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Understanding Mandatory Car Insurance in India Guide

Car insurance is mandatory in India per Motor Vehicles Act with minimum third-party liability coverage required. Compliance ensures financial protection and legal operation of vehicles.

  • 10 Feb 2025
  • 4 min read
  • 68 views

The question, 'Why is car insurance mandatory in India?' is a common concern among vehicle owners. According to the Motor Vehicles Act (1988), it is compulsory for all vehicles plying on Indian roads to have a valid car insurance policy. A car owner must have mandatory third-party liability coverage before he/she takes the car out on the road. This coverage offers coverage against damage to a third party’s property or injury to the person.

Although third-party liability coverage is mandatory, investing in a comprehensive plan is wiser. A comprehensive plan will offer coverage for not only third-party liabilities but also own damage. Look for car insurance online and choose an insurer you can always rely upon.

Benefits of Car Insurance

The benefits of car insurance include the following:

  • Coverage against unforeseen circumstances

Once you have car insurance, you enjoy coverage against possible losses that may result from an accident or any damage to the insured vehicle. A comprehensive insurance policy offers full car coverage. Such a policy entails coverage for damages to your vehicle due to an accident, third-party liabilities, fire, natural calamities, and theft.

  • Accumulate no-claim bonus

A no-claim bonus is a reward your insurers give you for not making any claims in a policy year. It is a discount on the premium, which increases with every claim-free year and goes up to 50% for 5 consecutive claim-free years. 

  • Covers third-party liabilities

If a car accident occurs and a third party gets injured, hospital care can be expensive. A third-party liability plan covers the hospital bills of the third party injured in the accident. It will also cover the expenses of the repairs if your car is involved in an accident that results in damages to the property of a third party.

What will happen if you don't have car insurance?

If you don't have a valid car insurance policy, you can face severe consequences, including:

  • Suspension of your driving license
  • Legal proceedings may be initiated against you, and you may face severe punishment
  • A heavy traffic fine may be levied if you are caught driving without a valid DL by the traffic police
  • If you are a repeat offender, you may face a penalty in the form of a substantial fine and/or imprisonment
  • If you meet with an accident, you will have to shell out all costs incurred due to third-party liabilities as well as your damage
  • Suspension or cancellation of your vehicle registration
  • You can have your vehicle impounded

Conclusion

Based on 1988's Motor Vehicle Act, it is necessary to have insurance coverage for all vehicles traversing the Indian roads. A motor vehicle owner can choose between mandatory car insurance in India and comprehensive coverage. However, a basic third-party liability cover may not offer you the sufficient coverage you need. Hence, opting for comprehensive car insurance will let you enjoy your rides with complete peace of mind. 

 


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

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