Are Automatic Cars More Expensive To Insure?

While looking to buy an automatic car, you might wonder if insurance for an automatic car is more expensive than a manual car. However, it is a fact that insurance rates have nothing to do with the type of car or whether your vehicle is automatic or manual. 

Insurance companies consider every other factor when offering an insurance plan. These factors include the make and model of the car and its safety features. In this article, we will learn why automatic cars are more expensive to insure in India and what factors lead to such high premiums.

An automatic car is a vehicle with an automatic transmission in which the gear changes automatically due to the transmission system. It shifts from one gear to another based on the vehicle's speed and the work done by the engine. It differs from manual cars, which require the driver to change gears by hand.

The automatic car controls gear shifts using sensors and a computer system for a smooth driving experience. Such a transmission is convenient during heavy traffic since one does not constantly shift the gears.

There are various factors that affect the insurance rates of automatic cars. Here are a few key reasons:

License Type

You get a license for an automated car that allows only gearless vehicles. It is dangerous if it's misused. Thus, insurance companies charge higher premiums to prevent unforeseen consequences.

Repair Costs are Higher

Automatic cars are more complex and have unique parts that skilled mechanics can repair. The demand for skilled mechanics to repair them leads to a premium increase.

Availability of Spare Parts is Low

Some automatic car models can be pretty pricey brands with only a few spare parts available. This increases repair prices, and as longer waiting times increase, so does the risk for insurers' investments.

Driver Risk Profile

Companies consider what a typical automatic car user reflects. For example, new drivers often find themselves in accidents more often than experienced drivers. Thus, a poor driving record leads to higher premiums.

Safety Features

The sophisticated features cost heavily once the vehicle encounters an accident. The rare availability of parts will also hike the bill for repair, increasing the insurance premium of the automatic car.

Price of Automatic Cars in the Market

Generally, more will be paid for automatic cars than manual ones. Car insurance firms charge more insurance costs partly depending on the car's value in the market.

Yes, getting insurance for an automatic car is the best choice. Automatic cars have complicated mechanical parts that are costlier to repair. Insurance will pay for those expensive repairs, whether transmission repair, accident, or damage.

Having insurance gives you peace of mind. The money to repair will be ready for minor accidents and major breakdowns, which you don't need to worry about. It also helps you meet legal requirements, which saves you from heavy fines.

Insuring automatic cars helps avoid spending extra money on unexpected events such as accidents. The key benefits of insuring an automatic car include:

Full Cover

Automatic cars are complicated by transmission systems. This makes them less affordable to replace or repair. Insurance policies generally cover these parts. It would reduce the large repair costs.

Peace of Mind

If you have insured your automatic cars, you are fully insured for unwanted expenditures. This gives you less burden on your savings, increases your well-being, and enhances your mind.

Protection Against Higher Repair Costs

Automatic cars are more expensive to repair because of their complexity. Insurance will help reduce these costs. Thereby, you are not liable for all these repairs on your own.

Legal Requirement

In most places, there is a mandatory requirement to have insurance. Insuring an automatic car helps you follow a region's laws and regulations. This avoids possible fines.

Increased Resale Value

Increased resale value makes the buyers feel more sure of buying a well-kept, insured car.  Knowing that the essential parts, such as the transmission, are covered by insurance increases buyers' confidence.

Various factors affect the insurance premium for automatic cars. Thus, it boosts your insurance costs, knowing it can prevent you from paying increased premiums. Several key factors include:

Car Model and Make

The model and make of the car automatically determine the cost. Automatic cars are designed with more advanced technologies, which are very hard to replace. Thus, they add up to the increased premiums.

Age and Condition of the Vehicle

Newer automatic cars are more expensive to insure since they are worth more money than old cars. However, older cars are less expensive to insure, but it is costlier to repair them.

Transmission Complexity

The transmissions in the car are complicated to replace and repair. This means that insurance on such a car will be costly.  This is because of the parts' unavailability and the process's complexity

Driving History

Claims in the previous years and history of accidents are part of a driver's insurance cost while buying an automatic car. A person may benefit from discounts in premiums if the driver's driving history is clear.

Location

Your location would also determine the amount of the premium that you're supposed to pay to the insurance companies. Usually, urban areas with high traffic and accidents pay much more.

The Insurance premiums of automatic cars are not that rigid.  You can lower the insurance premium for your automatic car by following the tips below:

Choose Higher Deductibles

Increasing your deductible, i.e., the amount you pay before insurance steps in. This can help lower your premium. Just be sure you can afford the increased out-of-pocket expense if you have to file a claim.

Keep Your Driving Record Clean

A good driving record, free from accidents, can significantly reduce your insurance premiums. It's because an insurer sees you as a less-risky customer.

Choose the Right Coverage

You should only pick the best coverage for your automatic car. You may prefer liability coverage over comprehensive coverage if your car is old.

Invest in Your Car's Safety Features

Install airbags, anti-theft systems, and parking sensors, among others. It will help decrease your insurance expenses since it diminishes the likelihood of accidents and car theft.

Package Insurance Policies

Many companies give discounts if you buy multiple policies. Doing so can save money on your car insurance policy premiums.

Compare Providers

Look at different insurance companies and their costs. Pick the one that gives you the best protection at the lowest price. This way, you can save money efficiently by reducing the premium costs.

Consider No-Claim Bonuses

Some companies give you a discount if you don't file any insurance claims for a year. This is a good way to pay less for your annual insurance premiums. So, be aware of our no-claim bonuses to get discounts.

Insurance for automatic cars is continuously evolving. With the rise of automatic and electric vehicles among drivers, companies may change the nature of their insured protection. New improvements may reduce accidents and lower premiums over time. The intricacy of repairs could further burden insurers. 

However, telemetry data will play an integral role in premium pricing. Hence, premiums would be based on each driving habit. Insurers are likely to offer incentives for safe driving and the use of advanced safety features as well. The insurance sector will keep moving with the tide, accommodating glass toward the autonomous car trend.

In conclusion, insuring an automatic car adheres to the law and offers protection against costly repairs. Premiums are higher owing to the advanced vehicle. However, the convenience of driving a car with an automatic engine makes it all worthwhile. Ensuring the right coverage, a clean driving record, and comparison among insurance providers reduces insurance premiums.