Are you planning to buy a used vehicle in India? You're not alone! Second-hand bikes and cars are purchased both online and offline daily in our country. However, before you make a purchase, it is always best to be prepared for the paperwork that you'll have to take care off. Don't fret, we've done the homework for you and put a document checklist together. Take a look!

Vehicle purchase document

The first document you need to collect is the original invoice of the vehicle. Check for the owner's name, chassis number, engine number and other essential details. It will help you confirm the real owner of the car or bike and also help you determine whether the vehicle is being sold for the first time. If the seller is not able to provide it, he/she should give a receipt to serve the purpose.

Registration document

The most critical bike or car document that you need while purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is the registration document also called a Registration Card (RC). You will need to transfer the RC to your name. Visit your RTO and submit the following documents to begin the transfer process:

• Original RC
• Form 29 & 30
• Copy of bike/car insurance papers
• Copy of valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Copies of residence proof, such as a voter ID, passport or electricity bill
• Crime Report of NCRB

If the RC is missing, submit Form 26 and copy of First Information Report (FIR) filed at the police station to the RTO for a duplicate RC.

Download RTO forms

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

In case there is a bank seal on the RC book, it means the original buyer took the vehicle on loan, and the RC cannot be transferred to you. You will need to take Form 35 stamped and collect an NOC from the car or bike loan provider/bank, stating loan clearance. The seller must also submit RTO Form 28, which is an NOC proving no liabilities exist on the owner, which can legally prevent him/her from selling the vehicle.

Transaction documents

You will need to make the purchase/sale agreement or the sale transaction receipt with the vehicle owner. The agreement must be executed or notarized on a stamp paper. You will also need to issue a delivery note or challan, which indicates you've taken the physical delivery of the vehicle from the owner, and you will be henceforth responsible for all types of litigation, traffic offence, etc.

Tax receipt

Road tax payment at the right time is a must for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. It is typically paid at the time of registration. Collect the RTO road tax receipt copies from the owner of the vehicle before sealing the deal.

Motor insurance

Third-party legal liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in India, including both cars and bikes. If you start driving the pre-owned vehicle without insurance, you may end up paying an unnecessary fine. Motor insurance also protects you from accidental damage and natural calamities. So transfer the insurance policy for the used vehicle in your name. The insurer may ask for an inspection of the car or bike before transferring the policy to you.

It is a good practice to check the number of claims the owner has made on his car insurance policy or bike insurance policy in the last few years, as this will indicate the number of accidents and repairs the vehicle has seen.

If the insurance policy has expired, you need to buy a new one before taking the vehicle on the road. Check our motor insurance policies online to secure your ride.

Pollution certificate

Before purchasing the vehicle, make sure that the owner has the Diseases Caused by Air Pollution. The PUC document is mandatory for all vehicles. If you don't have the PUC certificate, you may have to pay a hefty fine on the road. If the owner does not furnish the PUC document, get the pollution test done for the vehicle before possession.

Payment documents

When you make the payment to the seller, keep a couple of copies of the DD/cheque you issued. Also get a few copies of the payment receipt, duly signed by the seller.

Updated on 10-04-2025

Are you excited to sell your car and upgrade to a better model? That’s wonderful, however, selling a car comes with an additional set of responsibilities! While you may be focusing a lot on buying your new car, there are a few things you have to consider in regard to selling your old one.

You need to ensure that you transfer your motor insurance policy and other documents in the right manner to avoid any issues that may arise in the future. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth handover.

How to Transfer Car Insurance from One Person to Another In India?

You will continue to be held responsible for any liability related to the car, even after you sell it if you don’t follow the proper documentation process. To free yourself of future liabilities associated with your car, you need to pay attention to two aspects of the process: Transactional and RTO paperwork.

Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Inform the Insurance Company: Once the sale is finalised, the seller must inform the insurance company about the change in ownership and request for policy transfer.
2. Obtain a New Registration Certificate (RC): The new owner must obtain the updated RC in their name from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
3. Submit the Required Forms: The seller needs to fill out and submit Form 29 (Notice of Transfer of Ownership) and Form 30 (Report of Transfer of Ownership) to the RTO and insurance provider.
4. Provide Necessary Documents: Both the seller and buyer must submit the required documents for the insurance transfer (listed in the next section).
5. Vehicle Inspection (If Required): Some insurance companies may require an inspection of the vehicle before approving the policy transfer.
6. Pay the Transfer Fee: The buyer may need to pay a nominal fee for the insurance policy transfer.
7. Receive the Transferred Policy: After verification, the insurer will issue a new policy document in the name of the new owner.

It is advisable to complete this process within 14 days of the sale to ensure uninterrupted insurance coverage.

Documents Required to Transfer Car Insurance to New Owner

Once you’ve finalized the deal with the prospective buyer, you should get a sale affidavit and delivery note signed by them. Make sure to attach the prospective buyer’s identity proof and address proof like PAN Card and Aadhaar Card. Don’t forget to attach the cheques that you are receiving as the payment to the sale affidavit. It’s essential to get the sale affidavit notarised and signed as it acts as an agreement transferring all vehicle-related liabilities to the buyer.

Here are the important car insurance transfer forms required by the RTO.

• Form no. 28
  This is an application for receiving an NOC from the registering authority. This is essential as it acts as proof that you have no unresolved liabilities or obligations related to the vehicle.
• Form No. 29
  This form acts as a notice to the RTO that the vehicle is being sold by the owner and that all required documents have been handed over to the buyer.
• Form No. 30
  This form acts as a confirmation of form no. 29.
• Clearance Certificate
  The clearance certificate is a simple application made to the RTO, informing them that your vehicle has been sold. It includes the details of the buyer, seller, and the vehicle.

No Claims Bonus in Car Insurance Transfer

The No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a discount offered to policyholders who have not made any insurance claims during the policy term. It helps reduce the premium for the next policy renewal. However, the NCB is associated with the policyholder, not the vehicle.

When selling a car, the NCB does not transfer to the new owner. Instead, the seller can retain it and use it for their new vehicle’s insurance. The buyer will have to build their own NCB from scratch.

Documents Required for NCB Retention Letter

To retain the NCB when selling your car, you must obtain an NCB retention letter from your insurer. The required documents include:

• Sale Agreement: Proof that the vehicle has been sold.
• Request Letter for NCB Retention: A formal request to the insurer.
• Copy of the Existing Policy: The current insurance policy of the sold vehicle.
• Delivery Note: Proof the vehicle has been handed over to the new owner.
• Cancelled Insurance Policy: Some insurers may require the previous policy to be officially cancelled before issuing an NCB retention letter.

Once the insurer issues the retention letter, the seller can use the accumulated NCB for insuring their new vehicle.

Can No Claim Bonus Be Transferred to the New Car Owner?

No, the No Claim Bonus is tied to the policyholder, not the vehicle. It cannot be transferred to the new car owner. The buyer must start from zero and build their NCB over time by maintaining a claim-free record.

However, if the seller purchases a new vehicle, they can apply the retained NCB to the new insurance policy, reducing their premium cost.

What Happens if the Car Insurance Transfer Remains Incomplete?

Failing to transfer the car insurance policy can lead to several complications:

• Claim Rejection: If the new owner files a claim without transferring the insurance, the insurer may reject it due to a mismatch in ownership details.
• Legal Liabilities: The original owner may still be held liable for any accidents or damages caused by the vehicle.
• Policy Lapse: Without a transfer, the existing policy may become void, leaving the vehicle uninsured.
• Traffic Penalties: Driving a vehicle with an insurance policy under a different name can lead to legal penalties.

To avoid these issues, ensure the insurance policy is transferred to the new owner immediately.

Why Do You Need to Transfer Car Insurance?

