How to Get Vehicle Insurance Online — Car & Bike Insurance Renewal

Why Vehicle Insurance is Mandatory in India

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Section 146), every vehicle running on Indian roads must have at least a valid third-party insurance policy. Driving without insurance is a punishable offence.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Important: Without valid insurance, you cannot renew your vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC) or get a fitness certificate.

Types of Vehicle Insurance in India

There are three main types of motor vehicle insurance:

1. Third-Party Insurance (Mandatory)

This is the minimum legal requirement. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, vehicles, or property in an accident.

What it covers:

• Injury or death of a third person
• Damage to someone else's vehicle or property
• Legal liability if you are at fault

What it does NOT cover:

• Damage to your own vehicle
• Theft of your vehicle
• Personal injury to the driver/owner

2. Comprehensive Insurance (Recommended)

This is the most complete protection. It includes everything in third-party insurance plus coverage for your own vehicle.

What it covers:

• Everything in third-party insurance
• Damage to your own vehicle (accident, fire, natural disaster)
• Theft of your vehicle
• Personal accident cover for owner-driver (₹15 lakh)

Optional add-ons available:

• Zero depreciation cover
• Roadside assistance
• Engine protection
• Return to invoice cover
• Key replacement

3. Own Damage (OD) Insurance

This covers only your own vehicle — no third-party liability. You can buy this separately if you already have a standalone third-party policy.

What it covers:

• Accidental damage to your vehicle
• Fire, explosion, natural calamities
• Theft, burglary, riots

Quick Comparison

How to Buy or Renew Vehicle Insurance Online

Method 1: Directly from Insurer Websites

Visit any IRDAI-approved insurer's website:

1. Go to the insurer's website (e.g., ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO, Bajaj Allianz, New India Assurance)
2. Select "Motor Insurance" → Car or Two-Wheeler
3. Enter your vehicle registration number
4. Vehicle details will auto-fetch from VAHAN database
5. Choose policy type (Third-Party / Comprehensive)
6. Select add-ons if needed
7. Pay online via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking
8. Policy document is sent instantly to your email

Method 2: Through Insurance Aggregators

Aggregator platforms let you compare quotes from multiple insurers:

• PolicyBazaar — policybazaar.com
• Acko — acko.com
• Digit Insurance — godigit.com
• Coverfox — coverfox.com

These platforms show you side-by-side price comparisons and help you pick the best deal.

Method 3: Through Parivahan / e-Vahan Portal

When performing vehicle-related services on the Parivahan portal, you may be prompted to update or link your insurance details. The VAHAN system now integrates with insurance databases for verification.

For Renewal

• If your policy has not lapsed (within 90 days of expiry): You can renew online directly without inspection.
• If your policy has lapsed (more than 90 days): The insurer may require a vehicle inspection before issuing a new policy. Some insurers allow self-inspection via app (photo/video of vehicle).

Documents Required

For Buying New Insurance

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Aadhaar card or PAN card (for KYC)
• Vehicle chassis number and engine number
• Previous insurance policy (if any)

For Renewal

• Previous policy number or copy
• Vehicle RC number
• KYC document (Aadhaar/PAN)

For Lapsed Policy (New Policy After Gap)

• All of the above
• Vehicle inspection report (insurer will arrange)
• Photos of the vehicle (front, back, sides, odometer, chassis number)

How to Check Vehicle Insurance Status Online

You can verify if any vehicle has valid insurance using these methods:

Method 1: VAHAN Portal

1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in
2. Enter the vehicle registration number
3. The portal shows basic vehicle details including insurance validity

Method 2: IIB (Insurance Information Bureau) Portal

1. Visit iib.gov.in
2. IIB maintains a database of all motor insurance policies in India
3. Note: Direct public search may not be available; this database is primarily used by enforcement agencies and insurers

Method 3: mParivahan App

1. Download the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Enter your vehicle number or scan the RC QR code
3. View RC details along with insurance status

Method 4: Contact Your Insurer

Call your insurance company's toll-free number or log in to their website/app to check your policy status.

