What is Telematics?

Telematics is the latest buzzword that has piqued the interest of various industries. It covers all types of telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation, road safety, electrical engineering (such as sensors) and computer science (such as multimedia and internet).

Applications

• Auto Insurance Telematics

Telematics are increasingly being used in motor insurance, with the introduction of Usage Based Insurance (UBI). The idea behind this is a pay-as-you-go system. For example, a driver who is rash and reckless will be charged for future premiums more than a responsible driver. It also eases in direct customer interaction and validation of claims in case of an accident.

• Intelligent Vehicle Technologies

The evolution of telematics has led us to Intelligent Vehicle Technologies. IVT comprises of electronic, electromechanical as well as electromagnetic devices. These devices are used in conjunction with computer controlled devices and radio receivers to aid in artificial intelligence. This helps car safety systems for making rides safer for the users.

• Wireless Vehicle Safety Communications

This kind of telematics aid in car as well as road safety. Road hazards, location and speed of traffic are transmitted on short range radios. This keeps the drivers and home users updated about the most recent traffic conditions in your area, thereby greatly reducing the chance of accidents and traffic congestions.

• Tracking of Shipments

Telematics is also used to track freight containers using Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) for increased security and safety. This feature is becoming increasingly important as more shipping companies are modernising their business infrastructure.
Similarly, tracking the movement and position of trailers can also be carried using a mobile network or geo-satellite communication. This software directly updates the tracking details through a PC or web-based software.

• Driverless Cars

Google was the first to present us with a working prototype of self-driving cars. Since then, there have been numerous driving tests that have been deployed. The future of this technology looks promising.
However, there are few kinks that need to be adjusted. Companies garnered a lot of heat in the news due to minor accidents caused by driverless cars. Regardless of these trivial issues, we are looking towards a bright and innovative future.

Whether or not you’ve named your car, we know it’s very dear to you. However, in the busy nature of life, the task of periodic car repair and checks can be a little unrealistic. But your car still requires frequent maintenance checks for reducing future repair costs, extending its life and increasing its performance.

With these five basic DIY car maintenance and car service tips, you can take good care of your prized possession without having to be a mechanic.

• Change the Wiper Blades
  Wipers must be changed at least once a year. Old wipers trap dirt and rub it into the glass, which if allowed to go on for too long can be dangerous. Eventually this will lead to a haze effect that will scatter sunlight, blurring vision. This is a safety hazard as it will compromise your view of the road while driving. Most wiper blades are easy to change and come in a varied price range.


• Maintain the Tyre Pressure
  Maintaining the right tyre pressure will not only keep you safe but it will also help you save some extra money. Both, overinflated and underinflated tyres, are a problem because they reduce the grip, work the engine harder and increase the chance of a blowout. Moreover, tyres with the right pressure will increase your car’s fuel efficiency and longevity.


• Check the Oil Level
  It’s essential to check your car’s oil level as frequently as recommended by the manual. Oil lubricates all the moving parts in the engine so they don’t wear and tear to a point of dysfunction. A lack of oil, or the presence of dirty oil, increases the risk of overheating and shortens the life of the engine. A well-oiled engine will significantly increase the car’s efficiency and life. So get into the habit of regularly checking your car’s oil level and go for a oil change when required.


• Keep it Clean
  Keep your car clean inside out. This may sound basic but it is very important. Your car is subject to sun, acid rain, grease, smog and insects. Initially their chemical compounds will eat away the paint and eventually they will attack the metal of your car. Give your car a good wash regularly, remove all the non-essential things cluttering your car and vacuum it on the inside on a frequent basis.

In India, about 75% of the annual rainfall is concentrated in 3-4 months of the monsoon season. This results in heavy discharge from rivers causing widespread floods during this period. Floods are also the most commonly occurring disaster amongst natural calamities in India.

Floods in India

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basins carry 60% of the total river flow of the country and are responsible for major floods. The National Flood Commission states that about 40 million hectares of land area in India is prone to floods. On an average, about 8 million hectares of area are affected by floods yearly.

The major flood-prone regions in India include West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. In recent times, the central portion of the country has also become habitual to the dense rains and flash flood events.

One recent example of such havoc is the Chennai floods that occurred in 2015. Chennai, which happens to be India’s fourth-largest city, witnessed a monolithic devastation due to flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall. Reported to be the heaviest rainfall in more than a hundred years, it cut off more than 3 million people from basic services for days. The disaster is marked as the eighth-most expensive natural disaster of the year, causing losses of about ₹ 20,034 crores.

