When you continue to evolve and change, so do your choices. And if you think you have to stick it out with choices such as color of your car, think again. With exciting modification options such as car wrapping, you can transform the look of your car without burning a hole in your pocket.
However, concerns about the legality of modifications are often a prominent one among Indians, especially because illegal upgrades would not be covered under four-wheeler insurance. In certain cases, upgrading may even mean that your car insurance would be costlier. Therefore, it is important to know whether car wrapping is legal in India before transforming your vehicle.
But before we know the answer to the question “Is car wrapping legal in India?” Let us first understand what car wrapping is.
What is car wrapping?
Car wrapping cover the exterior of the vehicle with a vinyl film that alters its appearance while protecting the original paintwork. Vinyl material is applied to the surface of a vehicle using specialized tools and techniques and can come in different colors, textures and finishes.
Car wrapping can be used for a variety of purposes, including commercial advertising, personal styling, or protecting the car's original paint from damage or corrosion. Car wraps can be easily removed and replaced, making them a popular alternative to traditional painting methods.
In addition to changing a car's appearance, car wrapping can also provide benefits such as UV protection, scratch resistance, and a layer of insulation that can help regulate the vehicle's temperature.
Having understood the basics of car wrapping, let’s answer the question: is wrapping a car legal in India?
Is car wrapping legal in India?
Sometimes, with modifications such as car wrapping, it's hard to understand its legality. Maybe that's why people ask: "Is it legal to wrap your car?" Get unsatisfied answers. But in general, if you have a question: Is it illegal to wrap a car? The one-word answer is "no." But the complete answer to the question, “Is car wrapping legal?” It's a bit longer. Let us understand this in detail so that you can modify your car without being an outlaw.
Car wrapping enables individuals to change the color of their vehicles. However, although this is an exciting change to the appearance of your vehicle, it also makes your car an easy target for thieves. Therefore, car wrapping is legal in India only if it does not change the color of your car. In other words, if your car's wrap color remains same as is mentioned in your RC book, then your modification is not illegal.
The rule to retain the colour can come as a disappointment for those who were expecting to completely change the appearance of their car with a car wrap. However, when you realize the answer to your question: Is it illegal to wrap your car? If the answer is no, you can find several ways to get creative with your car wraps without breaking the law. To secure your newly wrapped car, you can invest in comprehensive four- wheeler insurance.
Now that we have a satisfactory answer to the question: Is wrapping a car illegal? Let's understand other legal legalities concerning car wraps
Important points to consider regarding car wrapping
Simply answering the question "Is it illegal to wrap your car?" is not enough. Here are some points to better understand vehicle wrapping laws:
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If the car wrapping difference is not reflected in the vehicle owner’s RC book, you may be charged a fine. In extreme cases, the vehicle may also be seized on the grounds of suspicion.
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Technically, if the vehicle wrap does not change the texture or color of the vehicle (as stated in the registration certificate of the company), then the modification is considered legal.
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Since changing the color and number plate are tactics that car thieves commonly employ, vehicle owners may be unnecessarily hassled with having to produce verifiable proof of the vehicle being their own. In addition, the complications further increase even more if a vehicle of similar model and original color is involved in a criminal case.
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For those who wish to name their cars, it is advised to stick to the choice of colour as indicated on the registration certificate.
Having understood everything there is to the question: Is it legal to wrap a car? Let's now explore the advantages and disadvantages of car wrapping, aside from the legal concerns.
Pros and cons of Car Wrapping
Simply knowing if it is legal to wrap your car is not enough to analyze whether or not you should wrap your car. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of car wrapping for vehicle owners to make an informed decision:
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Pros of Car Wrapping |
Cons of Car Wrapping |
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It can give a fresh and unique appearance to your car with options to revamp its texture and design. |
If you decide to apply the car wrap yourself, you will find the process time-consuming. It requires a lot of patience, and bad wraps look terrible on your car. |
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It is one of the most pocket-friendly customisations you can undertake to enhance the appearance of your car. |
Ill-fitted wraps run the risk of moisture settling beneath the vinyl, which can result in rust spots on the paintwork. |
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Since wrapping is treated with UV and scratch-resistant coating, the vinyl acts as a protective shield for the paintwork. |
Wraps don’t last as long as paint, especially in dry, cold, or rainy climates such as in India. |
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If you own a business, car wraps are a cost-effective way to advertise. |
Since car wrapping is customisation, you will have to inform your insurance provider, and you will possibly attract a higher premium on your four-wheeler insurance. |
How to get car insurance for a vinyl wrapped car?
Getting four-wheel insurance for a vinyl-wrapped car is similar to getting insurance for any other car. However, there are some additional things to bear in mind:
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When getting a quote for four-wheeler insurance, make sure you inform the insurance provider that your car is wrapped in vinyl. This will ensure that the insurance policy covers the value of the wrap in addition to the car's original value
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The cost of vinyl wrap can vary widely, so you must consider that when deciding on the coverage for your four-wheeler insurance.
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As with any other 4-wheeler insurance, it's important to compare auto insurance policies from different providers to find coverage that best fits your needs and budget.
Getting car insurance for a vinyl-wrapped car isn't much different than getting insurance for any other car. Insurance seekers only need to inform their insurance provider about the modification for suitable coverage.
Conclusion
Although we now know that the answer to the question “Is car wrapping legal?” If yes, it is still important to understand the limits to ensure you do not break the law. The best way to make sure you're within the law when it comes to car wrapping is to make sure the vinyl is the same color as your car.
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