Myths about Car Insurance

It is imperative to thoroughly understand the insurance policy you are buying, no matter what type of insurance it is. When looking for a car insurance people are hindered by numerous misconceptions. Let’s go through those myths which people still carry while buying car insurance.

If your car meets with an accident while being driven by a third person the car insurance policy may not work in such a case. If above is the case, the claim will be paid off through your own policy and not through the policy of that third person who drives the car. However, sometimes the car insurance covers the damage to the car in case of an accident only, and only when the car is driven by the owner or policyholder while in case of an accident.

It is strongly seen that people think that the colour of the car always affects their car insurance premium. The Red colour of the car bears higher premium than normal. This is not true. Colour of the vehicle has no impact on your insurance premium. Rather, your car insurance premium depends on several other important aspects such as the age of the car, past records of accidents with claims, chassis, make, engine and the size of the car.

Buyers are observed to avoid comprehensive car insurance stating that they are good drivers and don’t require a comprehensive policy. This justification is baseless since even expert drivers could have accidents. A comprehensive insurance policy protects you from other liabilities as well, apart from the accident itself. It safeguards your car from any loss or damage out of theft or natural and man-made calamities.

Your private car insurance will not cover your car if you are using it for business or office use. Private car insurance will only cover your vehicle when used for personal use. To extend the cover of your car insurance, you need to take passenger car insurance. Also, your comprehensive car insurance does not cover your personal belongings left in the car. You need to extend your cover to cover your personal belongings as well.

Your credit score does count. It does affect your car insurance premium. Insurance companies believe that there is good correlation between claim filing history and credit score. Those with a good credit score are less likely to file a claim. Hence, some insurance companies may offer you a discount if you have a good credit score.

Most of the people think that they already have car insurance for their old car so they don’t have to buy one for their new car. Wrong! Your old car insurance won’t cover the damages or any harm to your new car. So, one needs to purchase new car insurance for a new car.

Solitaire Honda Insurance Services in Mumbai will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR INSURANCE SERVICES IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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7 tips to keep your car ready for road-trips

Imagine yourself, buried under the files, struggling to meet the steep targets your boss has set for this quarter. It is your quarterly review today and you see your boss walking up to you. Dollops of sweat are perched on your brow and a chill runs down your spine. You follow him silently to the meeting room, anticipating a barrage of bullets waiting to pierce your tired soul.

Your boss has seen you toiling for the last three months, striving incessantly to achieve the monstrous targets that were set. Though you couldn’t get them all, your boss is very impressed. Your next task is a road-trip – a week long all paid holiday a birthday gift from your company.

Well, this does not happen even in movies! And plus a fertile imagination can play tricks on you like this. But with good roads, better cars and an adventurous trait, road-trip plans materialise out of thin air. All you need then, is your car to be roadworthy and fit so that all you have to worry about is how long you would be travelling.

We have a few tips put together to ensure that you and your car always stays fit and reliable and also to ensure your safety and comfort as well as others on the road.

1. Service your car regularly as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you find anything amiss between the service intervals, get it checked. In case you have a road trip planned in advance, get your car serviced a couple of days before you leave to let the changes settle down.


2. Keep an eye on all the fluids levels - engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid, windshield cleaning fluid and get them topped up whenever needed. Also have a glance under the vehicle once in a while you would certainly know if something is leaking and needs to be checked


3. Keep a regular check on electricals – headlamps, tail-lamps, indicators and the horn. It is better to know where the fuse-box of your car is located. Always keep a couple spare – in case of a blow-out, it is the fuse which will be the first casualty. Also keep an eye out for any warning lights on your dashboard – especially the engine check. If it starts flashing, you have to look for the nearest service centre.


4. Keep a track of the condition of the wiper blades – a clean windshield is imperative for a safe drive. Properly clean your windshield and rear-view mirrors before starting your journey and also in between regularly.


5. A regular check of tyre pressures and tread condition (including the stepney) will help you avert punctures or tyre bursts. Do rotate your tyres as recommended to ensure their longevity. It is advised to change all tyres when you opt for new and get a uniform wear pattern for all of them. Learn to change tyres (a lot of people don’t know) and how to jack your car up to avoid getting stuck at remote locations.


