Your natures 'CAR'icature?

Charismatic King Khan drives a bright red Pajero, while the-oh-so-cool Juhi Chawla loves her grey-coloured Range Rover. Bollywood Bhai, Sanjay Dutt, loves black cars - his Mercedes, Lexus and even BMW are all black! The cool and composed Big B drives a white Range Rover while bahu Ash, a silver Mercedes. The suave and sexy Hrithik moves in a golden beige Merc. Besides being a style statement, cars today also reflect the personality of the owner.

COLOURSURANCE FOR YOUR CAR!

So, does the colour of the car define the personality of the person driving it? Red, for many, signals danger. People who drive a red car are considered to be hyperactive and fast in everything - be it driving, speaking or thinking. So, are they the ones who end up with the maximum speed tickets? Also, those roaming in black and dark blue cars are perceived as aggressive.

Businessman Navneesh Chopra says, "I wanted to buy a black car, but my father didn't allow me to. He thinks I might have an accident. I feel he's right. I've witnessed 10-12 road accidents in my vicinity involving black cars." Another businessman, Vaibhav, thinks that driving a black car has made him a faster driver now.

Sumit Ahuja, who earlier owned a car accessories shop, agrees that car colour is often indicative of a person's personality, "I know it happens. The younger lot mostly goes in for red cars."

COLOUR-SURED?

That's not all. Also, insurance companies are said to ask for greater premium from car owners who own shocking red, shining black and dark blue cars as they believe that they are more prone to accidents during night and hence have a higher claim rate.

However, Sunil Gupta, COO of an automobile company, says, "As of now insurance companies are not changing any premium based on car colour." Confirming this, Puneet Khanna, owner of an automobile showroom, says, "A few days back we had got to hear of this, but we are yet to receive instructions from insurance companies. The proposal is said to be pending with IRDA. If it gets approved then it would be applicable by the end of this year."

Naveen Kool, an insurance agent, says, "People invest a lot of money to install safety devices in their cars so asking for a higher premium would not be justified. However, some insurance companies have started charging more for metallic colours."

PASSION FOR POSSESSION

So what is all this car-nama about? Jas Arora, who owns a black Optra, says, "I believe in driving safely. But, that doesn't mean I don't like speed, it's just that I don't like breaking rules." Restaurateur Navneet Kalra, also a cricket enthusiast, adds, "Cricketer Yuvraj's vibrant personality reflects in the colour of his car as well. He drives a blue BMW. Dhoni's a cool guy, he owns a metallic grey Hummer." Adman Suhel Seth has black cars. "I think black is the most understated, impressive and elegant colour," he says. Will he change the colour if companies begin charging more premium for black cars, he replies, "If at all companies do that, I won't choose that particular company. My colour will not change."

Vintage car enthusiast Ammu says, "I am not sure whether it determines my personality, but I am a very peace loving person and all my three cars are white." Reason enough for you to sit and ponder over your car colour?"

Don t DisCARD this:

• According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 40 per cent Canadians think the colour of their car affects their car insurance rate.
• According to an article in a Chicago daily, 25 per cent drivers believe that colour affects car insurance rates.
• A insurance website's research indicates that over a third (35 per cent) of motorists think that red is the most dangerous colour.

Colour Check:

• Red Rash: Full of zest and energy. Drive, think and talk fast.
• Black Beast: Full of aggression and impulsive.
• Mean Green: Driver tends to get hysterical while driving and speaking.
• Blue: A calm and composed state of mind.
• Flashy Blue: A fearless state of mind.
• Stylish Silver: Symbolic of style and endurance.
• Warm White: Signals a peaceful state of mind.
• Golden: Reveals sophistication and confidence.