may not necessarily cause much harm, damage to its interior can hamper with the driving capability of the vehicle. Hence, the insurance provider will examine interior components of your car like steering wheel, horn, gearbox, brakes, seatbelts, etc.
Engine
The engine is the most important part of the car. Hence, once the interiors and exteriors have been thoroughly checked, the insurer will have your engine checked for any leaks or other types of damage. The inspection involves examining the exhaust, fuel tank, transmission system, battery, coolants, etc. in addition to checking the functioning of the engine.
