Just as not all cars cost the same, all car insurance premiums also do not cost the same. Of the many factors that influence a car’s premium, one is the fuel type or variant of the car. Whether your car is a petrol or diesel variant affects the cost of car insurance premiums. Wondering why? The reason is simple. The car fuel type impacts many other factors that have a direct influence on the insurance cost. Some of those factors are:

1) Cost of the vehicle

The cost of the vehicle is important in determining insurance premiums. A diesel car is often priced higher as compared to its petrol counterpart. Since the price of a car is directly related to the cost of its insurance, the higher the price of a car the higher will be the insurance charge. You will find this when you compare the online car insurance cost for diesel and petrol cars.

2) Cost of repair

Cost of repair can have an impact on the insurance premium charged. Typically, a car with a diesel engine involves a higher cost of maintenance over the years. So, insurance companies tend to charge a higher premium for cars with a diesel engines when compared to their petrol counterpart. The same is also true for high-end cars and cars with expensive spare parts.

3) Insurance Declared Value or IDV

It is the estimated market value of a vehicle and has a direct impact on the cost of insurance premiums. Since the cost of a vehicle with a diesel model is higher, its IDV will also be higher, thereby affecting the cost of insurance. The decrease in the IDV of a diesel car would be slower so the renewals would still be more expensive than that for petrol variants.

4) Engine capacity

The engine capacity of the vehicles can also influence the cost of insurance premiums for the cars.  Since the engine capacity of diesel-driven cars is it raises the parameters on which the cost of insurance is valued. On the other hand, petrol-driven cars have a comparatively lower level of engine capacity.

5) Fuel efficiency

One of the most important factors that must be considered while buying a car is its fuel efficiency. Petrol cars are best when it comes to achieving initial power but diesel cars run best in higher gears. In the long run, diesel cars seem to be more fuel-efficient than petrol cars.

Owning a car is not enough. You must protect it with the right insurance policy to be able to take it out onto the roads. In fact, it is mandatory to have third-party insurance to drive your car on Indian roads. While third-party insurance protects you from third-party liabilities in case of an accident, it does not cover your damages or medical costs. For that, you must choose a different type of policy. Yes, there are different types of car insurance and you must get the one that meets your needs and budget. Understanding car insurance and its benefits would help you in selecting a policy that offers you ideal financial protection without being heavy on your pocket. Here’s what you must know about the various kinds of car insurance:

• A third-party liability policy

Indian law mandates every car owner to have a third-party liability policy. To ensure everybody can afford it, its premium is fixed by the IRDAI or Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. The policy offers basic coverage and is limited to covering losses related to the third party only. The insurers do not have any control over the premium. Simplifying the insurance terminology:

• First party – policyholder or buyer of the policy
• Second party - insurance company or the insurer
• Third-party - an individual who demands compensation against damage to himself or his property, caused by the first party

Also known as a liability-only policy, it compensates for the following:

• Damage to vehicle or property of the third party

Any damage to the vehicle or property of a third party caused due to an accident involving the insured car is compensated by the insurer up to a specific amount.

• Injury to the third party

If an individual is injured in an accident caused by your car, he would get compensated. The policy would cover the financial expenses for their hospitalization and treatment. The amount paid would depend on the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal’s decision.

• Death of a third-party individual due to an accident

In the unfortunate event of the death of a third party due to an accident caused by your car, a lump sum financial amount would be paid by the insurer to the family of the deceased.

• Legal liabilities Your insurer will also take care of all the legal liabilities faced by you, the policyholder, in case of an accident. 

The policy works fine as long as your car is not damaged since the policy does not cover that. The entire repair or replacement cost for your car has to be borne by you. If you have an old car that you are planning to sell off, the basic third-party policy would be sufficient. However, you need to reconsider your decision if you have a high-end or brand-new car. In these cases, you may want to check car insurance of different types such as an own damage policy or a comprehensive policy.

• Own damage (OD) policy

It covers damages to your car due to accidental or non-accidental causes. Some of the damages covered by it include:

• Damage due to accidents

After an accident, take the help of your insurer to tow your car to the nearest network garage and get it fixed. Under a cashless claim, the insurer will directly pay the workshop for the repair work.