Losses That Could Occur Due To Flood Damage

It is crucial to know the possible losses to automobiles in order to estimate the proper reimbursement that you can claim under car insurance. Conditions for loss can be classified as claimable and non-claimable cases.

Claimable Conditions

• Car engine
  The car's engine is its heart. Waterlogging in vehicles during floods could lead to severe damage of its engine, the replacement or repair of which is a costly affair. Insuring your car can save you from this loss by providing proper coverage against engine damage.
  
  
• Interiors of the car
  Apart from the engine, floods can also affect upholstery and other car interiors. In case of cleaning required, you can be covered for the same under car insurance. You can also avail of coverage on replaced parts with zero deduction. However, in case of replacements, the value will be associated with the replacement value as per the report of the surveyor.

Winter driving can be tough with low visibility on greasy roads. Moreover, harsh climatic conditions in the winter season can test your driving skills, even if you’re a seasoned driver. Furthermore, foggy days bring in poor visibility, and hence you need to be extra vigilant and cautious while driving under under challenging winter road conditions.

Inclement weather coupled with dangerous driving and flouting of traffic rules have added to the rising count of fatal road accidents in recent years. Here are the top tips that will help you stay safe on the road and avoid the possibility of any mishap while driving in snow and winter weather:

• Lane Driving is Safe Driving

It’s always dangerous when a driver suddenly switches lanes and that too on a greasy, snowy road can be even more menacing. So, make sure you stick to a single lane while driving in snow or winter road conditions with limited visibility to reach your destination safely.

A sudden change of lane can startle the other drivers, leaving very little reaction time and can easily lead to collisions, often fatal ones. Avoid accelerating aggressively to overtake on slippery roads during the winters and when it is snowing so that nothing unexpected occurs abruptly.

• Blink Your Indicators

All those fancy lights on the exterior of your car are there for a reason and not only to jazz up your ride. When driving in winters, or snowy weather, make sure you always turn on the directional indicators before turning left or right.

While driving in snow or very low temperatures, it is extremely important to give indicators as it isn’t just about safety but also a roadside courtesy that you’d also like to be extended.

It is also advisable to let your indicators blink all the time when you are driving in these tough winter road conditions with low visibility. This will help the cars behind you gauge the appropriate distance to avoid collision on slippery winter roads with sharp turns.

• Keep Your Windows & Windshield Defrosted

Clean your windows and windshield inside and out at regular intervals to ensure that you have the best visibility while driving. One of the perils of winter driving is the fogging up of the windshield and windows from the outside. This severely limits visibility and can lead to accidents.

During the winter season, it is important to immediately get rid of the fogged-up windshields without ending up creating a mess of smudges. Go for fresh dry air intake by lowering down your windows for a while as the air in your car is already humid which further adds up to windshield fogging.

Hence, periodic cleaning is a must to maintain a decent vision of the road ahead and the traffic around you.

• Watch The Road

SIt gets difficult to control your car while driving in snow as it skids. So, enhance your winter driving tips to deal with the skids. Aim for where you want to go and not where your car wants to take you. This will help you keep your wheels pointed towards the path you want to take.

When driving in winter road conditions, make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and maintain an adequate distance between your car and the one in front of you. Vigilance is the key and following this tip will also give you enough time to react in case of an emergency and avoid traffic accidents

• Avoid Speedy Driving

Sure we all want to burn some rubber and feel the thrill of going over 100 km/h. But this stunt in winter driving is a strict NO! And also generally inadvisable... Winter is all about fog and low visibility on snowy or greasy roads and hence you should keep an eye on the speedometer.

Driving at low-speed allows you to have a better reaction and stop time.

There might be instances when you might think that there’s no vehicle ahead of you. However, take into account the low visibility and keep your speed in check to avoid any unfortunate surprises. Refrain from accelerating aggressively!

• Keep Headlights on Low-Beam

While winter driving, make sure your headlights are on low beam, even in the daytime. While it might seem like a good idea to use high beams, it does just the opposite. High beams tend to reflect the fog and further diminish your visibility.

Also, driving with high beams create a lot of discomfort for oncoming drivers and can prove extremely dangerous for them as they are nearly blinded by the high-intensity light. Driving in winter weather is not only about your personal safety but also the safety of fellow drivers.

What are the NCB discount rates?

