Things you need to get car insurance: all the information you need

In India, having car insurance is not only the law; it's also a good idea to protect your finances. Having the right paperwork is important whether you're buying a new policy, renewing an old one, or moving providers.

"What do I need to get car insurance?" you may still be asking. This blog tells you everything you need to know about the papers you need for car insurance, why you need them, and how the process has changed since digital platforms came along.

Let's break it down.

Why do insurance companies need proof?

Before we go through the list, it's important to know why insurers need certain documents. The papers are important for three main reasons:

●        Identification and Checking: To prove that you are who you say you are and that you own the car.

●        Risk assessment: to find out things like the age, location, and usage of the car, which all affect the premium

For regulatory compliance, we need to obey the rules set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Let's take a closer look at the papers you need for car insurance.

1.    The car's registration record (RC)

The RC could be the most important paper. It shows that you are the legal owner of the car and includes important information like

a.       Number of the vehicle's registration

b.       Number of the chassis and engine

c.       Make, type, and year that the vehicle was made

d.       Fuel type and the type of car

e.       Not having a legal RC makes it impossible to get insurance, whether you're buying a new or used car.

2.    A copy of your old insurance policy (for renewals or transfers)

a.       The old insurance policy must be shown when you renew your insurance or move ownership, even if it has expired. For insurance, this helps:

b.       Look over who can get the No Claim Bonus (NCB).

c.       Look at any past claims records

d.       Make sure the insurance stays in effect, as this could affect your premium.

e.       For policies that have already expired, a car inspection may also be needed before a new policy is given.

3.    Proof of who you are

This demonstrates your legal ownership and coverage status. Most insurance companies will cover any of the following:

a.       The Aadhaar card

b.       ID card

c.       PAN card

d.       ID to vote

e.       Licence to drive

To keep things moving quickly, make sure that the name on your ID matches the name on your RC and any other papers you send in.

4.    Proof of where you live

Insurers need proof of address to figure out the area of use and regional dangers. Documents that are usually allowed are:

a.       The Aadhaar card

b.       Bill for electricity or phone

c.       ID card

d.       Agreement to rent

e.       Food stamps

f.        Your address can change your insurance rate (Especially if you live in an area where accidents or thefts happen a lot)

5.    A licence to drive

Your driver's license serves as evidence of your identity and legal driving privileges. It is especially important for requests for personal accident coverage

a.       Cases of third-party responsibility

b.       Any claims where the driver at the time of the accident needs to be checked out

c.       When you apply for or renew a policy, you should always make sure that your licence is still valid and hasn't expired.

6.    Photos the size of a passport

Some insurance companies still need recent photos the size of a passport before they will give you a policy. This is especially true if you buy in person instead of online. Formal documents may still need them, even though digital deals often don't need them.

7.    Certificate for Pollution Under Control (PUC)

The PUC certificate is not always needed at the time of policy issuance, but it is needed when filing a claim or renewing the insurance. It shows that your car follows rules about being environmentally friendly.

If you don't have a legal PUC when you make your claim, it could get complicated or even be turned down.

8.    Sales bill and road tax receipt (for brand-new cars)

You might not have the RC yet if you just bought a new car. You can temporarily obtain insurance by using the seller's sales invoice and the road tax receipt. When your RC is ready, you need to send it to the insurance company.

Documents that aren't required but are nice to have

Loan or Lease Paperwork: If you have a loan on the car, the lender may want you to add them as a "hypothecated" party on the insurance.

Endorsement or Add-on Documents: Some insurers may ask for extra statements or proof for certain add-ons, such as depreciation cover, roadside assist, or engine protect.

Getting car insurance without a paper

Because of digitisation, many insurance companies now offer paperless policy issuance. This is especially true for renewals or purchases made through their official websites and aggregator apps. It helps in these ways:

●        You can upload scanned copies or use eKYC based on Aadhar

●        Check on the progress and get the e-policy right away

●        Cut down on mistakes and speed up approval

But you should keep hard copies or digital copies of important papers so that things go smoothly during a cheque or claim.

How to make the application process go more easily

Prepare the scanned copies as follows:

●        Keep your licence ID, proof of address, and RC on your phone or in the cloud.

●        Ensure that all the data on your papers is the same, especially the names, dates, and car numbers.

●        Renew your PUC on time: You must have a current PUC certificate when you renew it or make a claim.

●        Look at the list of insurers: Different companies may need slightly different kinds of paperwork. Always check before you apply.

Today I'll get my documents; tomorrow I'll have peace of mind

Figuring out what paperwork you need for car insurance isn't just a formality; it's also a way to protect your car, your money, and your peace of mind.

Having all the paperwork you need for car insurance on hand can make the whole process easier, faster, and more efficient, whether you're buying a new car, moving policies, or just renewing the one you already have.

Remember that having good insurance isn't just about having a policy; it's also about being ready. Getting ready to drive without stress is easier if you keep your papers in order.