The buyer doesn’t have to take a fresh policy for the car; you can simply transfer your existing policy to them when you’re selling a car to them. Vehicle insurance transfer will also rid you of any legal issues that may crop up later. You must fill out a fresh proposal form and submit it to the insurance company. Attach all the documents listed above, as well as the previous policy. On receiving these documents, the insurance company will pass the endorsement of the transfer. The entire activity must be completed within a period of 14 days. Now you know the steps you need to go through for a hassle-free handover of your car and its policy cover. As important as it is to transfer your old car’s policy, it’s also crucial to get insurance coverage for your brand-new ride.

FAQs

1. Can I transfer my No Claim Bonus to another person?

No, the No Claim Bonus is non-transferable and belongs exclusively to the original policyholder.

2. Can I transfer RC without transferring vehicle insurance?

No, you need a vehicle insurance policy for transferring the RC to the new owner, because the insurance policy is required by RTO for the transfer of the RC.

3. How long does it take to transfer vehicle RC?

It can take 20 to 60 days to complete an RC transfer, depending upon the procedure and requirements of the RTO.

4. Can I drive the car immediately after buying it if the insurance transfer is pending?

Yes, but only for 14 days. After that, the new owner must complete the insurance transfer to avoid driving an uninsured vehicle.

5. What happens if the buyer does not transfer the insurance?

The existing policy may become void, leading to legal and financial complications for both parties.

6. Can I cancel my car insurance after selling my car?

Yes, once the transfer is complete, or if you choose not to transfer, you can cancel the policy and apply for an NCB retention letter.

7. Can I get an NOC online?

Yes, you can get an NOC from the RTO online through Form 28. After submitting the form and related documents with the RTO, you can easily obtain an NOC for selling your car.

8. What is the cost of transferring vehicle ownership?

The vehicle ownership transfer fee is different for each state. In Delhi, it is 300-500 rupees; in Maharashtra, it is 530 rupees.

Conclusion

Transferring car insurance is an important step in the vehicle sale process. It ensures the new owner remains protected while saving the previous owner from future liabilities.

By following the outlined steps and ensuring all necessary documents are in place, buyers and sellers can have a smooth transition without legal or financial complications. Always check with your insurance provider while buying car insurance online for specific requirements and guidelines to avoid any last-minute issues. If you plan to sell your car, don’t overlook the insurance transfer—it is as important as the sale itself!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

The advancements in technology have left no industry untouched. From automobile to aviation, every industry has adopted technology to come up with innovative products to woo their customers. Like other industries, the insurance industry as well has started implementing technological developments in their business operations, making it easier for their customers to access and buy their products.

Talking about the motor insurance sector, it has seen a rapid transformation in recent years. From innovative insurance products to Artificial Intelligence (AI) based premium calculation, technology has impacted this industry in multiple ways. Let's have a look at some of the most significant technological advancements that are revolutionising the motor insurance industry:

Use of telematics for premium calculation

The insurance companies have adopted a concept called 'Usage Based Insurance' where telematics devices are attached to vehicles to monitor the risks associated with it. These telematics devices record the driving patterns of vehicle owners, including the distance travelled by them each day, the average speed at which a vehicle is driven, and how safely it is being driven.

These records are then used to calculate vehicle-specific motor insurance premiums, based on the risk associated with each vehicle. For example, if a car is regularly driven at high speeds on highways, the insurance premium for it will be higher as compared to a vehicle which is being driven at low speeds inside a city.

The adoption of telematics ensures a fair price for car insurance customers as it increases affordability for those who drive less and practice safe driving habits. It also helps insurance providers to accurately determine accident damages and reduce the number of fraudulent claims.

ICICI Lombard is one of the few insurers in India that uses this technology to offer vehicle-specific motor insurance policies. A vehicle owner can choose an insurance plan for his/her vehicle, based on the kilometres that he/she shall be driving in a year. In case the coverage gets exhausted, there is an option to get a top-up.