The no claim bonus feature gets you discounts in the premium ranging from 20% - 50%. However, the discount rates are dependent on the age of the policy and when the last claim was made.

Can the No Claim Bonus be waived?

Yes, the no claim bonus can be waived on the following occasions:

1. If a claim has been made
Any claim made from the policy resets the bonus to zero. This is followed, regardless of the size of the claim, or even if the claim was made because of theft of the vehicle.

2. Expiry of policy
The no claim bonus will be cancelled if the policy has been expired for a span of over 90 days.

Usage-based insurance has the potential to radically change the insurance industry

Car insurance now sold by general insurance companies in India is one-size-fits-all product. It does not differentiate between driving patterns that range from high risk to low risk. The time has come for insurance companies to hop onto telematics-driven, usage-based insurance.

You would have heard of investigators searching for the black box after every aircraft crash. The black box records all the technical and voice data while the aircraft is in flight. That piece of instrument is key to demystifying every crash or accident involving an aircraft.

In usage-based insurance, a similar mechanism is installed in a car to record braking history, acceleration pattern, time of the day a vehicle is driven, the road taken etc. The big difference, when compared with the black box in an aircraft, is that the car driving history is not just recorded but through use of telematics is relayed live to the insurance company.

In the near future, a car bought in India will come with a black box, on-board sensors, a dongle or a mobile phone app, and internet connectivity that would make it a connected car -- the car connected to other devices at home, office, other cars, and your insurance company.

What is Usage-based Insurance?

Usage-based car insurance made a debut about a decade ago in Europe and North America. Driving information is accessed online or on apps, which allows customers to monitor their driving patterns and improve their driving habits to earn discounts on insurance premium. Insurance companies offer mileage-based, and driving habits-related discounts.

Usage-based insurance is alternatively called Pay As You Drive (PAYD) and Pay How You Drive (PHYD). All the data that telematics will transmit to insurance companies will power greater data analytics and offer driver’s insurance options such as Manage How You Drive (MHYD). The number of drivers in the US and Europe opting for usage-based insurance is estimated to touch 100 million by 2020.

Car owners are likely to opt for usage-based insurance as it not only offers lower premium for low-risk driving, but it will also encourage safe driving and prevent high number of deaths due to road accidents.

Driving a car in a highly-populated city teeming with traffic is not easy. But it does more than just waste time and cause inconvenience, it also affects your car’s mileage and efficiency, which in turn raises your fuel bills. Here are a few simple and effective tips to maximise your car’s mileage.

Keep Your Tyres Inflated

Not only do properly inflated tyres reduce fuel consumption, they also increase the efficiency by 5 percent. You should get your car tyres inflated regularly and once in fifteen days is an ideal interval. However, overinflated tyres are just as bad as under-inflated ones, and thus you should stick to the manufacturer recommended levels.

Maintain the Speed Limit

Maintaining a steady speed limit between 45–55km/h is recommended not only for your safety, but also for saving on fuel consumption. By maintaining a steady speed limit and going easy on the throttle, you will see a rise in the fuel efficiency of your car by around 20 percent.

Lose the Weight

The amount of things you store in your car has a direct effect on its mileage and fuel efficiency. So get rid of the child safety seat you don’t need anymore, that worn out spare tyre and all the junk you’ve stored in the trunk. Drive around baggage-free at least while within city limits.

Roll Up the Windows

At high speeds you should roll up your windows. Even partially open windows at high speeds can impact fuel efficiency by increasing the drag and resulting in rapid fuel consumption. Opposed to popular belief, rolling up your windows and switching on the air conditioner at higher speeds will help you save fuel.

Plan a Smart Route

Before you start your trip, take 2 minutes to check the maps and plan your route. This will not only be beneficial for your mileage but will also save you from the chaos of traffic and congestion; your left foot will thank you too.

Turn the Engine Off

When you keep your engine on while your car is static, you are just burning fuel. Whenever you have to stay in one place for over 3 minutes, whether it’s at a signal or waiting for someone, turn off your engine. However, if you think the wait is going to be short, don’t turn the engine off as starting it back on will only consume more fuel.

How many times has it happened that it began pouring and your car didn’t demand to see a mechanic for repairs? Come monsoon; cars tend to need some kind of repairing or the other, thereby, making you shell out quite a bit on them. But, did you know that timely car servicing coupled with some car maintenance tips can actually help you avoid some of these expenses? Additionally, having a valid car insurance policy can help you avoid financial losses. Take notes as we compile them below to get your car monsoon ready!