• Natural calamities

Under OD policy, the car would be financially covered against natural disasters such as floods, landslides, rockslides, and severe weather conditions such as storms, cyclones, and earthquakes.

• Manmade hazards

Damage caused due to manmade incidents such as riots, strikes, civil disturbances, torching the car, and vandalism is covered under the OD policy.

Times have changed. With the advent of new technologies in the automobile sector, more and more car manufacturers are investing in designing and manufacturing hybrid and electric vehicles. The hybrid or electric car not only reduces the burden of extensively utilizing fossil fuels for mobility but also offers an environment-friendly alternative to petrol and diesel cars. While both hybrid and electric cars are sustainable energy-driven cars, they still have some differences in terms of technology and efficiency. Today, we will focus on electric cars vs. hybrid cars.

What are hybrid cars?

As the name implies, hybrid cars have two engines—petrol as well as diesel. These vehicles are also known as hybrid electric vehicles as they use both, an internal combustion engine (ICE) and at least one electric motor to generate power. This cycle not only saves you money on fuel but also improves the efficiency of your engine. You cannot charge a hybrid car's battery by plugging it into a power source. Instead, you can charge it using the ICE and regenerative braking. A hybrid car's battery can also help in powering the auxiliary load and reducing engine idling. 

Benefits of hybrid cars:

• Cleaner emission:

Compared to the emission levels of ICE vehicles, hybrid cars are less polluting. This is because hybrid cars use both internal combustion engines and electric motors to turn the wheels.

• Fuel efficient:

Since hybrid cars include both internal combustion engines and electric motors, they utilize significantly less fuel than cars that simply have internal combustion engines. The additional power available with them makes them an environmentally-friendly cars. 

• Regenerative braking:

In hybrid cars, you don't need to put your car on halt for battery pack charge. Since the car's electric motor generates electricity whenever you apply the brakes, the battery gets recharged automatically.

Disadvantages of hybrid cars:

• Lower performance:

Since the primary objective of a hybrid car manufacturer is to improve its fuel efficiency, its power and acceleration are much lower than those of standard internal combustion engine vehicles.

• Expensive purchase:

Compared to internal combustion engine cars, hybrid cars are more expensive due to the presence of dual engines and related features. 

• High maintenance cost:

Due to the advanced technology used and the presence of dual engines, the maintenance costs of hybrid cars can dig a hole in your pocket. Also, to get your hybrid car repaired, you need the assistance of a certified mechanic as not all mechanics are trained in or are knowledgeable about hybrid vehicle maintenance. Therefore, it is advised that when you purchase a hybrid car, make sure to secure it with hybrid car insurance.

What are electric cars?

Electric automobiles, often known as electric vehicles or EVs, run on an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. This makes them pollution-free clean cars. EVs are often devoid of a fuel line, a fuel pump, and a tank. They need plugging into a charging port to draw power from the grid. The electricity in the EV is stored in the rechargeable battery. Interestingly, EVs accelerate faster and are lighter to drive than ICE cars. If you are planning to buy an EV, don't forget to secure it with electric car insurance.

Benefits of electric cars:

• High efficiency:

EVs have far more energy than fuel-powered vehicles. EVs are energy efficient since they convert 62% of their electric energy into the vehicle's power source. However, in ICE cars, the efficiency rate drops to just 21%.

• Zero emissions:

One of the most significant advantages of driving an electric vehicle is that you are helping to protect the environment. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs are less polluting than ICE cars.

• High performance:

One of the most appealing aspects of driving an electric vehicle is that it produces maximum torque as soon as you press the accelerator pedal. When compared to traditional ICE cars, EVs are also easier to maintain due to fewer moving components.

