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What Insurance for an Electric or Hybrid Car?
Electric or hybrid, the ecological car is increasingly present in the French automotive landscape. Should it be secured and how?
Protecting the environment is important to you: you want to buy an eco-friendly car. It pollutes less than a conventional car because it runs on electricity (for the electric car) and not on petrol or diesel. The hybrid car, on the other hand, operates on both electricity and fuel, but consumes less.
The obligation to have Insurance for your electric car
Your electric car has a limited autonomy ... You use it a lot for small trips in town but little on major roads. Yet there is no question of passing auto insurance: as it is a "land motor vehicle", the law requires you to insure it!
If you do not, you may be ordered to pay a fine and see your car confiscated. And in case of a responsible accident, you will not be covered ... You will have to compensate the victims, which can debt you for life.
Choosing Your Electric Car Insurance
The formulas are the same as for a classic auto insurance.
At a minimum, you must purchase "third party" insurance. It includes a civil liability that covers you in case of damage caused to third parties.
However, an electric car is usually more expensive to purchase than a conventional vehicle. It is therefore important to protect it well ... Especially as replacement parts and repairs can cost you dearly. It may be useful to add options to cover the flight, or fire. Or subscribe to the "all risks" formula, which will offer you the best protection.
Also, be sure to select support services, especially troubleshooting: you are not immune to a power outage in the countryside!
The key element of your electric car is the battery. Most of the time, it is leased to the builder or the seller. Consider checking that the lease includes insurance and what it covers. Finally, to recharge the battery at home, you will need to install a special electrical outlet: ask your insurer to guarantee this electrical risk in your home insurance policy.
Reporting a claim Auto Insurance
Hands are clenched on the steering wheel, emergency braking, tire squealing and shock ... (more or less violent)! To start, no need to insult the other driver involved in the accident. After seeing the damage to your auto and / or that of the opposing party, it should treat the statement of claim that you will send to the insurer. Here's how.
What is a disaster?
any event resulting in property damage and / or injury per accident means: it may as well be a stone hitting the windscreen as an accident resulting in injury. Remember that the most common claims are those with property damage and glass breakage.
The main claims are:
Glass breakage (windscreen, headlights, side windows ...)
Snap or accident, with consequences ranging from the crumpled metal with injury
Theft, whatever the circumstances (with or without violence). In all cases, remove as soon as possible pre-complaint line and confirm it as soon as possible to the police
Fire (whether due to mechanical failure or vandalism)
When to notify his insurer?
The rule is simple: you have to report to your insurer ALL sinister, even the less serious (eg shock front at 5 km / h in traffic).
Note that in case of glass breakage (excluding lighthouses or sunroof), the procedure is slightly if your company has a partner network of specialists: after notifying the customer service (it is not mandatory everywhere but this is preferable), you go to the repairman, who performs repair without having to move in addition (except a possible franchise). When a repair resin injection proves to be sufficient (rather than replacing a windscreen), it's usually free. Another advantage, most repairers can get to your home or your workplace.
Do not report to keep his bonus?
In the case of light damage, it often happens that two motorists decide to arrange them so that the manager sets the amount of compensation in order not begin its bonus (or worsen its penalties).
Caution, however, we must be absolutely certain that the damage is not serious. Indeed, if you have underestimated the severity of the damage and an estimate of the hotel clearly proves higher than you expected, the risk is that the motorist supposed to address the repairs finally changes his mind. And there, difficult to play defense clause / appeal your insurance policy ...
When report a loss?
A claim must be made to the insurer within 5 days, the ideal is still to start with preventing the insurer immediately by phone.
The flight must be immediately reported to the authorities (police or gendarmerie) in order to identify any civil and / or criminal in case of accident or violation or accident by the perpetrators of the theft. Then he must report the theft to the insurer within 2 business days.
NB: You can also report the theft of your pre-complaint line vehicle. However, note that you remain responsible for the vehicle until the complaint is not signed to the police or the gendarmerie.