6. Driving is a tiring task. Get sufficient rest before you begin. Keep yourself hydrated and take regular breaks during the journey. It is always better to have at least one back-up driver in case you need a break. If ever you feel sleepy while driving, stop immediately and freshen up. If that too doesn’t work, never take it on yourself to continue further – a small mistake may turn out to be disastrous.


7. Drive at a speed you are comfortable with and avoid speeding. You tend to get more tired when you are speeding while the actual time you save is not worth the risk. Avoid taking risky manoeuvres or overtakes, you always have a long road ahead to make a move and avoid overtaking from the left on a dual carriageway. Remember to flash and/or honk before you make a move to warn the other driver of your intentions.

Ultimately, cars are machines and they do tend to break down once a while. But if you follow these tips, the chances of remembering those journeys with all the good memories will certainly by sky high.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR INSURANCE SERVICES IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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No Claim Bonus - How to save on your insurance premiums!

NCB is the short form of No Claim Bonus; it is rewarded to the owner of the vehicle who is also the policy holder for No Claim / Claims reported in the previous policy year. It can be accumulated over a period of time.

Do you know you can save as much as 50% on your new car’s insurance? You can transfer a No Claim Bonus (NCB) from your old car. One can transfer the NCB from your old car to reduce the cost of insurance for your New car.

NCB rewards you for being a good driver and helps you save on your motor insurance.

Most Indian car buyers negotiate on financing, dealer discounts and freebies but forget about the insurance component.

How to use the NCB to save on your insurance premium

• When you sell your old car: The biggest mistake people make is transferring the insurance lock stock and barrel when selling a car. Ensure that ownership is transferred and make a photocopy of the new entry in the RC book for insurance purposes.


• Obtain the NCB certificate: Forward a copy of the delivery note to your insurance company and ask for the NCB certificate or holding letter. This letter is valid for three years; you may find it easiest to go to your insurer's local office to pick it up in person.


• Use the NCB: Forward the NCB letter to your new car's dealer. Voila! You have just transferred the NCB to your new car insurance and saved a bundle.

Remember to shop around; manufacturers’ insurance schemes are much cheaper than regular insurers’.

Another process, if you are happy with your existing insurance company, is to go to the insurer with your new car invoice and chassis number. The agent should use your NCB to offer a reduced premium and give you a cover note on the spot. The dealership will need this cover note to register your car with traffic authorities.

Insurance Tip: If you are buying a premium car, it would be wise to opt for Zero Depreciation Add-on car insurance policy. After all, premium cars are equipped with premium-priced parts.

Some Points to remember:

• A No Claim Bonus means just that – no damage claims on your car. Drive carefully, take security measures to protect your car and claim judiciously.
• NCB follows the fortune of the customer and not the vehicle
• NCB can be transferred to the new vehicle in case of substitution of vehicle of the same class
• Validity - 90 days from the date of expiry of the policy
• NCB can be utilized within 3 years (where the existing vehicle is sold and a new vehicle is purchased)
• NCB recovery can be done in case of a name transfer
• It sometimes makes sense not to make small claims. Ideally, whenever your vehicle is damaged, get an estimate for the repairs. If the No Claim Bonus you stand to exceeds the estimate, it makes sense not to raise a claim and instead pay for the damage yourself.
• You can transfer full benefits of No Claim Bonus when you shift your policy from another company to another insurance company.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR INSURANCE SERVICES IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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Honda launches the All-New Honda Accord Hybrid in India