Bringing in your first car at home is always special and so is taking it out on the roads to explore the world—think of all the adventure and memorable drives awaiting you. But before you embark on a drive, always make sure to carry your driving licence and car insurance documents along. Surely, you would not like to get caught by the traffic police and be penalised for driving without the required papers on the very first day of driving your new car. Also, make sure to follow all traffic rules and regulations to ensure your safety and that of others. For first-time car buyers, here are some tips for driving a car safely:

1. Slow Acceleration

Do you feel like pressing the accelerator and speeding along before others as soon as the traffic signal becomes green? This is common among most first-time drivers but you must control your impulses. Always increase the speed slowly as it is good for the engine as well. Bring the car to roll along slowly from a complete stop and then push the accelerator down in steps. Try to feel the position of the wheels to avoid potholes, a common feature on Indian roads.

2. Steer Steadily

Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel to keep it steady. This is important for moving in a straight line on the road or during taking turns or changing lanes. Try to stay in the lane meant for your type of car and maintain adequate distance from other vehicles while taking turns or during changing lanes. In case you see a turn or exit coming up, move to the correct lane—left or right—a little early. You may cause problems to the other drivers if you suddenly bring your car in front of their car while taking a turn. The far-left lane is usually for exits and the centre lane for travelling long distances at a constant speed.

3. Control the Brakes

Do not push the brake all of a sudden. It can result in your car getting hit by another car or two-wheeler from behind. You may also hit a vehicle or a pedestrian if you are not able to control the brakes and bring the car to a stop abruptly. It is possible to injure yourself or your fellow passengers as sudden brakes can knock people out of the seats. Strap on the seat belts to keep the impact at a minimum. If you see the signals turning yellow, start applying pressure on the brakes to bring the car to a halt at the proper time. Despite that, if there is an unfortunate incident, inform your insurer immediately. You may call up the emergency number given on your car insurance policy to get help.

4. Do Not Over Speed

Adhere to the speed limits even if you are extremely confident about your driving skills. Rash driving, which is common on Indian roads, is the reason behind most of the accidents. It is for your safety as well as that of others on the road that you must drive at a medium speed or as specified by the traffic department. The traffic department takes into account several aspects such as road type, frequency of accidents, traffic volume, and visibility while fixing the speed limits for different types of roads such as highways, flyovers, and crossroads.

Updated on 10-04-2025

A car’s registration number is the key to information regarding the car’s present owner—for authorities as well as for the common man. Surprised? Don’t be. If you want to track down a car owner who may have either bumped your car and fled the scene or may have caused you trouble by blocking your car in a parking lot, then you can do it in a few easy steps. Today, we will look at how to find the owner of the vehicle by license plate number.

How to Check Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate Online?

There are multiple ways to check vehicle owner details online. The most commonly used methods include:

1. Through the VAHAN Portal: The VAHAN database is a centralised repository of all registered vehicles in India, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
2. Via SMS Service: The government provides a simple SMS-based service to fetch vehicle registration details without an internet connection.
3. Parivahan Sewa Portal: Another platform that offers vehicle registration details, including ownership and insurance validity.

Check the Owner's Details by Number Plate Through the VAHAN Portal

VAHAN portal furnishes the vehicle registration details following the MV Act of 1988. The portal complies with the regulations of different states and UTs.

You can find the owner of the vehicle by license plate number by using the PARIVAHAN portal. To do that, don't stress much and simply follow the steps given below.

• Step 1:

Go to the PARIVAHAN official website: https://parivahan.gov.in

• Step 2:

Click on “Information Services” and go to “Know my Vehicle”. You will be led to the VAHAN portal.

• Step 3:

Enter the car's registration number you intend to check.

• Step 4:

Input the verification code, or say, a CAPTCHA, given on the page. 

• Step 5:

Tap on "Check Status".

• Step 6:

Your screen will display all the relevant details related to the car.

What Vehicle Owner Details Can I Get Through the VAHAN Portal?

Using the VAHAN portal, you can trace down the following details.

• Car owner’s name
• Car's registration date
• Vehicle class and fuel type (diesel or petrol)
• Car's chassis and engine number (not detailed in full)
• Vehicle's make and model, along with the manufacturer's detail
• Car's fitness duration
• PUC and insurance details
• Car's RC status and details of the financier 
• Car's emission standard

How To Check Vehicle Registration Details With SMS?