The items required
The list of documents and materials that are typically required when a claim:
Your full contact
The complete details of other people involved in the disaster
Full details of any witnesses
The minutes may be realized by the police on the scene of the accident
The number of your insurance contract (or your membership number for mutuals)
A photocopy of your registration card
The detailed description of the physical and material damages suffered by you. If you are injured, contact a prospective certificate ITT (temporary disability).
The detailed description of the physical and material damages suffered by a third party or
The finding by agreement (to be signed by both parties to be valid). Always have a copy on board. And, above all, ensure that it clearly explains the circumstances of the accident. Otherwise, the risk is that the insurer considers that the wrongs are shared, which will result in penalties to your bonus rates / penalty.
Ideally, location photos, and photos of the vehicle involved in the accident.
Join if possible proof of purchase (invoice) and accessories mounted in your car (GPS, child seat, etc.).
In case of theft: if your vehicle was equipped with antitheft devices (original or aftermarket), provide proof of the existence of said devices (GPS Tracker chip kind, immobilizer, burning windows, mechanical locking wheel, etc.)
Filing complaint
In case of theft, violence or the third hit and run (identified or not), filing a complaint will be required. For this, first declare a pre-complaint online before going to sign it to the police or gendarmerie. Then, attach the file double of that filing a complaint.
How to report the claim
Insurers have a customer relations service 24/24 and 7/7 working phone allowing you to file a claim as soon as possible. Operators are able to provide you need help (relief shipment, etc.).
In most companies, it is also possible to declare a disaster over the Internet. Others have even designed for such a smartphone application.
Repairs
Rule of thumb: once declared the claim you are the owner or the victim, do not make the repairs of your vehicle before having been authorized by your insurance company. And even if you have an urgent need for your vehicle. Indeed, only the expert appointed by your insurance company may, after careful consideration, assess the "repairability" (or not) of your vehicle. The work will be performed by a licensed professional by your company.
In case of disagreement on the amount of compensation
If the findings of the expert appointed by the insurance does not suit you, it is possible you to make a cons-expertise at your expense by using an independent expert. Also, please attach any document or proof of good condition and good maintenance of your vehicle, which increases the market value. You will put every chance on your side to get the highest possible compensation.
What impact on the bonus-malus?
Any accident which the insured is totally responsible bears a charge of 25% of the bonus coefficient / penalty previously applied.
If a motorist causes several accidents during the same year, the coefficient of the bonus malus or her is multiplied by 1.25 as many times as there have been accidents (without exceeding 3.50). He risks being struck by his insurer, anxious to avoid the risk drivers in customers ...
Please note, no increase will be applied after the first fault accident occurred when the driver received a 50% bonus for at least three years.
What to Do to pay Less for their Car Insurance?
Over 80% of the French have a car and everyone knows that the auto budget is an important part of the expenses. Purchase of the vehicle, fuel, maintenance, repairs and insurance costs are increasing. If it is difficult to save on certain items, you can influence the price of your auto insurance policy, by following some simple tips.
The choice of vehicle: a determining act
We do not always think spontaneously, but the choice of vehicle has a direct impact on the price of auto insurance. Whether you have a bonus for years or a light penalty following a claim, your insurer will determine the price of your auto insurance policy especially depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Although your driver profile is an important part of determining the price of your car insurance, it is the car that is insured. Therefore, your insurer determines the risks incurred by the car if a disaster were to take place. The price of insurance will be calculated based on the age of the vehicle, repair of possible costs, the engine power of the brand and the model, the risk of theft or of the maximum speed.
So when you are looking to buy your first car to replace the one you drive or to acquire additional, analyze all these criteria before signing the deed of purchase. Once on the road, take a reasonable driving and avoid clashes prompt your insurer to give you discounts over the years.
Negotiate the guarantees and deductibles
To lower the price of your insurance when taking out the policy, two negotiating levers with your insurer are possible. First, make sure to choose the formula that truly meets your needs. For example, choose an auto liability insurance if your car is used and is not too high or auto comprehensive insurance if your car is new.
