Normally if you do not renew with franchise the betterment for spare parts would be 5 years while franchise can offer up to 10 years. It means that up to 10 years you are entitled to new parts replacement in the event of a claim.

This means that as long as your car is within the 10 years old mark, you are not subjected to loading but your sum insured has to be wthin 20K to 300K. If it goes below 20K then you are subjected to additional loading.

Yes loading is extra cost, normally insurance companies would give an age loading for vehicles more than 10 years old. So after 10 years old, there is no difference buying from franchise or agent. Because insurers will not cover you for new parts.

It depends, because bringing your car back to franchise for an accident claim takes a much longer time than panel workshops.