Posted on: Aug 13, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Here’s Why Comprehensive Insurance is Necessary for Hybrid Cars

Comprehensive insurance for hybrid cars

Irrespective of the car variant, it is mandatory to maintain a competent car insurance policy if you own a vehicle. It can be either a basic third-party cover, which is compulsory by the terms of the law. However, although a third-party plan is enough to meet the legal standards, it does not offer any security to your vehicle. Therefore, to enjoy your peace of mind, it is best to invest in a suitable comprehensive car insurance policy.

This holds especially true if you own a more sophisticated and luxurious four-wheeler and hybrid cars. The cost of such cars is naturally on the higher side and so are their repair costs. If you remain covered with a befitting comprehensive plan, you can be rest assured that even if there arises any sudden need to repair certain components of your car, the majority of the costs will be borne by your insurance provider as per your chosen plan terms.

What is a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars are gaining increasing popularity and because of this trend increasing number of car manufacturers are launching newer models of this variant. The exclusive system of a hybrid car has been designed such that it can save energy through the regenerative braking system. Because of the exclusive dual-operative mechanism, this type of vehicle uses a comparatively lesser amount of fuel making the car more fuel-efficient and cost-effective.

While you are driving a hybrid vehicle, you can change and shift the operating mode according to your needs and convenience. This implies that hybrid cars can run both on a gas engine as well an electric engine. This aids in enhancing the overall performance of the vehicle.

Types of hybrid cars

Depending on the running mechanism, hybrid cars can be classified into several categories:

1. Mild hybrids:

This is one of the recent additions to the hybrid family. When the car gets accelerated from a complete stop this mild system allows a minute boost to the car’s gas engine. They acquire power from the dual performance of regenerative braking and gas engines. They are available in a 48-volt electric system mechanism.

2. Full hybrids:

Full hybrids are of 2 kinds: parallel hybrids, which use both the engine and the electric motor for wheel propelling. The transmission may be CVT, automatic, or manual. The other variant is a series hybrid where the presence of a gas engine is only essential for charging the vehicle battery. The combustion engine drives the electric generator rather than the driving wheels. This ensures smoother and stronger acceleration.

3. Plug-in hybrid:

This contains a large battery pack which you need to charge using an external source. A fully electric drive with this usually lasts for 15-55 miles. Once the electric energy gets exhausted, the car reverts to conventional hybrid power.

Advantages of hybrid cars

Some of the significant advantages of hybrid cars are:

1. Eco-friendly:

Equipped with both battery and motor, these cars are comparatively eco-friendlier. The additional power lowers its dependency on traditional fuels.

2. Regenerative braking:

This powers the vehicle to charge up its battery on its own, without requiring any external source.

3. Low maintenance costs:

The average maintenance costs of hybrid cars are comparatively lower than traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

4. Better resale cost:

The average resale value of a standard hybrid car is comparatively much more than conventional cars, because of their increasing popularity and exponential growth.

Disadvantages of hybrid cars

Some of the disadvantages of hybrid cars are:

1. Pricier:

Because of the involvement of advanced mechanisms, the average costs of hybrid cars are higher than conventional fuel-powered cars.

2. Low power:

With the combination of an electric motor and fuel engine, the overall power output is lower in hybrid cars.

3. Enhanced risk:

The presence of high-voltage batteries enhances the risk of accidents to a considerable extent. So, wise investment in an elaborate comprehensive car insurance policy is all the more recommended here.

Car insurance for hybrid cars

While considering the average rates of car insurance policy for hybrid cars, you need to note the factor that hybrid vehicles are comparatively more eco-friendly. Moreover, they remain clubbed with more advanced technology. This raises the overall cost of these vehicles.

The rates of car insurance for hybrid cars are determined after careful consideration of several significant factors including the value of the concerned vehicle, repair costs and the costs of spare parts, safety features included, along with the driving habits of the driver.

Importance of comprehensive insurance in hybrid cars

As we have seen hybrid cars involve much more sophisticated mechanisms. This makes it riskier and pricier both when compared to conventional fuel-powered cars. Considering the circumstances, it is best to wisely invest in a competent comprehensive plan, rather than a basic third party car insurance policy simply to meet the legal standards.

The coverage span of a standard comprehensive cover is quite extensive. Moreover, you can expand it further by adding suitable riders to it according to your needs and budgets.

Inclusions

Some standard inclusions and benefits of comprehensive insurance:

• Third-party liability

• Personal accident cover

• Network garages

• Cashless claim settlement

• Convenience

• Peace of mind

Exclusions

Some standard exclusions of comprehensive car insurance are:

• Damage due to natural wear and tear

• Damages are caused by improper driving habits like intoxicated driving, illegal driving, rash and reckless driving, failing traffic rules, etc.

• Damages caused by wars and riots are usually not covered

Conclusion

We have highlighted the importance and benefits of having a comprehensive car insurance policy for hybrid cars. With that, you can enjoy extensive coverage. If any sudden requirement arises to repair your car, you can rest assured that most of these costs will be handled by your insurance provider.


Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.


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