1. Examine your car tyres

Check them for any signs of wear out. Today, most of the car tyres come with tread-wear indicators, and if those on your car tyre wear out, it’s time for you to have them replaced. Tyres with good tread depths are important in avoiding oversteer. They let you have a firmer grip on roads, helping you stay secured against aquaplaning when you come across potholes or spilt oil mixed with water while driving.

While you may keep a spare tyre handy, it is important to check the condition of the spare tyre as well. Look for any punctures and check the air pressure.

2. Check the wipers and their washer tank

Wiper blades do the crucial job of wiping the water away from the windshield during rains. But they are usually not used for most of the year, making dirt and grime to accumulate on them. Plus, the summer sun can be harsh on them, causing them to wear out. So check for their proper functioning, and give the blades a proper cleaning with soap water. If you find that the blades have worn out, get them replaced. Also, if the washer liquid has run down, refill using a washer liquid solution or soap water.

3. Insulate the wires and check the electricals

If there is one thing that reacts adversely to rain than mechanical parts, then it’s electricals. Make sure that all the wiring is well insulated and is in proper working condition. If you find any loose wires, connect them firmly together. Check for other electrical systems like fuses and lights. Replace the non-functioning ones. Also, it is utterly necessary that especially the battery is in peak working condition because during monsoons headlamps, wipers etc. are all being utilised to their full potential, causing it to drain out too soon.

4. Test the brakes and check the brake fluids

Brakes are very important in the rains because of the slippery nature of roads. Check the brake fluid to see that it is at the required level, if not, then you’ll have to top it up. Go to a workshop to get the brake pads and discs checked. If the pads are worn out, they won’t provide enough braking power.

Same goes for the disc; a glance can tell you if it is okay or not. If the disc has a very shiny or glazed look, then it needs to be replaced, as the pads will not be able to slow down the car due to lack of friction.

5. Clean the air filter

Your car’s air filter aids your car’s engine to function uninterruptedly. But in the monsoon, due to high humidity level and more dust, the air filter has to put in extra effort in supplying your car engine with pure air. So make sure you clean the air filter in your car and check it for proper functioning beforehand.

While the air filter is one way of protecting the car’s engine, yet another is to secure it with the Engine Protect add-on cover of our Car Insurance policy. It will have your back for any consequential loss to your car’s engine. It will also compensate for the loss arising out of water ingression, engine damage due to oil leakage and gearbox failure. Thus, going out of its way to protect your car’s engine and keeping you from spending on costly car engine repairs.

Also read:  How to maintain your car’s health during the lockdown

Customer ease is always the top priority at ICICI Lombard. As part of this effort, ICICI Lombard has launched a facility called ‘Mobile Self Inspection’ that eliminates the need for physical inspection of cars.

ICICI Lombard customers can now record a video of their car on their mobile phones as per the guidance provided in the ‘Insure’ app. This facility saves customers the hassle of having to wait for a surveyor to visit and carry out the physical inspection.

Quick and Easy Renewal

Inspection is mandatory when a motor insurance policy lapses and it causes delay in issuance of renewed policy. Normally, the insurer initiates a process called ‘Break-In’ when a customer applies for renewal of a lapsed policy. In this process, an inspection by authorised surveyors is carried out and the policy is issued based on satisfactory inspection.

However, with the ‘Mobile Self Inspection’ feature, the time taken for renewal of lapsed policy reduces to a few hours from 2-3 days. This feature has made renewal of lapsed policy an easy-going and stress-free process for customers. Customers having car insurance policies of other insurance companies who want to make a shift to ICICI Lombard can also use this feature.

Uploading a Video is Really Simple

For using the ‘Mobile Self Inspection’, a customer needs to have an internet connection; mobile phone with 3 MP or above camera resolution and the video of the car must be recorded in broad daylight. The app also contains a demo video for step-by-step guidance of the ‘Mobile Self Inspection’ process. After making payment for renewal of policy, the customer is prompted to upload the self-inspection video via the mobile app.

The video will be approved as per ICICI Lombard’s underwriting guidelines and after which the policy is generated within a few hours. If the video is found to be unclear, it can be discarded and self-inspection can be recorded again. After uploading the video, the status can be checked in the ‘My Policy’ section on the website or in the App.

If you’ve ever bought motor insurance, you’re likely to have come across the terms Vehicle Identification Number or VIN and chassis number. You must wonder why insurance companies insist on having this information. That’s because VIN is like a genetic identifier for your car. Think of it as the vehicular equivalent of a thumbprint.

