After 1 year of no claims, car insurance premiums typically go down by obtaining a 20% discount. This discount is a part of the No Claim Bonus (NCB) system, which rewards drivers for each consecutive year without making a claim.
The NCB operates on a tiered system, meaning the discount increases as the driver continues to drive claim-free.
In the first policy year without any claims, you can expect to receive a 20% discount on your premiums. This serves as an initial reward for maintaining a good driving record.
Subsequently, for the second year without claims, you will receive an additional 5% increase in the discount. This means you would receive a 25% discount in the second year.
The NCB continues to accumulate with each consecutive claim-free year. So, for the third year without claims, you can expect a further 5% increase, resulting in a 30% discount. This pattern continues, with an additional 5% increase for each subsequent year without claims.
By the fifth year of maintaining a claim-free record, you would be eligible for a 50% discount on your car insurance premiums. This is the maximum discount typically offered through the NCB system.
It’s important to note that these percentages are provided as an example, and the specific discount rates may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy terms.
It’s always recommended to check with your insurance provider for the exact details regarding NCB and the discounts they offer.
What Are The Common Reasons Why Car Insurance Rates Go Down?
- You get older: Car insurance rates tend to decrease as you age, especially after you turn 25 because you are considered a more experienced and less risky driver. However, rates may start to increase again after you turn 65, because older drivers may have slower reflexes and poorer vision.
- You have a clean driving record: Car insurance rates are determined by your likelihood of making a claim. By steering clear of accidents, tickets, or other violations for a specific duration (typically three to five years), there is a possibility of reducing your rates. Conversely, if you have had a recent claim or violation, there is a chance that your rates may increase.
- You switch insurance companies: Car insurance rates vary widely among different companies, so shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find a cheaper policy. You may also qualify for discounts or loyalty rewards with a new company that you didn’t have with your previous one.
- You change your coverage or deductible: The chosen coverage amount and type have an impact on car insurance rates. Opting for lower coverage limits, removing optional coverages, or raising your deductible can lead to reduced policy costs. Nevertheless, this decision also results in reduced protection and increased out-of-pocket expenses if you need to file a claim.
- You drive less: Car insurance rates are partly based on how much you drive, because the more you drive, the more likely you are to get into an accident. If you reduce your annual mileage, work from home, use public transportation or carpool, you may see lower rates. Some companies also offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits and reward you for safe and low-mileage driving.
- You make life changes: Personal factors like marital status, credit score, education level, and homeownership play a role. Changes such as getting married, improving credit, pursuing higher education, or purchasing a home can potentially lead to lower insurance rates. These factors suggest greater responsibility and stability, which insurers consider when determining premiums.
What is No Claim Bonus in a car insurance policy?
A No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a discount provided to car insurance policyholders who haven’t made any claims throughout their policy period.
The discount amount depends on the number of years the policyholder has remained claim-free.
For instance, if a policyholder has maintained a claim-free record for five years, they could enjoy a 50% reduction in their car insurance premium.
When is NCB Terminated?
NCB can be terminated in certain situations, such as:
- Failing to renew your policy within 90 days of expiry: If your policy lapses for over 90 days, you lose your NCB and must start anew when purchasing a new policy.
- Making a claim during the policy year: If you claim for any car damage or loss, your NCB resets to zero and you must pay the full premium at renewal. However, some insurers offer NCB protection cover that lets you keep your NCB even after a claim, for an additional fee.
- Failing to transfer your NCB to a new car: Failure to transfer your No Claims Bonus (NCB) to a new car results in the termination of your NCB and requires you to pay the full premium for the new car. To avoid this, ensure that you transfer your NCB to the new car within the specified period, usually 14 days, after selling your old car and purchasing the new one.
How does the No Claim Bonus add-on cover works?
A No Claim Bonus (NCB) add-on cover is an insurance option that safeguards your current NCB in the event of a claim.
Claiming can lead to the loss of your NCB and a substantial hike in your car insurance premium.
With the NCB add-on cover, your NCB expenses will be covered, up to a specific limit, if you need to make a claim.
Consequently, you can retain your NCB and avoid an increase in your car insurance premium.
For drivers worried about forfeiting their NCB, the NCB add-on cover proves advantageous. It facilitates long-term savings on car insurance premiums.
How does NCB impact my premium amount?
NCB impacts your premium amount by reducing it for every claim-free year of driving.
NCB is a discount that you can earn on your own damage premium, which is part of your comprehensive car insurance policy that covers the damage or loss to your own car.
NCB is not applicable for the third-party liability premium, which is the mandatory cover that protects you from the legal liability arising from an accident involving your car.
Can I get my NCB transferred if I change my car or the insurance company?
Yes, you can get your NCB transferred if you change your car or the insurance company. However, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure that your NCB is transferred correctly.
- Get an NCB certificate from your previous insurer: This is a document that proves your NCB and shows how many claim-free years you have. You can request this certificate from your previous insurer after you cancel your old policy or sell your old car.
- Buy a new policy within 90 days of the expiry of the old policy: Failure to do so will result in the loss of your No Claims Bonus (NCB). Whether it’s for your new car or from a different insurance provider, ensure you acquire a new policy within the specified timeframe. Take advantage of online policy comparisons to select the most suitable option for your requirements.
- Submit the NCB certificate to the new insurer: When switching to a new insurer, remember to submit the NCB certificate, along with additional documents like proof of identity, address, and ownership of the new vehicle. The new insurer will authenticate your NCB and adjust your premium accordingly, applying the appropriate discount.
What are the benefits of No-Claim bonus in a car insurance policy?
- Reduced Premium Costs
- Encourages Safe Driving
- Transferable
- Applicable to Multiple Vehicles
- NCB Protector Available
