Is it troublesome to buy insurance again after a car's insurance has lapsed?
2 Answers
If a car owner is found not having compulsory traffic insurance, they will be fined double the premium, required to pay the compulsory insurance, and have their vehicle impounded. Below are the relevant details: 1. Late fees are required: Compulsory traffic insurance must be paid annually in car insurance. Owners who fail to pay the compulsory insurance on time will not be able to undergo normal annual inspections or drive legally. If the compulsory insurance has lapsed for a long time, late fees will be incurred, and the owner must pay these fees when renewing the insurance to continue using the vehicle. 2. Increased premiums: A lapsed insurance affects the next year's compulsory traffic insurance as well as commercial car insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts to long-term customers, and premiums for the next year's insurance may be reduced. However, if the car's insurance has lapsed, the premium may increase instead of decreasing when renewing the insurance. 3. No compensation in case of an accident: Driving a vehicle without insurance is illegal, and if caught by traffic police, the driver will be fined and have points deducted. Moreover, vehicles that have not renewed their insurance on time will not receive any compensation in case of an accident, and all losses will have to be borne by the owner.
I experienced a situation where my car insurance expired and I didn't renew it in time. When I bought it again a month later, I found that the insurance premium had indeed increased a bit. This is because insurance companies consider this gap period as carrying additional risks, and the premium may be raised by 10% to 20%. However, the process wasn't too troublesome. I simply filled out an information form on the insurance company's official website, including the vehicle model and personal details, and submitted it. The confirmation came through SMS within minutes. The most hassle-free part was that no vehicle inspection was required, but keeping a record of any vehicle accidents just in case would make things smoother. My advice is not to wait too long after the insurance lapses—act immediately and choose an online platform to handle it, saving both time and effort. Although the cost increase is unpleasant, comparing quotes from several providers can help minimize the loss. Overall, the hassle is minimal, mainly involving cost burden and minor formalities.