Car Insurance Details by Registration Number

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Apr 16, 2024
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In India, owning a car comes with many responsibilities, such as getting car insurance, and maintaining it. Moreover, having car insurance is a mandatory document for everyone who owns a vehicle. It protects users financially against losses and damages caused by accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events. On several occasions, you may need to look at the vehicle's insurance information, such as for confirming the coverage following a crash or checking the insurance policy validity before buying a used vehicle, among others. This page explains how to check the insurance details of a vehicle by registration number, highlights the benefits, and provides helpful tips for responsible use.

What Is a Car Registration Number?

A car registration number also referred to as a vehicle registration number, is a unique 10-digit combination of numbers and alphabetic identification provided to each registered vehicle. This vehicle registration number assigned by a district's Regional Transport Office (RTO) serves as a unique identification for each vehicle and its owner. One must register their vehicle with the local RTO within 30 days of purchasing it. Following registration, the RTO issues a unique registration number, which must be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle on a number plate for identification purposes.

The registration numbers and letters vary in format across regions. The registration number has a specified format, which is usually written as AA DD NN DDDD. Here, 'A' symbolises characters, and 'D' indicates numerical digits. The first two letters identify the state's code where the car has been registered, which are followed by two numbers that represent the district code. The next two letters, represented as 'NN', represent the current RTO sequence for vehicle categorization. Lastly, the last four numbers represent the vehicle's unique identifying number.

It can be seen clearly on the vehicle's licence plates, making it easier to identify by authorities and other road users.

How to Use the Car Registration Number?

A car's registration number serves many purposes beyond giving distinctiveness and assisting in the identification of various vehicles.

  • To Buy Car Insurance Coverage:

    You cannot obtain car insurance without a registration number. When an insurance company issues an insurance policy, the registration number of the covered car is placed in the policy document to certify that the coverage is for that particular car.

  • To Renew Your Car Insurance Policy:

    To renew a car's insurance coverage, every policyholder must provide the registration number of their particular car. When purchasing or renewing your car insurance coverage, you must have your vehicle's registration number available.

  • To Review Car Insurance Details:

    One of the best uses of a car registration number is that one can retrieve the car insurance plan even though you don't have the policy number. As a result, you must always keep it safely with you. To check your car's insurance details online, simply enter the registration number.

  • To Make a Claim for Insurance:

    To file a claim with your insurance company for compensation for damage or loss caused by your car or a third party, you must provide your vehicle registration number as well as the insurance plan number. To file your insurance claims, you may also be required to produce the car's registration certificate.

Check Car Insurance Details by Registration Number Online

Checking car insurance details by the registration number is a simple process. VAHAN, a nationwide registry, allows you to find vehicle insurance details by the registration number online. The website is a central database that stores all important vehicle information and data, such as owner name, fuel type, road tax specifics, car type or class, date of registration, registration number, insurance policy expiration date, and more. It consolidates all information about driver vehicle registration certificates and licences from several RTOs and DTOs. The steps for vahan insurance check by vehicle number through VAHAN are as follows:

  • Go to the VAHAN e-services website.
  • Navigate to the 'Know Your Vehicle Details' section.
  • To sign in or create an account, please enter your mobile number.
  • Enter your vehicle's registration number with the provided verification code.
  • Select 'Search Vehicle.'

Following successful verification, the platform will reveal information about the car's owner information, make, model, and, most crucially, the active car insurance policy details, such as the validity duration and coverage type.

Check Vehicle Owner Details by Registration Number through SMS

If you do not have internet access, you can still obtain basic car information, such as the owner's name and registration number, simply by sending a text message (SMS) to the number 7738299899. Simply enter your car's registration number and then send the message. You will get a response containing the data that was retrieved.

Why Should You Perform a Car Insurance Status Check Online?

Innovations in technology have transformed several aspects of car insurance, especially being able to check the car insurance by your car's registration number online. Here are convincing reasons to conduct an online vehicle insurance status check:

  • Confirmation of coverage status.

    To ensure your insurance is active and not expired. An online status check quickly verifies whether your car insurance plan is still in effect, giving you peace of mind while driving because you know you're sufficiently insured.

  • Easy accessibility.

    Online platforms provide instant access to insurance facts from any location, saving considerable time. This immediate availability is invaluable in situations of emergency, such as providing proof of insurance at a traffic stop or after an accident.