If you don't want to go through the aforesaid steps online, simply take out your phone and send a single SMS to obtain the car owner's information. To learn more about the SMS method, follow the steps outlined below.

• Step 1:

Enter your car's registration number by writing VAHAN before that number. (Example: VAHAN UP65CF××××)

• Step 2:

After drafting the above text, send the SMS on 7738299899.

• Step 3:

After texting on the above number, you will receive the car's details such as owner name, make and model, RTO details, car insurance details, and RC expiry details, among a few others.

What is RC (Registration Certificate)?

The Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the RTO, proving that a vehicle is registered with the Indian government and legally allowed to be driven on roads. Every vehicle owner must have an RC, either in a physical format (RC Book) or an electronic format (e-RC).

Without a valid RC, a vehicle cannot be legally driven, sold, or transferred. The RC serves as proof of ownership and is required during legal or insurance-related proceedings.

What Information Does a Registration Certificate (RC) Contain?

A vehicle’s RC contains essential details such as:

• Registration Number
• Owner’s Name & Address
• Vehicle Make & Model
• Chassis Number
• Engine Number
• Date of Registration
• Validity Period
• Fuel Type
• Seating Capacity
• Insurance Details
• Emission Norms Compliance (BS-IV, BS-VI, etc.)

These details are critical when buying or selling a vehicle, transferring ownership, or claiming car insurance.

Why Do We Need to Check RC Details Online?

Here is a list of some of the common situations in which finding the owner of a vehicle is critical.

• Accident:

When an accident causes bodily injury or substantial damage to your vehicle, knowing the details of the car's owner becomes critical. Following the accident, immediately use one of the above methods to find the vehicle owner by number plate. This will not only assist you in filing an FIR but also in filing an insurance claim.

• Hit and run case: 

When a hit and run case occurs, stopping a culprit driver is one of the toughest tasks. The only thing you can do in this situation is note down the car's number from the number plate. Once you have the number, you can easily trace the owner using one of the aforementioned methods.

• Buying a Used Vehicle:

When you are purchasing a second-hand car, it is critical to know the information of the previous owner. Given the rise in car theft instances, buying a second-hand car without verifying the car owner's information, RC papers, insurance papers, PUC, and other documents might result in serious consequences. As a result, understanding how to find a vehicle's owner by number is critical because it provides all vehicle-related information.

• No Objection Certificate:

With the availability of the VAHAN and PARIVAHAN portals, Regional Transport Office (RTO) can easily track the details of your vehicle using any of the above portals. Therefore, furnishing a NOC is not necessary in certain cases.

FAQs

Q1. Is it legal to check someone else’s vehicle details online?

A: Yes, it is legal to check basic vehicle details online, but sensitive information such as the owner's contact details or address is restricted to protect privacy.

Q2. Can I check the vehicle owner’s address through VAHAN?

A: No, the VAHAN portal does not display the vehicle owner’s address due to privacy regulations.

Q3. How can I verify a used car’s authenticity before buying?

 A: You can use the VAHAN portal to check registration details, insurance validity, and pollution certification.

Q4. What should I do if my vehicle details are incorrect in the VAHAN portal?

A: Visit your nearest RTO with supporting documents to correct any discrepancies.

Q5. Can I download a digital copy of my RC online?

A: Yes, you can download an e-RC from the DigiLocker app or the mParivahan app.

Q6. How to get my car’s registration certificate details?

A: Visit the VAHAN portal and go to “Know your vehicle.” Follow the steps as directed, and you will find the details of your car RC.

Conclusion

With lakhs of cars on Indian roads, finding a vehicle in an unfortunate event might be challenging. However, the above-mentioned online platforms can make it simple to find a car owner by registration number. These services help in legal verification, second-hand vehicle purchases, accident investigations, and compliance with transport regulations. Always ensure that the vehicle’s RC details and car insurance are valid and up-to-date to avoid legal complications and drive safely on the roads.

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.

