My bike, my number? Are car and bike registrations unique across India?

When you go to purchase your dream car or bike, you will notice that the dealer issues a TR sticker referring to “To Register” valid for a month. The state-level Regional Transport Office (RTO) then carries out physical verification of the engine and chassis numbers, sales invoice, driver's license, address pollution emission levels, car insurance etc. while getting the car or bike registered. Both bike registration number and car registration number are crucial as it is not only legally mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 but also a pre-requisite for buying or renewing car or bike insurance for your on-road safety. While applying for car insurance from Zurich Kotak General Insurance, it is compulsory to provide the registration number and certificate as it proves that you are the legal owner of the car and also shows the place and age of the vehicle. An insurer can reject a claim if the car or bike is used without a valid registration number or an expired one.

What is the significance of Car and Bike registration numbers on Indian Roads?

You can ensure road safety, accountability and legal compliance once this number is allocated. The major importance of car or bike registration numbers include:

Identification:

It is a unique number which is acts as proof of ownership and guarantees proper identification in case of any illegal activities. As it also is an ownership proof it entails accountability and responsibilities of the owner.

History of the Vehicle:

The entire process of registration records the detailed past of the vehicle including manufacturing details, ownership transfers, outstanding liabilities, attached cases and even taxes paid.

What is the uniqueness of a registration number?

Though the numbers may appear random, official bike or car number plates in India have 4 distinct parts:

• The first two characters allotted by the Central Government authorized by the Motor Vehicle Registration Act, 1988, indicate the state or union territory the vehicle belongs to. For example, WB stands for West Bengal.

• The next 2 digits denote a sequential number of the district of that state since new registration numbers are usually issued by the District Regional Transport Office.

• The third part is the one that stands for the uniqueness of the car owner. This helps to identify the specific vehicle. It can be numeric or alphabets ensuring surplus availability of codes for all vehicles. To make it even more unique, you can purchase custom digits or alphabets at a premium cost. In the bike registration number, the last 4 digits are unique to each bike.

• The Final part of the Car registration number is “IND”, an acronym for INDIA. This oval-shaped logo also has a chromium hologram on top similar to “Chakra”. These are “High-Security Registration Plates” which are tamper-proof and prevent theft.

All this together makes a vehicle registration number or number plate a unique one specific to each vehicle.

To wrap it up

Let us understand the importance of a registration number while applying for vehicle insurance. To buy Zurich Kotak General Insurance’s car insurance online, a registration number is mandatory to be inputted for the insurer to understand the legal ownership and the car's age and location. These information are not only for your premium but also for your final claims. Hence this unique number plays a very important role in your safety and financial coverage as well.

Disclaimers:

1. The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter’s discretion.

2. All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.