Driving one’s car safely comes with a lot of perks. It not only is a question of great pride but will also allow the driver to enjoy discounts while purchasing or renewing a policy from the insurance company. A good driver can potentially save a lot of money over the years and with it gain some peace of mind!
What are the Possible Good Driver Discounts You Can Get?
No Claim Bonus
A No Claim Bonus is a discount on the premium that one avails for having a claim-free year. One can even say that this is a product of judicious and careful use of the vehicle. The NCB starts at a 20% discount for the first claim-free year and goes up to 50% for successive claim-free years. And the greatest advantage of having this is that it can be transferred to a new policy and the previous rates can be availed even at the time of renewal of a policy.
Discount on the premium while buying a new policy
A clean driving record due to safe driving translates to reduced risk to the car insurance company. With a low-risk factor, one can easily avail of discounts while purchasing a new policy.
How Can You be a Good Driver?
Know the road laws
Awareness and knowledge of the road laws is the first step toward being a good driver. There are many sources through which you can gain a basic, working understanding of road laws. Invest some time and effort into remembering these.
Drive with discipline
There is no use in simply knowing the laws, one has to put them into practice. Avoid getting traffic violation challans due to signal jumping, overspeeding, etc. In case you do end up getting one, pay the fine and challans on time. Do not overtake from the wrong side and cause a road hazard – avoid dangerous driving at all costs. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substances as it is a punishable offense that can get you landed in jail. Do not drive without a valid driver’s license.
Never lose focus from the road
Avoid using distracting gadgets while driving. Keep your focus on the road and do not engage in conversations that will take your focus away from the road. If there are children accompanying, you then ensure that they are engaged and not in a position to cause any trouble which can potentially lead to an accident.
Anticipate and plan
Take a defensive driver course in order to protect against at-fault accidents. Plan for the contingencies that might occur beforehand and be fully prepared. For example, one can keep a well-stocked medical emergency kit in the car or one can get airbags fixed in the car.
Practice your driving skills
Confidence is an essential component of good driving and this will come only with practice. Practice driving in your neighbourhood with an L board if you feel under confidence. Try and practice difficult skills such as parking the car, reverse parking the car, driving on steep slopes, etc to perfect your driving as much as possible. Seek assistance from a professional if need be.
Conclusion
Follow the above tips to secure your personal safety and get a decent discount while buying car insurance.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is actively promoting good driving practices by increasing premiums for bad drivers, keeping an eye on policy renewals, imposing hefty fines, enforcing rules and regulations strictly. Be mindful of this and proceed with caution.
