Car inspection amounts to evaluating the car's condition and is an integral part of the car insurance process. The process allows the insurance provider to measure whether there are inherent risks added to the car and whether it makes sense to insure the car owner against the risks in exchange for a premium.
When it comes to vehicle inspection, there are situations where inspection is mandatory, while there are situations where it is not necessary. Here we will discuss all circumstances and the process involved in inspecting a vehicle for insurance purposes.
When are the Times When a Car Inspection is Required?
There are many cases in which a vehicle inspection will be carried out. Let us have a look at all of them.
- While renewing your policy and in case of a policy lapse: When you renew your auto insurance policy, you will have to undergo a car check. If there is a discrepancy between the date on which your policy expired and the date you were due to renew your policy, the policy will have lapsed. It will lead to an inspection.
- If there is any change in the type of policy: If you are going from a third-party policy to a comprehensive policy, the insurance provider will ask for an investigation of your car.
- Change in policy ownership: Inspection shall also be necessary if the policy has been transferred to another individual. It means that if you have sold your vehicle to another person, you must then pass the insurance policy of your car to the new owner in their name. It is completely up to the new owner to revoke the current policy, implement a new policy, or continue with the same policy. However, whatever the case may be, as long as the policy is transferred to another owner, the insurance provider will inspect the car.
- If you have added new accessories or made modifications to your vehicle: Vehicle inspection may also be carried out if you have extra hardware or equipment, such as anti-theft systems, a CNG package, etc., mounted in your vehicle and you wish to buy a cover for these accessories.
- While seeking a claim: Vehicle inspection is mandatory if your car has suffered an accident or is damaged due to any hazards protected by the regulations. In such situations, the vehicle inspection will be carried out either by the insured or by an approved surveyor who will assess the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. It also serves as proof of the truth of claims at the time of making a claim.
What is the Process of Vehicle Inspection?
The vehicle inspection process includes a physical review of the condition of your car. It is intended to ensure that there are two aspects – whether your car exists or not, and the other is to ensure that you cannot make claims for pre-existing damages.
As part of the procedure, the company official may need to take note of the vehicle registration number, the chassis number and take a picture of your vehicle from various angles as evidence of the condition of your car. If there are any prior damages/dents, they will be captured separately.
A vehicle inspection would also ensure that all the accessories you claim to have been fitted. For example, if you have lately installed an anti-theft system (certified by AARI) for which you wish to claim a premium discount on your insurance policy (allowed by the Motor Insurance Act), a vehicle inspection would be carried out to check the same.
So, now that you're buying a car insurance policy and your insurance agent is telling you to check the vehicle, you know it's all for your good!
When are the Times When a Car Inspection is not Required?
Now, let us have a look at the cases where a car inspection is not required.
Vehicle inspection will not be needed if it is insured only against third-party liability. In addition, an inspection of the vehicle is not required if there is no difference between the expiry date of the policy and the due date for the renewal of the policy.
Some insurance providers will carry out a vehicle inspection free of charge, while others will charge a fee for doing so. Inspection of the vehicle for insurance purposes shall be carried out either by an approved agent or by an official of the car insurance company.
Final Thoughts
Vehicle inspection is an indispensable part of any insurance policy. It is useful in preventing fraudulent claims. A vehicle inspection is mandatory at the time of policy renewal and in cases of policy lapse. It is also needed while changing the type of policy, purchasing cover for extra accessories, transferring ownership of the policy, and filing a claim.
A vehicle inspection will not take place if you only have a third-party liability cover and renew your policy within time. An inspection majorly involves inspection of the physical condition of your vehicle. It must not be thought of as an added hassle but rather as a process for your good.