Factually, transferring car ownership is a lengthy process. It involves the new owner of the car, the previous owner, and a pile load of necessary documents that need attestation and verification. However, some digital platforms have introduced ways to do it with ease. Before we look into the transfer process in detail, let us understand what it means and when it shouldn’t be done.

• Normal sale and purchase of a used car, wherein the old owner’s name and details on the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC) must be replaced by the new owner’s details.
• Transfer in the case of the existing owner’s demise, whereby the legal heir to the car must inform the RTO about the demise within the next 30 days. However, the utilization of such a car by the heir is allowed for the next 3 months following the owner's demise.
• Vehicle purchase during a public auction; herein, the original owner’s name is replaced by that of the new owner to whom the vehicle has been auctioned.

The process involved in the transfer of car ownership online and/or offline can subtly vary. You may also initiate the process by submitting the necessary application forms on the central government’s dedicated website—‘Parivahan.’

Car ownership transfer within the same state

To change ownership of a car under normal sale/purchase, just follow these steps:

• Fill up Form 29 with the necessary details online and take a print.
• Once the details are verified, hand out the form to the local RTO at the seller’s and purchaser’s location of residence. Herein, the purchaser needs to submit Form 30 within 14 days of transfer along with documents related to Form 1 and 2.

Inter-state change of ownership

Transferring ownership between different states involves additional steps:

• In the case of inter-state transfer, the purchaser needs to fill up Form 30 within 45 days of such transfer and submit necessary documents.
• The buyer must also pay the necessary charges levied on such transfer under Rule 81 of the General Motor Vehicles (GMV) Rules 1989 to complete inter-state transfers.

The necessary documents involved include the vehicle’s RC, insurance certificate to car insurance certificate, PUC certificate, engine and chassis pencil print, the registering authority’s NOC, tax clearance certificate and the purchaser’s undertaking, along with identity and address proofs of both parties involved in transferring car ownership.

Car ownership transfer in the case of existing owner's demise

Here’s how one can transfer car ownership to the heir in the case of the demise of the car owner:

• Provide the duly filled up Form 30 to the RTO within the next 3 months.
• Submit necessary documents such as the owner’s death certificate, a document proving the heir’s relationship with the owner, and Form 20, along with other standard documents.
• Pay the necessary fees levied under the GMV Rules 1989.

Car ownership transfer in the case of public auction

To transfer car ownership online in the case of a public auction, follow the steps given below:

• Submit a filled up Form 32 if such auction is sponsored by a state or the central government, within 30 days of purchase.
• Hand over necessary documents to the local RTO. The paperwork involved is more or less similar to in the first case. In addition, you will also have to present proof of the auction conducted by the government.
• Pay the necessary fees levied under Rue 81 of the GMV Rules 1989.

After applying for a car ownership transfer, you can check the status of your request online on the Parivahan website. You would only need your vehicle’s registration number to stay updated on transferring car ownership.

Documents required for change of ownership

The following documents are generally required for transferring car ownership:

• Registration Certificate (RC): The current RC of the vehicle.
• Forms 29 and 30: Notices and applications for transfer of ownership.
• Insurance Certificate: Valid car insurance policy document.
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: Valid emission test certificate.
• Address Proof: Valid identification and address proof of both buyer and seller (e.g., Aadhaar card, passport).
• PAN Card: PAN details of both parties; Form 60 if PAN is unavailable.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required for inter-state transfers or if the vehicle was under a loan.
• Death Certificate and Succession Proof: In case of the owner's demise.
• Sale Certificate: For vehicles bought in public auctions.

Ensuring that the car insurance policy is transferred to the new owner is vital. A valid insurance policy is mandatory for the transfer process and driving without appropriate coverage can lead to legal complications. If the existing policy is not transferred, the new owner should procure a new third party car insurance policy to comply with legal requirements.

Conclusion

Transferring car ownership in India involves a series of well-defined steps and the submission of specific documents. Whether the transfer is within the same state, across states, due to the owner's demise or through a public auction, adhering to the outlined procedures ensures a seamless transition. Always ensure that the car insurance is updated to reflect the new ownership, maintaining compliance with legal mandates and safeguarding against potential liabilities.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. 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.