Updated on - 31 Dec 2025
Saving on car insurance policy can feel like a mystery, but your No Claim Bonus or NCB is a simple way to cut costs. Every year you go without making a claim, you earn a discount that lowers your premium at renewal. Knowing your NCB helps you plan, avoid overpaying and make smooth transitions if you change insurers.
This guide will show you how to check your NCB, understand what it means for you and make the most of the rewards you’ve earned.
What is NCB in car insurance?
No-Claim Bonus (NCB) represents a discount extended by insurers to individuals who have refrained from making any claims during their policy’s duration. The NCB discount is accumulative and escalates with each claim year, ranging between 20% and 50% of the premium. Consequently, you become eligible for increased discounts on your car insurance premium at the time of policy renewal.
It is essential to understand that the NCB is associated with the policyholder, not the vehicle. This means you have the flexibility to transfer your NCB when changing insurers or buying a new vehicle as long as you are the registered owner of the new car.
Steps to check NCB in car insurance
If you are searching for how to check NCB in car insurance, the following steps will help you do so:
1. Reach out to your insurer
The easiest way to confirm your NCB status is by contacting your insurance provider. You can get in touch with them by phone, email or by visiting their nearest branch.
2. Utilise online platforms
Many insurance companies offer portals or mobile applications where you can view your policy information, including details about your NCB status. Log in to your account on their website or app. Navigate to the section related to policy details or renewal. When renewing car insurance online, you will find information about any NCB on the webpage.
3. Refer to your policy documents
To determine your How to check No-Claim Bonus (NCB) in car insurance, start by consulting the NCB slabs provided by insurance providers that outline percentage discounts based on claim years. If you have a copy of your insurance policy, you can refer to it to discover the NCB percentage you qualify for.
When changing your insurer at the time of renewal, it's important to mention the NCB you've accumulated from your policy. While filling out the details, there will be a section where you can enter the NCB percentage you've built up. By transferring your NCB, you can continue enjoying the discounts earned from your no-claim years. Insurers reward policyholders with discounts of up to 50% for 5 consecutive claim-free years.
Different ways to check NCB in car insurance
You can check your NCB in several ways. Start by looking at your policy document, where the NCB percentage is usually mentioned on the first page. Many insurers also provide this information on their online portal, so you can log in and view your policy details.
If you prefer, you can call the customer care helpline and provide your policy number to verify your NCB.
Alternatively, you can visit your insurer’s branch, where staff can check the details for you or request the information through your insurance agent if you purchased your policy that way.
How to transfer NCB when switching insurers
Your No Claim Bonus does not disappear when you move to a new insurance company. To transfer it, request an NCB certificate from your old insurer, which shows how many claim-free years you have. When you buy your new policy, provide this certificate to your new insurer.
They will verify the information and apply the same NCB, ensuring you continue to enjoy the discount you earned for safe driving.
Common mistakes to avoid while checking NCB
When checking your NCB, avoid common mistakes that can cause errors. Many people forget to verify that their previous policy had a valid NCB. Some rely only on verbal confirmation instead of checking the policy document.
Not using the same mobile number or email across policies can lead to mismatched records. Forgetting to inform the insurer after a claim or not checking your NCB before renewal can affect your discount. Ignoring emails or SMS reminders from your insurer may also result in missed updates.
Why it’s important to keep your NCB record updated
Keeping your NCB record updated is important because it directly affects how much you pay for car insurance. When your NCB is correct, you receive the discount you’ve earned for safe, claim-free driving.
If the record is incorrect or not updated, you may lose this discount and pay a higher premium. Regularly checking and updating your NCB helps you save money and ensures your insurance history remains accurate.
Protecting your NCB with car insurance add-ons
Protecting your NCB helps you save on your car insurance premium each year. One way to do this is by purchasing NCB protection cover. This add-on allows you to maintain your NCB even if you make one or more small claims during the policy period. The cost of minor accidents will not reduce your discount, helping you keep your NCB and enjoy lower premiums for a longer time.
Note: This is an indicative explanation. Please read your policy document for full details regarding NCB, inclusions and exclusions.
Conclusion
Keeping track of your no claim bonus in car insurance is more than just a paperwork task; it’s a smart way to save money and make your car insurance work for you. By knowing your NCB status, you can plan renewals, avoid overpaying and make confident decisions when switching insurers. Tracking your NCB also encourages safer driving, rewarding you for claim-free years. Taking charge of your NCB ensures you get the discounts you deserve, builds a cleaner insurance history and gives you a clear advantage every time you renew.
You can also know which car insurance suits you best by filling out the form on this page, and our insurance experts can help you choose the right one.
FAQs
1. Can I lose my NCB if I make a minor claim?
It depends on the insurer and the type of coverage you have. Some policies offer NCB protection add-ons that allow you to make small claims without affecting your discount. Always check your policy document to confirm how claims impact your NCB.
2. NCB applicable to both new and used cars?
Yes, your NCB can be transferred to a new or used car as long as you are the policyholder. Make sure to request an NCB certificate from your previous insurer when switching vehicles.
3. How long is an NCB certificate valid?
Usually, NCB certificates are valid for 90 days from the expiry of your previous policy. If you renew or buy a new policy after this period, some insurers may require additional verification.
4. Does NCB apply to third-party insurance?
No, NCB only applies to the Own Damage (OD) portion of your car insurance premium, not the third-party liability portion.
5. Can NCB affect my premium for multiple cars?
NCB is tied to the policyholder, not the vehicle. You cannot use the same NCB for multiple cars simultaneously, but you can transfer it when you sell one car and buy another.
Note: This is an indicative explanation. Please read your policy document for full details regarding NCB, inclusions and exclusions.
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.