How to Make an Insurance Claim

For Accident / Damage

1. Inform your insurer immediately — Call the toll-free number or use the app
2. File an FIR if it involves a third party or major accident
3. Get a claim number from the insurer
4. Take the vehicle to a network garage (cashless) or any garage (reimbursement)
5. Submit documents: Claim form, RC copy, driving license copy, FIR (if applicable), photos of damage
6. Survey: Insurer sends a surveyor to assess damage
7. Repair and settlement: Cashless claims are settled directly with the garage; reimbursement claims are paid to you after you submit bills

For Theft

1. File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately
2. Inform your insurer within 24 hours
3. Submit: FIR copy, RC original, all vehicle keys, claim form, KYC documents
4. Non-traceable certificate: If vehicle is not found in 30-60 days, police issues this certificate
5. Transfer RC: You need to transfer the RC to the insurer's name via RTO
6. Claim settlement: Insurer pays the IDV (Insured Declared Value) of the vehicle

No-Claim Bonus (NCB) — Save Money on Renewal

NCB is a discount on your insurance premium for every claim-free year. It rewards safe driving.

NCB Discount Rates (IRDAI Standard)

Important NCB Rules

• NCB applies only to the Own Damage (OD) premium, not third-party premium
• NCB belongs to the owner, not the vehicle — you can transfer it to a new vehicle
• If you make a claim, your NCB resets to 0%
• You can protect your NCB with an NCB Protector add-on
• NCB is valid for 90 days after policy expiry — renew within this window to retain it

How to Transfer Insurance When Selling Your Vehicle

When you sell your vehicle, the insurance policy should be transferred to the new owner.

Steps to Transfer

1. Seller informs the insurer about the sale (in writing or online)
2. Buyer applies for transfer with the insurer, submitting:
   • Sale deed / Form 29 and Form 30
   • New RC in buyer's name (or transfer receipt)
   • Buyer's KYC documents
   • Copy of existing insurance policy
3. Insurer processes the transfer — usually takes 7-15 days
4. New policy is issued in the buyer's name for the remaining period

Tip: Do not let the insurance lapse during vehicle RC transfer. The vehicle must be insured at all times.

If You Buy a New Vehicle and Want to Transfer NCB

• Submit a letter to your old insurer requesting NCB certificate
• Provide this certificate to your new insurer when buying the new policy
• NCB transfers to you, not to the vehicle

IRDAI Rules You Should Know

• Third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles (Section 146, Motor Vehicles Act)
• Long-term third-party policies: For new cars, 3-year TP is mandatory; for new two-wheelers, 5-year TP is mandatory
• Personal accident cover of ₹15 lakh for owner-driver is compulsory with every motor policy
• IRDAI regulates all premiums for third-party insurance — rates are fixed and same across all insurers
• OD premiums are market-driven — compare across insurers for the best rate
• Insurers cannot refuse to issue a third-party policy

Tips for Getting the Best Deal

1. Compare quotes on aggregator websites before buying
2. Maintain your NCB — avoid small claims to keep the discount
3. Choose a higher voluntary deductible to lower your premium
4. Buy add-ons wisely — zero depreciation is worth it for new vehicles
5. Renew before expiry — don't let your policy lapse
6. Install approved anti-theft devices — some insurers offer a discount
7. Bundle long-term policies if available for better rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy vehicle insurance without RC?

No, the Registration Certificate is mandatory for buying insurance. For brand new vehicles, the dealer arranges temporary insurance before registration.

What happens if my insurance lapses?

You will need to buy a fresh policy. The insurer may require vehicle inspection. You also lose your NCB if the gap exceeds 90 days.

Is online insurance as valid as offline?

Yes, online policies are equally valid. The e-policy document (PDF) is legally accepted everywhere including by traffic police and RTOs.

Can I cancel my vehicle insurance?

Yes, you can cancel and get a pro-rata refund for the unused period, minus any claims made.

How quickly is the policy issued online?

Instantly. You receive the policy document on your email and can download it immediately after payment.

Related Guides

• How to Transfer Vehicle RC Online
• How to Apply for Driving License Online