Private cars that are over 15 years old are normally not accepted for Comprehensive insurance. Insurance companies may demand an inspection report from a surveyor, certifying the condition of the vehicle, for acceptance of private cars that are between 10 and 15 years old, for Comprehensive insurance.

Commercial vehicles and motor cycles over 10 years old are normally not granted insurance on Comprehensive basis. However, there is NO age limit for Act Policy cover alone.

On receipt of written notices or summons through the Court, the insurance company should be notified in writing submitting a copy of the notice and the copy of the insurance certificate.

NO offer or promise of payment should be made to any party without the written consent of the insurers. The insurance company may refuse liability arising out of such promise made. The insurance company will issue a claim form which has to be filled in and submitted along with the vehicular documents and other documents in relation to the accident like police report.

After verifying the said documents, the insurance companies appoint a lawyer to defend their case as well as that of the insured. The insured should cooperate with the insurance company, if required, for giving evidence during the proceedings of the case in the Court to strengthen the defense available. Finally, the Court Order is satisfied by the insurance company directly.

Motor Dealers and Traders who may be either dealing in brand new vehicles or second-hand vehicles or may be engaged in their overhaul or repair, can definitely take a Motor Trade policy.

In the course of his business a trader may have to demonstrate the vehicles to his prospective customers. These vehicles will not have certificates of registration but the transport authorities usually allot number plates which are known as Trade Certificates. These certificates are temporarily attached to those vehicles that go for the trial runs.

Alternatively, these plates are allotted the names of drivers, which are known as Driver's Plates. The cover provided by the Motor Trade Road Risks Policy is against accidental loss or damage to the vehicles while they are being driven in a public place or when they are garaged during the course of a journey, but not in or on any premises owned by or in occupation of the insured.

Manufacturers as well as Dealers also use this policy for insuring vehicles, while they are in transit from their premises to the buyer's premises. For covering the vehicles while they are kept in the premises of the Dealer, the Motor Trade Internal Risks Policy is used.

Such cases are known as Hit & Run Accidents. Section 161 of the Motor Vehicle Act defines a 'hit and run accident' as an accident arising out of the use of a vehicle, the identity of which cannot be ascertained in spite of reasonable efforts for the purpose. Obviously, in such accidents since the vehicle is not traced, no liability can be imposed on any insurance company and the victims have to suffer. This Section of the Act provides for payment of compensation (Solatium)

 In respect of the death of any person resulting from a hit and run motor accident, a fixed sum of Rs.8,500 and in respect of grievous injury to any person, a fixed sum of Rs. 2,000 This compensation is payable out of a 'Solatium Fund' established by the Central Government and it consists of 70% contribution of the General Insurance Corporation of India and 30% by the Central and State Governments.

Car thefts have become a menace, particularly in big cities. While the police works after the theft has occurred, they can do really little in terms of prevention of thefts. However, much can be done by the owners of vehicles to prevent theft.

Apart from the traditional door locks, car manufacturers are now providing steering locks as a built-in prevention mechanism against thefts. Car alarms equipped with motion sensors are also gaining popularity among car owners. Kill switches prevent the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until the switch is activated. These switches can be used as additional preventive anti-theft devices. Steering column armoured collars prevent thieves from breaking into the steering column to directly connect wires for ignition. These may be permanently installed or engaged manually each time the driver leaves the vehicle.

Environmental factors also contribute largely to occurrence of thefts. Therefore, whenever a vehicle is parked in a notorious area for car thefts, one must be very careful. Parking in isolated places should be avoided. Preferably a secured parking area with a watchman should be looked for. If such a facility is not available, the vehicle should be parked within the visual reach of the owner/driver.

 Etching one's name or any other identification on the rear windscreen glass or other parts of the car, discourages thieves from taking the vehicle, as it helps in easy location and recovery if stolen.

Although car hijacking is a rare occurrence compared to car thefts, it is still a prominent risk particularly on the highways. Here are some tips to avoid car hijacking.

On highways the doors and the windows should be kept shut as far as possible.

One should not stop to help a broken down car. This may be a decoy to snatch one's car away. Instead one may contact a service station or police and inform them about the broken down car.

A distance should always be maintained between one's car and the one going ahead, at traffic signals. This enables one to make an hasty escape.

In case hijackers forcefully attempt to enter one's car, then the horn should be sounded in uncommon blasts to attract the attention of police or others for assistance. The assailant's appearance should be observed so that it may be given to the police for proper description.

In case a vehicle is followed, it should be immediately driven to an area with lots of lights and people. The best thing to do would be to drive straight into a police station.