What is a VIN or chassis number?

Vehicle identification number or VIN is a set of 17 characters that are unique to the vehicle, like a vehicle’s unique identity code. Yes, it is used interchangeably with chassis number because it’s stamped to the chassis of the vehicle, although strictly speaking, chassis number is part of VIN. If you locate VIN, you can identify the chassis number.

Issuing a VIN to every vehicle is standard practice across the world. It helps to mark out every vehicle whether commercial or private, make, model, manufacturer and year.

But why 17?

The alphanumerical sequence actually denotes important information. The several components of VIN are described below to help you understand your vehicle better. Please note that this is a generic break-up that is followed by most manufacturers.

The first three characters in the VIN are referred to as WMN and symbolize the country of origin and the manufacturer. The first character reveals the country where the vehicle was built. The next two characters reveals the manufacturer.

#DidYouKnow – The Society of Automotive Engineers in the USA assigns WMIs to countries and manufacturers. For India the WMIs are MA-ME & MZ. The Bureau of Indian Standards receives the WMIs from SAE and allots them to Indian vehicle manufacturers.

Vehicle Description Section

The next six alphanumerical sequences are the key to your vehicle’s details. The VDS also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

• The 4th character tells you the vehicle type; whether it’s a scooter or a sports bike and so forth.
• The 5th character stands for engine movement or the power range of the engine.
• The 6th character tells you the type of engine that runs your vehicle. For e.g. whether it is a double strike or single stroke engine.
• The 7th character shows the sequence of design.
• The 8th character denotes the vehicle version.
• The 9th number is a check digit to maintain VIN accuracy.
• The 10th character helps to identify the year of manufacture of the vehicle.
• The 11th character identifies the plant where the vehicle was manufactured.

The character from 12th to 17th is the vehicle’s serial number or chassis number.

Got it! But where in my car is it stamped?

This differs from vehicle to vehicle but it’s usually to be found in the following places:

• On the door frame of the front doors. Mostly it’s the driver’s side but could also be stamped on the passenger side.
• On the dashboard near the windshield.
• On the steering wheel or the steering column.
• In the inner wheel arch towards the left hand side.
• Radiator support bracket.
• On the car’s registration papers.

And where can I find the Vehicle Identification Number on a bike?

As in a car, in a bike too, VIN is located differently in different models. Often, the chassis number of the bike can be found near the handle or the motor. If you still can’t locate it, you’re sure to find it mentioned in your bike registration certificate.

Is it possible to check for it online?

Yes, you can. VAHAN, the Ministry of Roads and Transport’s online registry database hold vehicle registration details through which you can track down your vehicle details. Just follow these steps:

• Visit the VAHAN website
• Click on Know Your Vehicle Details
• Type your car’s registration number
• Hit ‘Search Vehicle

In order to meet privacy norms, the website does not provide the entire chassis number.

Good to know! What role does VIN or chassis number play in motor insurance though?

Well, the better we know your vehicle, the better we can help if the need arises. Knowing the Vehicle Identification Number/chassis number of your car or two wheeler, at one go, gives insurance players like us information that is crucial. In insurance, chassis number is reviewed to authenticate ownership and existence of the vehicle. For e.g., a car may have been written-off/stolen and sold again to an unsuspecting buyer. The insurance company, through VIN can authenticate the car or bike at the time of policy purchase. This helps to end fraud and counter bogus claim settlements. Vehicle Identification Number specially comes in handy during a claim where total loss of the vehicle has been declared. It’s also used to track down theft. The only instance where chassis number changes is when an insurance company pays a claim for replacement of the vehicle body. The chances of this happening, however, are few and far in between. But in case it does, the RTO is immediately notified.

#DidYouKnow- Chassis number can also be used to identify the type and exact shade of paint used on the vehicle. This information however, is only available with the manufacturer-repairer. VIN can also be used to order specific body parts of your car in case they need replacement.

Aside from insurance, VIN also becomes important if you’re thinking of buying or selling a second hand vehicle. By running a check on the car’s Vehicle Identification Number or chassis number, you can also establish if the vehicle has been obtained by illegal means , whether it has been used in any bike insurance or car insurance fraud, if it has ever been put up for auction, etc. Manufacturers also use VIN to issue car recalls, so it’s handy information to have if you’re buying a second hand car. By doing some research you can see if the particular model was ever recalled owing to any defect.