Installation of dashboard cameras for maximum car security

Insurers have started installing cameras on the dashboard of a car. These cameras can record forward, sideward, and even rearward videos. These recordings can be beneficial and can be used as evidence in case a policyholder gets involved in an accident. It provides insights about the accident to the insurers and helps them to determine the authenticity of a claim.

This will not only help in bringing down the fraudulent claims but also in expediting the claim-settlement process. Not only for four-wheelers, but some insurers are also even providing helmet cameras for two-wheelers to record an accident scene.

Smartphones apps for every insurance-related help

Many insurers in India have introduced their smartphone apps with which a user can get any help related to his/her motor insurance policy within minutes. The apps can be used for multiple purposes, such as to buy or renew the policy, raise a claim, or call for roadside assistance in case the need arises.

Additionally, these apps can be synced with car's dashboard camera so that it can record videos of an accident, record conversations with witnesses and other parties involved in the accident, and capture any relevant document on the scene. Through these apps, the policyholders can also get on a video chat directly with the insurer's representatives and justify their claim.

Use of blockchain technology

Many motor insurance companies in India have started integrating blockchain technology into their existing workflows. This helps other insurance players to access data regarding insured vehicles, including smart card details, owner details, telematic records etc.

This makes it easier for them to identify the claims and verify its authenticity. It also helps the insurers to reduce the time required for the underwriting of claims. They can now easily tap into online databases and check the vehicle owner's data and quickly assess the claim amount to be paid.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 came into effect on September 1, 2019, with an intent to curb road accidents in India and boost road safety. This massive update to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 has led to the introduction of fresh penalties and license requirements for vehicles along with new operating standards for both personal and commercial motor vehicles.

The new Motor Vehicles Bill brings forth a jaw-dropping surge in the fines for traffic rules violators. The Bill also seeks to spread awareness towards road safety and aims to discourage drivers from flouting traffic rules and regulations.

Here are some of the key points of the Motor Vehicles Act (Amendment) Act 2019 that you must know:

• Mandatory Motor Insurance:

The Bill instructs the Central Government to create a special Motor Vehicle Accident Fund that will be designed to provide compulsory vehicle insurance to vehicle owners. Car insurance and two-wheeler insurance offered by the Government has been targeted to ensure:

• Medical treatment for road accident victims under the ‘golden hour’ scheme.
• Monetary compensation to the next of kin of a person who has died in a ‘hit and run’ accident.
• Monetary compensation to the next of kin for a person grievously injured in a ‘hit and run’ accident.
• Monetary compensation for to other victims as identified under the new guidelines.

• Vehicle Recall:

Under the amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019, the Central Government reserves the rights to recall a vehicle of any make and model if it poses a persistent threat to drivers, environment or the public at large. The ‘recall’ use has been hailed as a great step towards bringing accountability in the auto industry. With the recall clause, a vehicle manufacturer will be liable to:

• Provide full reimbursement to the vehicle owner against the recall.
• Substitute the recalled vehicle with a replacement vehicle that has similar or higher specifications.

• Road Accident Compensation:

The amended act prescribes compensation and immediate cashless treatment for accident victims with the ‘golden hour’ period. Under the clause, the golden hour is described as the ‘one-hour’ post a major accident, wherein prompt, life-saving medical treatment can be given to the victim, thus saving his/her life. The act also envisions providing interim relief to third-party insurance claimants, seeking compensation.

• Minimum compensation in case of death in a hit & run case: Rs. 2 lakh.
• Minimum compensation in case of grievous injury in a hit & run case: Rs. 50,000.

• Legal Protection for Good Samaritans:

Under the good samaritans provision, any civilian administering aid (medical/non-medical) to an accident victim will not be pursued with legal/criminal action due to the death of the victim. The same is applicable in the case of seriously injured victims. However, the legal cushion is based on three factors:

• The assistance given to the victim should be in good faith.
• The assistance should not be based on rewards expectations, monetary or otherwise.
• The assistance given should be entirely voluntary.

