Does Car Insurance Premium Go Down as Cars Get Older?

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Home / Car Insurance / Does Car Insurance Premium Go Down as Cars Get Older?

Yes, the car insurance premium changes as the car gets older. The premium for a car insurance policy also varies depending on other factors like coverage, vehicle model, and many other factors. The insurance company is responsible for assessing these factors and accordingly fixes the premium amount for the car insurance policyholder. 

How Does Age of the Car Affect Car Insurance Premium?
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Manufacturing year determines the age of your car. Age is used to understand the depreciation suffered by the vehicle. The premium will reduce in a fixed percentage as per the age of the car. Let’s understand more about depreciation of car in the section below:

For example, when the car’s seat covers are new, they look clean, the colours are bright and fresh, they have no cuts, and the material is even on all sides. But with time and usage, they wear out. The colours fade from temperature changes; they become dirty from stains, and the material wears out from places where you touch it frequently. On a larger level, the above example can be used to describe the depreciation on a car.

Car insurance companies use the following table to determine a car’s Insured Declared Value (IDV).

Age of the car

Percentage of ex-showroom price for IDV calculation

Under six months

95%

More than six months, less than one year

85%

More than one year, less than two years

80%

More than two years, less than three years

70%

More than three years, less than four years

60%

More than four years, less than five years

50%

Five years and above

The percentage will be decided mutually between the car owner and the insurance company.

IDV is the value of the car that a car owner declares while buying a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy. Insurers provide a range of maximum and minimum IDV. The car owner must select from this range or get in touch with the insurer to mutually decide the car’s insured value for the corresponding policy period.

You must have noticed that the manufacturing year (car’s age) is a major component affecting your car insurance premiums. Higher the age of a car, the lower is its value, and thus car insurance premium also reduces. This is why owners of the same car models with different manufacturing years pay a different sum while buying car insurance.

Components that Affect Car Insurance Premiums
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The policy premium is the cost you pay to buy a car insurance policy. In exchange, the insurance company insures you (the car owner) against different financial liabilities related to car damage or injuries as per the policy coverage. They weigh multiple options to determine the cost of car insurance. Here is a list of components that play a vital part in determining the premium.

  • Make/model of the car - The brand and car type, i.e. the make and model of your car, is considered for calculating the premium while processing the policy. This helps to set a range for Insured Declared Value, and the insurer can price the policy correspondingly.

  • Type of car insurance policy - The premium depends on the extent of policy coverage. While the Third-party Liability policy offers limited coverage and may cost less, a Comprehensive policy offers exhaustive coverage and may cost slightly more.

  • Number of add-ons - Insurance companies offer car insurance add-ons, i.e. additional coverages to enhance the car insurance policy. These are optional, but you must pay an additional premium to purchase these extra coverages.

  • No Claim Bonus (NCB) - Whether you have NCB or not will be decided upon the renewal of your car insurance policy. If you made claims during the previous policy period, then you will not have the NCB discount. However, if you did not raise claims then you get a percentage-wise discount on the car insurance premium. 

The maximum NCB discount is 50% on the Own Damage Insurance (damage to your car) premium. You can get this by not raising a car insurance claim in five consecutive policy years.

How to Save on Car Insurance Premiums?
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A car owner can save money on the insurance policy in the following ways.

  • Buy car insurance online
    Traditional car insurance involves many factors like insurance agents, operational costs, etc., that increase the premium. These factors are eliminated when you buy car insurance online. So, buy car insurance from a digital insurer like ACKO to get discounts.

  • Avoid buying all the add-ons
    While add-ons increase the coverage of your policy, they can also contribute to premiums. The more add-ons you buy, the more money you pay to buy the policy. The trick here is to opt-in only for those add-ons that will be useful to you. Rest can be ignored.

  • Opt for voluntary deductible
    There are two types of deductibles in car insurance, the first is compulsory, and the second is voluntary deductible. Paying the compulsory deductible at the time of claims is mandatory, while the voluntary deductible is optional. Opt for voluntary deductibles while buying a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy. You can get discounts on the premium as you are ready to bear a part of the claim amount by paying the voluntary deductible.

  • Be eligible for no claim bonus (NCB)
    If you do not file a claim within the duration of your policy, you will receive NCB. The renewal premiums are discounted. Maintaining a claim-free record allows you to be rewarded for your safe and responsible driving while also saving a significant amount of money down the road.

  • Review your policy regularly
    Insurance requirements change over time. Every year, review your policy to ensure the coverage is suitable for your car's location, usage, and current condition. Modifying coverage or add-ons helps minimise overpaying and maximise premium expenses.

  • Install anti-theft devices
    As installing approved anti-theft equipment lowers the possibility of car theft, insurers are more inclined to lower premiums. In addition to offering protection, security systems like immobilisers and alarms can help reduce yearly insurance costs.

  • Choose the right IDV
    Reasonable premiums and appropriate coverage are ensured by setting an accurate IDV. A lower IDV reduces premiums, but in order to prevent underinsurance during claims, it must accurately reflect the market worth of your vehicle.

Also, consider getting a membership of any Indian Automobile Association and checking for a car insurance discount.

Takeaway
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The cost of your car will reduce with age due to usage. This will also have an effect on the car insurance policy. The premium will go down upon each online car insurance renewal, this is in addition to the applicable No Claim Bonus or other factors that affect the cost of the policy.

Frequently asked questions
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The following are some common questions about car insurance and how age affects the premium. Feel free to write to us at [email protected] if you have more queries.

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At what age is a car most expensive to insure?

As mentioned in the IDV table, a car is the most expensive to insure when it is brand new.

If car insurance for older cars costs less, then why are vintage cars more expensive to insure?

Car's current market cost matters while calculating the premium. Since the cost of vintage cars is usually higher, the insurance premium also increases. 

Does making a claim increase the premium?

Yes, making a claim against your car insurance policy will affect the NCB cycle, and you will lose any accumulated discount. This drop in discount will increase the premium at the time of renewal.

How can I lower my car insurance premiums?

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, driving carefully and maintaining a claim-free record will lower your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies offer lower premiums to drivers who pose a lower risk of claims.

Can my car insurance renewal premium be cheaper than last year?

Yes, your car insurance renewal premium can be cheaper than last year. The premium can be cheaper if you make no claims in the previous year and are eligible for a No Claim Bonus (NCB). The renewal premium can also be cheaper due to a lower Insured Declared Value (IDV), resulting from the natural depreciation of your vehicle's value. 

Nikhila PS profile avatar

Written by

Nikhila PS

Senior Content Editor

Rekhit Singh Kaushal profile avatar

Reviewed by

Rekhit Singh Kaushal

Senior Director - Motor Underwriting