#DidYouKnow- VIN can also be used to get a FASTag in case a RC hasn’t been issued to the owner of a new vehicle.

Will keep this in mind going ahead. But going back in time a little, when was VIN first used?

The implementation of VIN started in the year 1954 and like every alien attack on screen ever, in the United States of America. If you scrutinise economic history, you’ll notice it coincides with the car manufacturing boom that happened in late post-war United States. It was a time when cars started to get made in large numbers and with greater engine capacity. Although from 1954 – 1981, there was no standardisation so manufacturers used different formats. In 1981, the US Department of Transport required all vehicles plying to have a 17 character VIN. This pretty much set the format for the rest of the world.

Driving your own vehicle may provide immense pleasure to you. Apart from signalling the new-found independence and financial stability, it reflects your pride and status. However, regardless of the reason, purchasing a new car or two-wheeler also brings along certain legal responsibilities with itself.

Before the wheels are in motion, the law requires you to have a valid driving license and a motor insurance plan for your vehicle. While the former is obvious, a car insurance or bike insurance policy is mandatory since it covers you against the third-party liabilities that you may incur while driving on-road, apart from securing your newly-purchased machine against damages and mishaps.

Similarly, you need to obtain the Registration Certificate (RC) of your vehicle from the registration authorities under the Public Vehicles Department of India. As per the 2017 amendments to The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, driving an unregistered vehicle without proper registration address is illegal and considered a punishable offence.

What is Vehicle Registration?

Registering your vehicle with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your area is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. It includes the process of imbibing the credentials of your vehicle in government records after its due verification. It helps in establishing a link between the motor vehicle and the owner of that vehicle.

As per the law, a car, two-wheeler or any other type of vehicle must have two high-security registration plates (HSRPs) installed at the front and back of the vehicle. If one of these number plates are missing, then the vehicle-owner or driver can be fined by police or other authorities.

These HSRPs contains the registration number of the vehicle in modern Hindu-Arabic numerals with Latin letters, as prescribed by the RTO. The registration number of the vehicle follows a specific format. For instance, if the number plate reads ‘MH O4 EG xxxx’, the break-up of it is as follows:

• ‘MH’ are the initials of the state in which the vehicle is registered. In this case, ‘MH’ stands for Maharashtra.
• ‘04’is the code of the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In this case, it represents the Thane and Mulund region of Maharashtra.
• ‘EG’ are two letters which represents the series of alphabetical order in which all the cars are registered within the specified RTO.
• ‘XXXX’ is the four-digit unique registration number allotted to the vehicle.

You can even opt for customized registration numbers by paying a supplementary fee to the RTO. Additionally, the RTO also holds an auction for classic or fancy numbers as well.

Why is it Important?

Registering your vehicle is mandatory under the law and is also essential for establishing the proof of ownership of your vehicle. It is required for the purpose of sale of the new vehicle or for the transfer of ownership of the vehicle when you plan to resell it. Cars and two-wheelers with proper vehicle registration are only permitted to ply on Indian roads.

How to obtain the registration number of your vehicle?

As soon as you purchase a new vehicle, the dealer applies for its registration at the local RTO. Upon the receival of an application to register a vehicle, the RTO provides a temporary registration number so that the vehicle can be driven on road for RTO visits and other official errands. After the issuance of temporary registration number, you will be provided a permanent registration certificate within a month or so, confirming the ownership of the vehicle in your name.

The registration certificate for a newly purchased vehicle is valid for 15 years and then it has to be renewed every 5 years. In case you’ve to move to another state or union territory, you can drive your vehicle with the previous registration address for a maximum of 12 months, post which you need to re-register it with the local RTO.

How to Change your Vehicle Registration?

Under special circumstances such as the one mentioned above, you may have to re-register your vehicle with the new RTO and apply for the change in its registration address. For this, you need to visit the local RTO, where you want to transfer the vehicle, along with the following documents:

• Application in Form 33
• Original Registration Certificate
• Proof of new address
• Valid motor insurance certificate
• Pollution under control certificate
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO
• Attested copy of PAN card or Form 60 and Form 61 (as applicable)
• Chassis & Engine Pencil Print
• Signature Identification of owner

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.

Don’t let the documentation process intimidate you

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 regards 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.

• Importance of the Documentation Process
  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.


• Transactional Documents
  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.


• RTO Documents
  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 to 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.


• Motor Insurance Policy Transfer
  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 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 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 an insurance cover for your brand new ride.