Then, in agreement with your insurer, it may be interesting to dwell on the guarantees associated with the chosen formula. If some are superfluous or completely useless, you can ask to remove the contract through a reduction in your premium. Alternatively, decrease some safeguards strengthening those you feel you need.
If you do not want to reduce the guarantees, the other negotiating leverage with your insurer to see rest franchises. Unlike guarantees, here it will be increased. Plus the cost of the allowances will be your responsibility, the lower the price of car insurance will be.
however remain vigilant on this point: the contract should seal your needs without excessive reduction of your cover. And because, in poor estimation, the savings in the short term could soar disaster (before a small compensation from the insurer and remains a high load).
Compare auto insurance contracts
Thanks to measures introduced by the Hamon law, change auto insurance is more difficult thing. After a year of commitment, you can cancel your auto insurance policy to choose another one at any time, even during the year.
To find auto insurance policy at the best price / benefits / services, it must go around the market and analyze the offers. To simplify these processes and save valuable time, use an online auto insurance comparison, a free and without obligation.
Estimate the Value of your Vehicle
Estimate the value of his car is essential, whether for self insurance or for sale. In an accident, your insurance will be based on the value of your car to compensate you. It is therefore to assess properly. For good expertise will allow better compensation.
What is the value of the car
The value of the vehicle depends on many factors:
Age: date of release. Inevitably, more a car is old, the less of value in terms of compensation from insurance. Unless, of course, your car collection.
Mileage: depending on the number of kilometers displayed on the meter, if the vehicle is medium used so we can estimate, or more frequently.
Repairs made: if too old repairs were made, the value of the car decreases. Remember to tell your car insurance if you change your vehicle. For more information, read our article,
vehicle Change: consequences on car insurance.
History: first hand or not ... Depending on the age of the vehicle, the insurer applies a coefficient.
Options: If the car is equipped with various options, it obviously takes more value.
Third party insurance or all risk
Depending on the value of your car, you can choose to be insured fully comprehensive or third party. For example, if your car is old and has already undergone some repairs, make sure the third is sufficient.
Car Insurance: understand the various guarantees
Legal nature of the guarantees
The first guarantee, and the only required on a contract, is the guarantee liability of the driver. It covers the damage and injury caused to others. By definition, it therefore protects neither the driver nor the insured vehicle. It is also known insurance "third party". This is a common basic guarantee to all contracts.
It is possible to add to this guarantee legal protections. The guarantee "legal defense" supports, for example, the defense of an insured sued. The recourse guarantee, meanwhile, allows the insured to sue in court when injured by a third party on the occasion of an accident.
Guarantees vehicle damage
These guarantees are the difference between third-party insurance and insurance "all risks". They cover indeed damage to the vehicle in case of fault accident, or when the charge can not be identified. They provide include:
- The destruction or disappearance of the vehicle (guarantees theft / fire, usually coupled)
- Damage due to collision (Collision Damage)
- Various impairments (all risk damage, broken windows).
In addition to these guarantees those relating to natural or technological disasters, storms ....
Options also ensure vehicle accessories and the goods it contains (luggage, electronics ...) or mechanical failures that are no longer covered by warranty.
Namely: these guarantees are subject to deductibles, variable amount depending on the contract.
Personal driver insurance
Neither the civil liability or damage of warranties cover the consequences of an accident on the driver himself. These consequences can be death, disability, physical or psychological effects ... They are guaranteed by the personal insurance of the driver. This insurance can take two forms:
- The individual guarantee circulation, which provides an amount of fixed compensation, that is to say known since the subscription of the contract (for example, a death benefit of $100,000)
- Guarantee insurance body of the driver. The compensation is calculated on a case by case depending on the severity of the injury, the economic situation of the insured, etc.