New Delhi, October 25, 2016: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, today launched the All-New Honda Accord Hybrid featuring the world’s most efficient hybrid system which delivers top-of-the class powerful performance with 215 PS of maximum output and best in class fuel economy of 23.1km/l.
The new Honda Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord, the most refined, technologically sophisticated, uniquely stylish and the most fuel efficient hybrid model in its segment. The Honda Accord is equipped with Honda’s two motor hybrid system - Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) combined with an ultra-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Yoichiro Ueno, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said, , “It is always our endeavor to offer Honda’s latest technology and products to the Indian customers and the introduction of the Accord Hybrid is in line with our commitment. The All-New Honda Accord Hybrid is automotive perfection with many dimensions of advanced technology and safety systems. With its luxurious design from exterior to interior, I’m confident that the Honda Accord Hybrid is the perfect response to our customer’s demands for a car that will reflect their identity and vision of being ahead of others.”
“The Accord brand was initially introduced in India in 2001 in its 6th Generation version and has been our flagship model in the country. We are very pleased to introduce the latest 9th Generation Accord in its Hybrid version in this market which will further strengthen the brand value for Honda cars in India,” he added. The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD)is a full hybrid system featuring a 2.0-Liter, 16-valve, Atkinson Cycle Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine combined with two powerful electric motors, an E-CVT transmission, a Power Control Unit (PCU) with high power output density, a compact & light 1.3 kilowatt-hour (kWh) high output Lithium-Ion battery and Electric Servo Brakes with high regeneration efficiency.
The system switches intelligently and seamlessly between 3 driving modes to match all driving conditions.
• In the EV Drive Mode, the driving motor provides motive force, drawing energy from the lithium ion battery.
• In the Hybrid Drive Mode, the gasoline engine powers the generator motor which provides energy to the driving motor. In this mode, the battery can also assist the driving motor as per driving conditions.
• In the Engine Drive Mode, the engine power is directly sent to the wheels.
For a sportier and more exciting drive, the new Honda Accord Hybrid includes a Sport Drive Mode. . By pressing the “sport” button on the center console, Sport Drive Mode uses the battery to help boost the electric motors for better acceleration. The driver also has the option to choose an ECONOMY mode for enhanced fuel efficiency.

The Accord Hybrid utilizes the latest version of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions.The Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design also ensures safety of the pedestrians along with the occupants of the car.
Honda Accord Hybrid is equipped with a complete array of safety features including the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot display with a camera on the passenger-side mirror that provides a view on the 7.7 inch i-MID screen; a multi-angle rearview camera for better rearward vision when reversing the vehicle with three perspectives: 130-degree, 180-degree, and top-down views;Active Cornering Lights (ACL) that enhance nighttime visibility when the vehicle is turning;Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS); Anti-lock braking (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD); Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Brake Assist, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Six airbags including dual front i-SRS airbags, i-Side airbags, and side curtain airbags for advanced safety protection to help prevent driver and passenger injuries for greater safety during every journey.
Automatic LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL); blue-frame LED taillights; aClear Blue accented front grill; rear trunk spoiler; and sporty 18” alloy wheels give the Honda Accord Hybrid a uniquely luxurious yet sporty exterior design.
Inside the spacious cabin, the new Honda Accord Hybrid features a full range of equipment with premium functions. This includes an Engine Remote Start to pre-cool the cabin even before entering the car; a 7” Advanced touch-screen audio system that supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ with embedded navigation and Internet browsing capability, a Multi-function Steering Wheel with simple fingertip control of the car’s systems; i-Dual Zone Climate Control with Plasma Cluster Cluster that can intelligently adjust temperature and air volume based on direction and strength of sunlight and Ivory color plush leather upholstery.
To ensure the quality of the new Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda provides a 3 year Unlimited Km Standard warranty with Road Side Assistance and a 5 year Unlimited Km warranty on Hybrid battery.
The All-New Honda Accord Hybrid is available with a choice of four colors: Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.
The Honda Accord Hybrid is imported from Thailand as a Completely Built Unit and will initially be sold through select Honda dealerships in the country.


TO BOOK HONDA CAR TEST DRIVE IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM
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Tips for driving safely in the hills

Most drivers from the plains know little about hill driving etiquette and therefore end up using their car horns more than the car's mechanicals. Most people don't know what gear to use or how to avoid over cooking the brakes while driving downhill. No wonder a large percentage of hill road accidents involve drivers from plains with little hill driving experience. Here's a crash course on how to tackle the mountains.

Overtaking

As your sight of vision will be shorter while driving uphill and also the fall of the headlights would be limited, drive with utmost care because the traffic against you, is anyway moving faster coming down the hill.
Before overtaking, check traffic signs for bends, narrow bridges or any other information available. Also, watch the vehicle in front before overtaking for any signs of change in speed, an overtaking move or swerving. Remember he has a better view of the road ahead and might be taking remedial action before you can even see the obstruction ahead.
On any uphill climb, gravity slows you down. The steeper the road, the more you will have to use lower gears to climb hills or mountains. In coming down a long steep downhill, gravity causes the speed of your vehicle to increase you must select an appropriate safe speed, then use a low gear, and use proper and judicious braking techniques.
Brakes work thanks to the friction created between the pads and the discs. Naturally, friction causes heat and excessive heat can cause brake fade. It's therefore important to balance engine braking with mechanical braking techniques.
One should also plan ahead and obtain information about any long steep hills along your planned route of travel. If possible, talk to other drivers who are familiar with the area to find out what speeds are safe.

