How is the insurance calculated for the second year after filing a claim for a new car?
3 Answers
The calculation of insurance premiums for the second year of a new car is mainly related to the number of claims made in the previous year. If the car owner did not have any at-fault traffic accidents in the previous year, the premium can be reduced by 10%. If no at-fault accidents occurred for two consecutive years, the reduction can be 20%. For three or more consecutive years without at-fault accidents, the maximum reduction is 30%. Conversely, if the car owner had two or more at-fault traffic accidents in the previous year, the premium will increase by 10%. In the case of an at-fatal accident, the premium can increase by up to 30%. Essential insurances for new cars: 1. Compulsory Traffic Insurance: This is a mandatory insurance required by Chinese law for every car owner. It ensures basic insurance coverage in the event of a traffic accident. In case of an accident, this insurance can cover the economic compensation that may otherwise be difficult to pay. 2. Vehicle Damage Insurance: This insurance covers damage to the insured vehicle caused by an accident while being driven by the insured or an authorized driver, with the insurance company providing compensation within reasonable limits. 3. Third-Party Liability Insurance: This insurance covers compensation for personal injury or property damage caused to others (excluding the driver and passengers of the insured vehicle) in an accident, as per the regulations of the insurance company. For example, if the driver accidentally hits an electric bike, the insurance company will be responsible for the compensation costs related to the damage of the electric bike and any injuries to its driver.
I remember when I filed an insurance claim for my new car in the first year, the premium shot up the following year. The insurance company said the claim record directly affects the no-claims discount; if there were no accidents in the first year, you could save 15% to 20%, but if an accident occurred, the discount would be lost. In my case, it was a minor rear-end collision, and I filed a claim to repair the car, resulting in nearly two thousand yuan more in premiums. Later, I researched and found that premiums also depend on other factors: the make and age of the car—new cars are more expensive to repair, so premiums are higher; my short driving history made the insurance company perceive me as high-risk; and the city or area you live in, like big cities with higher theft rates, leads to higher rates. I suggest new car owners compare quotes from several insurance companies to find the best fit. Now, I try to drive safely to avoid accidents, saving money and peace of mind. When switching insurance companies, I also found that some offer special discounts for young drivers, so don’t just stick with one company.
When it comes to the second-year premium for a new car, my experience is that claims are the biggest killer. If you’ve filed a claim in the first year, the second-year premium will definitely increase because the no-claims discount is lost, and the base rate is also adjusted upward. How did I find out? When my car was up for renewal, the cost was 30% higher than the first year, all because of a minor scratch. Insurers don’t just look at the number of accidents; driving habits, age, and car brand are all factored in. New drivers face higher premiums, and those like me living in the suburbs fare better than city centers. Before buying insurance in the second year, I recommend checking your record, driving safely, and minimizing accidents. Consider installing anti-theft devices or obtaining a safe driving certificate—some companies offer discounts. In short, premium calculations are complex, so consult multiple providers to find the best value. Maintaining good driving habits can save you a lot of money.