• Increased Penalties:

The main talking point of the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 is the steep rise in the monetary penalties for traffic violators. Despite facing opposition from various sections, the hiked penalties have been enforced and have already witnessed rigorous implementation. If you drive without motor insurance then you will have to pay high penalty.

A majority of the states have welcomed this surge aimed at reducing traffic violations, drastically. Below is the full list of traffic violations and their revised fines as per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019:

Traffic Violations & Increased Penalties

Traffic Violations	Previous Fines (Rs.)	Revised Fines (2019) in Rs.
Travel without a ticket (public transportation)	200	500
Driving without license	500	5000
Overspeeding	400	● 1,000 for light vehicles ● 2,000 for medium vehicles
Driving under the influence	2,000	10,000
Dangerous driving	1,000	Up to 5,000
Vehicle speeding/racing	500	5,000
No helmet	100	1,000 + 3 months suspension
Driving without insurance	1,000	2,000
Two-wheeler overloading	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
No permit vehicle	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
No seat belt	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
Riding without a helmet	100	1,000 + 3 months license suspension
Juvenile offences	N/A	25,000 fine for the guardians with 3 years jail term. Juvenile to be tried under the Juvenile Justice & Protection Act
Violation of licensing by cab aggregators	N/A	25,000 to 100,000
Driving post-license disqualification	500	10,000

• Insurance Cover – Top Priority

Be it car insurance or two-wheeler insurance, getting vehicle insurance policy done right has become a top ’to-do’ on everyone’s list. You can buy car insurance online or get your vehicle insured through third-party insurance companies.

With the implementation of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, rules and penalties have become stricter, thus getting yourself the obligatory insurance cover is of greatest significance.

The enforcement of the Act will ensure that the vehicle owners, especially who have two-wheelers will now be more inclined to opt for vehicle insurance. Now, if you are wondering how to avoid the steep fines and penalties for traffic violations, then simply follow this:

“Wear a helmet, put the seatbelt on, don’t drink & drive, stay in your lane, keep your license handy, and most important of all, keep your car and your loved ones safe with motor insurance."

Are you a car enthusiast who spend hours admiring the masterpieces with wheels from around the world? Have you been pining for a specific car, luxury or vintage, that is not available in India? We feel your pain; it’s quite the disappointment when the thing you most desire is not available in your country.

Don’t worry! You can always purchase a car and import it to India and drive your dream car in your own country. A motor insurance policy will provide the financial security to your imported car against any loss or damage it may suffer during any unforeseen circumstances. Here are some of things about importing a car in India you must know as per the provisions laid down by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):

When Can You Import a Car?

You are allowed to import a car in India only under the following circumstances:

• If the car is not manufactured by Indian companies.
• If the car is not registered in any other country, under any of their laws.
• If the car is not leased or loaned at the time of importing.

The Type of Car You Can Import

It’s important to know that the process of importing a car in India is permitted only through certain custom ports. They are as follows:

• Mumbai
• Nhava Sheva
• Delhi Air Cargo
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Cochin
• Tughlakabad

Things to note when importing a car via dealer

You can always seek help of a dealer to import your new ride to India, which will make the process easier and quicker also you need to buy car insurance for your imported car to protect against unforeseen circumstances. . However, in order to do the same, you need to follow certain guidelines as listed below:

• Get the Road Worthiness Certificate issued by any testing agency of the country from where you’re importing the car. This is to ensure that your importation certificate is compliant with the rule 126 under Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
• While importing the car, you must submit a written proof that serves as a confirmation that the compliance certificate as required under rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 will be submitted within six months of the importation process.

Import Duties on Cars

This can be one of your main concerns while importing a car in India. Following are the applicable import duty rates for importing a car in India:

Exceptions

Opting for a used car leads to more savings and enables you to buy a premium model in the same budget.