Escape ramps

Escape ramps are specially built on most steep mountain roads to allow drivers to either make stops or allow overtaking as normally the roads are not very wide to permit drivers to make a stop wherever they desire.
Escape ramps normally have a long bed of loose soft material like gravel to slow a runaway vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for escape ramp locations on your route and only stop on them to allow free flow of traffic and for your own safety. Signs often show drivers where ramps are located.

Speed and curves

Slow down to a safe speed before you enter a curve as braking in a curve is dangerous as it can cause the vehicle to spin out of control thanks to weight shift. Don’t ever exceed the posted speed limit for the curves, your speed should be normally just under what is posted. Be in a gear that will allow slight acceleration through the curve as this will help maintain control. When entering a curve while going downhill, allow gravity to provide the slight acceleration.

Lane position in a corner

Maintaining the right lane position around a bend will help avoid head-on collisions. Stay centered in the lane to keep a safe clearance on all sides of the vehicle.
Hugging the outside of a curve increases the chance of dropping a tyre off the paved portion of the road onto a soft shoulder and losing traction. Hugging the inside of a curve on the other hand, increases your changes of a head-on accident especially around right handers as you end up driving in the wrong lane and have little time to avoid an on coming vehicle or even rocks on the road.






TO BOOK HONDA CAR TEST DRIVE IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM
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Why Is My Muffler Rattling?

A loose bracket, rubber hanger or connector, or one that is badly corroded, can allow a muffler to rattle when you accelerate or drive on bumpy roads, or even when the car is stationary and idling.
A loose muffler can allow excessive movement in other components as well and increase the stress on those parts, so it can become more than an annoying noise if left unattended. If the muffler is hanging lower than normal, there's also a risk that it could be broken off by hitting a bump or going over railroad tracks.
Modern exhaust systems are usually made of aluminized steel or stainless steel, but that doesn't mean they or the parts that hold the exhaust components in place last forever. Heat, debris, road salt and moisture can all cause rust in the exhaust system.

Though a muffler rattle might be fixed simply by tightening a couple of bolts or replacing a broken hanger, the corrosion might be bad enough on the muffler or neighboring parts that they will have to be replaced.
A rattle or banging noise from the exhaust system might not be an external problem. Baffles or other components inside of mufflers can come loose and cause internal rattles.
In addition, the muffler may not be the only cause or even the culprit. Brackets and bolts securing tailpipes, heat shields above catalytic converters and other components can come loose, and catalytic converters can develop internal rattles when they go bad.
SOLITAIRE HONDA SHOWROOMS & SERVICE CENTERS, MUMBAI - will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.


TO BOOK HONDA CAR TEST DRIVE IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM


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Honda announces festival delight for its customers with ‘The Great Honda Fest’

Honda announces festival delight for its customers with ‘The Great Honda Fest’
New Delhi, October 6, 2016 : Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, today announced ‘The Great Honda Fest’ being conducted at all authorized Honda dealerships. A special contest “God’s Play of Lights” has been launched which gives a unique opportunity to winning couples to get a fully paid trip to experience the phenomenal Northern Lights in Norway.
Speaking about this unique and amazing offer, . Jnaneswar Sen, Sr Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “We aim to give exclusive experiences to our customers that are special, grand and memorable for the rest of their lives. While we continue to make all efforts to enrich the Honda ownership experience, this once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Norway on buying a new Honda car can make this festive purchase even more special and rewarding for our customers.”
The contest is open for customers who buy any Honda car (Invoiced or Delivered from 1st October to 31st October 2016) and they have to log in and participate in the contest hosted on a special url www.hondacarindia.com/godsplayoflights
Northern lights are magical play of lights in the night sky which can be experienced in the Scandinavian countries. They are the bright dancing lights which are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the Sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere.
The offer which coincides with the Indian festival of lights, Diwali, is one-of-its-kind opportunity for the new Honda customers to make the most out of their association with the brand Honda. Other than the grand chance to win a Norway trip, customers will benefit from exciting offers available on Honda cars throughout October’16.
SOLITAIRE HONDA SHOWROOMS & SERVICE CENTERS, MUMBAI - will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.


TO BOOK HONDA CAR TEST DRIVE IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM
KNOW MORE ABOUT VARIOUS HONDA CAR MODELS