The assistance
Insurance contracts may also include assistance services. The goal then is to repair the consequences of a disaster, but to bring aid to the insured immediately after the accident. She has three complementary forms:
- Assistance in connection with the immobilization of the vehicle. It can support, according to the contracts, towing, transportation and accommodation of the driver and passengers, the loan of a vehicle during repairs ...
- Medical assistance in case of accidents: sending an ambulance, care medical repatriation abroad ...
- Support the death: organizing the transport of the body, funeral support, psychological and legal assistance ...
How quickly be compensated after a car accident?
Passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, when suffered a car accident, you are entitled to compensation. Shocked, hurt, or worse, you have yet quickly perform several steps.
To start the compensation process, victims or persons accompanying them must complete an accident report. Sometimes this can be complicated. If this is the case, it is better to appeal to the police than to write anything! They will draw up a report. This document may be transmitted to insurance companies. The statement of claim must be made in a time of 5 days. In addition, the insurer may exclude the disaster management although this is relatively rare. In his statement, the insured or the person accompanying him must state the name and number of the insurance contract, and the date, place and circumstances of the accident. The names and addresses of witnesses may also be mentioned.
Once the declaration made, the insurer appoints an expert in case of property damage. In case of personal injury, a first visit is to the emergency by a doctor. Then, the insurer may appoint an expert to determine provisionally the injury and the date of consolidation: the date on which it is estimated that injury can not worsen. If the conclusions are not suitable for the victim against a second opinion may be sought at its expense. There is no legal deadline for expertise, but it is usually held within 15 days after the accident.
The insurer then has the obligation to send a letter to the victim to inform him of his rights. This must have free access to the police report, the assistance of a lawyer or doctor of his choice. The victim must generally respond to a questionnaire to be returned within six weeks of receipt. These include informing the insurer of suffered damage and personal and professional consequences caused by the accident. The insurer then has between 3 and 8 months to propose compensation. After accepting the offer, the victim receives the settlement no later than forty-five days after acceptance. Beyond this period, the insurer will have to pay interest.
The estimate of damage is particularly difficult. The victim should not accept the offer of the insurer eyes closed. Within fifteen days following its agreement, it can even retract by sending a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt and challenge the compensation offered to him. The Association for the Management of Information Risk in Insurance publishes online a file listing the compensation paid to victims of road accidents. It allows each victim compare his situation to other similar cases and evaluate the compensation offer and wisely.
Young driver: choosing the right auto insurance
To an insurer, the young driver is the one that got her license for less than three years or has not been insured in the past three years. Here are our tips for reducing the rating of insurance contributions.
Win time
If you have the opportunity, first to drive the vehicle of your parents. Registration as an additional driver allows you to gain experience and seniority.
Having received accompanied driving is also an asset that can contribute to underestimate the contributions.
When purchasing your first car insurance personally, request a quote for the insurance of your parents.
Limit guarantees
Auto insurance is used primarily to compensate victims of an accident which you are responsible. This ensures "the third", which is mandatory.
Optionally, it can also protect your vehicle against theft, fire, glass breakage ... Unlike accidents, these claims are not more common among young drivers. The guarantee does not cost you so much more.
Namely: Insurance "all risk" of little interest to an older vehicle.
Remember the additional guarantees
Your car insurance can handle towing your car wreck, the loan of a vehicle during repair ... If you need a vehicle to get to your work or school, these guarantees can be precious: do not neglect them.
Think also about the personal driver insurance. This option compensates you if you are injured in an accident that you are responsible. What offset the loss of a job or a year of study if you had to be hospitalized several months for example.
Play the game
By signing your auto insurance policy, you are agreeing to its terms. If you cheat, you may see your insurance terminated and have a lot of trouble to make sure again. Surcharges "young driver" only last two years: in the meantime, be patient!
And because the insurance operate according to precise rules, inform yourself! Compare quotes, question your contacts, read the terms and conditions (the "rules of the game" of the contract).
Note: an auto insurance broker allows you to create competition by comparing several contracts. He can also advise you to choose the one that suits you best.
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