When it comes to buying a car, you need to take a lot of crucial decisions, such as, what will be your budget, the type of car you wish to purchase, the make, model, and colour of the car, choosing a car insurance whether you will make the full down-payment upfront or avail the services of a car loan. One such important choice that you need to consider is whether you would like to purchase a new car or opt for a second-hand car.

While purchasing a brand-new car can be an exhilarating thought, opting for a 2nd hand car has its own advantages. According to the market surveys, the used car sales in India have gone up by 50% during the past one year, mainly due to the entry of organised players in the segment and greater assurance of the vehicle being sold. Read more to know about the 7 major benefits of buying a second-hand car instead of a new one and how it can be a smart decision for you:

Facilitates affordability and savings

The most specific advantage of opting to purchase a second-hand car instead of a new one is that it facilitates more affordability and hence, increases your savings. You can own a pre-owned car of your preferred make and model at a much lesser price when compared with a new car of the same model. For example, you can own a 3-year old Maruti Swift Dzire at an approximate price of Rs.3 to 3.5 lakhs whereas the new car will cost you around Rs. 6 to 8 lakhs, depending upon the variant. However in this case, motor insurance is something you should always rely on

Minimizing the depreciation of your vehicle

The value of a new car starts depreciating from the moment it is driven out of the showroom. Typically, the market value of a car decreases by about 20% per year for the first few years after its purchase. This means that a new car will lose roughly 50% of its value during the first two to three years. Though various cars have different depreciation rates, some luxury cars have a steep depreciation rate over the first few years.

Cars that are in low demand also lose their value quite significantly over time. You can avoid that hit by buying a second-hand car as it would have already suffered its maximum depreciation by then and will not lose much value in the forthcoming years. Some of the factors that you should keep in mind before calculating the depreciation and buying a second-hand car at much cheaper rates include:

• Brand: Some brands have prolonged value due to their popularity, while others lose their value significantly due to increasing competition. Thus, thorough research can get you close to 60 percent of a car’s price in three years.
• Vehicle Condition: It is recommended to check the fuel exhausts and any oil leaks before choosing your second-hand car which gives you the power to bargain better and save money on future repairs
• Performance: A car offering better distance per liter of fuel is your best bet as it will not only save you money but is also an indicator of a car’s good performance.

Avoiding the registration fees and other charges

When you buy a new car, you will have to make numerous payments to the Government, such as one-time registration fees, road taxes, and other RTO charges which swell up the on-road price of the vehicle. Opting for a used car is instead a better option to avoid these extra charges as it would have been already paid by the first owner of the vehicle. This, in turn, will help you get full value for your money and you don’t need to shell anything extra out of your pocket to take your favorite car out for a spin.

Document Checklist for Buying a Second-hand Car

Second-hand car buyers should check the following documents thoroughly before confirming the purchase:

• Registration Certificate
• Purchase Invoice of the car
• All documents for existing insurance policies
• Documents for the service history of the car
• Forms- 28, 29, 30, 32, 35
• Invoices for Road Tax
• Pollution Control Certificates
• Owner’s Manual

Full assurance and warranty for the vehicle

Until recently upon purchasing a motor vehicle, you had the option to customise the license plate with colour, language and font of your choice. However, all of this has changed with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) bringing about amendments in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

The new mandate requires all vehicles sold on or after 1st April, 2019 to be affixed with High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs). and to have a motor insurance for your vehicle is also a important factor. These plates will form a uniform pattern of displaying motor vehicle registration numbers across the country. The Ministry has taken this step to curb vehicle theft and enable easy tracking of lost or stolen vehicles.

Let’s discuss further about this new rule, how the new plates look like and how these are different from the ones already existing in our vehicles:

How do I get an HSRP for my vehicle?

According to the Ministry’s new rule, a vehicle manufacturer has to provide these HSRP to the dealers along with the vehicle. Once you make a purchase, the dealer will stamp the allotted registration number on the plates and fix them to your vehicle. You should have a two wheeler insurance or a car insurance along with the high security registration plate to stay protected during any emergencies.

Auto makers need to ensure that dealers have the necessary infrastructure to place the mark of registration on the HSRPs and print the third registration plate, wherever required. The new rule also states that the cost of an HSRP and the cost of affixing it to the new vehicle after placing the mark of registration should be included in the price of the vehicle. Thus, if your dealer demands an additional amount for the HSRP, you know that it is against the rules.

Moreover, the HSRPs come with a guarantee of 5 years, wherein if it is damaged or its letters or numbers fade away, the dealer who fitted the plate will replace it free of cost.

What does an HSRP look like?

The HSRP are made of aluminium and come with reflective tapes. They are hot-stamped with a chromium-based hologram of the Ashok Chakra in Blue on the top-left corner. At the bottom-left corner, a 10-digit permanent identification number (PIN) is etched with laser. In the middle of the chakra hologram and the laser code, ‘IND’ is inscribed in Blue.

‘INDIA’ is inscribed in font size 10, font type Arial Bold and colour Blue at an angle of 45-degree in hot stamping foil across all letters and numbers on the plate. The plates also feature two non-removable snap-on locks that, if somehow removed, will remain non-usable.

Besides the front and rear registration plates, a chromium hologram sticker with high refractive index is affixed on the bottom-left corner of the windshield from the inside. This self-destructive sticker is the third registration plate that contains details like the 10-digit PIN, the actual registration number, the engine and chassis numbers, the date of first registration of the vehicle and the name of the registering authority.

The specified background colour of the hologram sticker/third registration plate is orange for diesel vehicles, light blue for petrol and CNG vehicles and for grey for other vehicles.

Does my old vehicle need a new HSRP?

As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), existing vehicles will also have to switch to the new HSRP. For the purpose, you have to visit your car dealer. You will be required to surrender your old registration number and destroy the number plate.

After the process of registration is over and the HSRP is affixed to your vehicle, the new registration number will be electronically linked to your vehicle.

Why is HSRP important?

You might wonder why your existing registration plate needs to be changed at all as it seems to serve its purpose well enough. However, it must be noted that the old number plates are very easy to tamper with, which makes stealing a vehicle very easy. Also, the first thing that thieves generally do after stealing a vehicle is remove the number plates.

Further, some of us customise our vehicle’s number plate very artistically, which makes it difficult for anyone, including the police, to read. Consequently, the police fails to track down such a vehicle in case it is lost or stolen. The uniquely styled HSRPs are a one-stop solution to all these problems as these plates are tamper-proof and act as a deterrent to thieves.

Things to know before getting a CNG Kit

Spiralling petrol and diesel costs are enough to convince car owners to get a CNG kit. When petrol costs ₹72 per litre, diesel costs ₹ 60 per litre and CNG costs only ₹43 per kilogram*, it is obvious you will consider getting a CNG kit for your car.

A CNG kit can bring a stark improvement in your car's mileage. It can reduce the average cost per kilometre by ₹3 to ₹5 depending on your car's model. It is not only economical but also eco-friendly. But befor. CNG kits are a smart choice to save on fuel cost and reduce pollution and similarly a car insurance policy is recommended to cover the increase in the maintenance cost of the vehicle. you plan to buy it for your car, here are a few things you should know:

Compatibility and Licensing

Before getting a CNG kit you must check your car's compatibility with the CNG fuel system because not all cars are compatible with it. Even if your car is compatible, you will further need approval from the government to get a CNG kit.

Getting an approval from the local authorities can be hectic and time consuming. Once approved, you will get a 'Registration Certificate' (RC) branded with “fuel change” after which you can use the CNG kit. However, if you plan to get the kit for a new car, it will take much less time than converting your old car and getting its RC stamped.