  • Environmentally friendly.

    Online insurance verification reduces paper usage compared to traditional systems, promoting environmental sustainability. This environmentally friendly technique offers a tiny but significant step towards a better future.

  • Up-to-date information.

    Online vehicle insurance checks provide the latest details on your coverage. This keeps you aware of any changes, renewals, or adjustments made to your insurance coverage.

  • User-friendly interface.

    Online systems prioritise user-friendliness, making it simple to check insurance status with a few clicks. This simplified procedure reduces complexities and offers a stress-free encounter.

  • Enhanced security measures.

    Reputable insurance providers prioritise strong security processes to protect the personal information of their customers. Checking your status online via the insurance provider's authorised website or a secure portal ensures your information's confidentiality.

  • Offers 24/7 availability.

    unlike older techniques that are limited to specific office hours, online platforms provide round-the-clock availability. This availability provides convenience and flexibility, allowing you to verify your coverage status at whatever hour that works for you.

  • Ensures timely renewals.

    Monitoring your policy status online keeps you informed of approaching renewals, ensuring that your coverage is uninterrupted and does not lapse due to oversight.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Performing a Registration Number Check

Doing a car insurance check is a straightforward but important process that involves everything from verifying vehicle information to ensuring legitimacy and confirming ownership. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while performing a registration number check:

  • When checking vehicle registration details, choose a trusted platform, such as an official website or app. Government websites and authorised third-party platforms are often more reliable.
  • Input the correct registration number. Even tiny errors in entering numbers or letters can lead to erroneous results or the display of details from a different car.
  • When checking car insurance, look for a vehicle history report if it is accessible. This report provides information on previous accidents, insurance claims, and other noteworthy occurrences involving the vehicle.
  • Confirm ownership details, including name and address. This procedure helps to ensure the vehicle's legality and confirms that it is not stolen or involved in any illegal activities.
  • Examine car specifications, including model, make, year of manufacturing, and engine capacity. It's critical to ensure that these details match the actual car.
  • Check the vehicle's insurance status to confirm it is fully covered by a valid policy that is not expired.
  • Validate road tax payments to ensure compliance with legal obligations.
  • Ensure the vehicle has a valid fitness certificate, especially for business vehicles.
  • Ensure the vehicle is free of any existing obligations, loans, or debts associated with it.
  • After receiving the details, double-check them to ensure they are accurate and match the car in question.
  • Keep a record of the registration number and check details for future reference and verification.
  • Use registration information for legitimate reasons, following privacy and legal rules.
Conclusion

In the end, the car registration number is a valuable tool for acquiring information about a vehicle, including its insurance coverage status. You can review car insurance details either online or via SMS by entering your registration number. Furthermore, using online car insurance calculators can provide you with approximate estimates and allow you to compare various policies in order to find the best protection that suits your needs at the most affordable rates.

FAQs

What is a car's registration number?
A car registration number is a distinctive number that the RTO assigns to each vehicle on the road.

How can I check car insurance information by using the car registration number online?
To check car insurance data by registration number online, go to your insurance provider's official website and enter the vehicle's registration number.

How can I obtain vehicle owner information by registration number by SMS?
You can check car owner information by registration number by sending an SMS to 7738299899.

Why should you check your car's insurance status online?
You should check your car insurance status online to ensure that your vehicle is covered, stay away from fines or penalties, and have peace of mind.

What are some pointers that should be kept in mind while doing a registration number check?
When doing a registration number check, keep the following recommendations in mind: ensure you have the accurate registration number; have all relevant vehicle information; be mindful of any associated costs or charges; and be patient.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

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Motor Insurance

Benefits of Car Insurance

Benefits of Car Insurance

Owning a car is a matter of pride. A four-wheeler is an asset that needs to be protected. Hence, the need for car insurance arises. A car insurance policy is essentially a contract signed between you and the insurance company. Under this contract, the insurer offers you cover against any financial loss arising due to damage or theft of your insured vehicle. In exchange, you have to pay a small amount of money as premium at fixed intervals of time (usually every year). If you are still not convinced about buying a motor insurance policy, then take a look at some of the key benefits of car insurance to understand its need better:

Legal compliance:

Buying a car insurance policy is necessary as third-party cover is mandatory for all vehicles in India. According to the terms of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, driving a car without third-party insurance is a punishable offence in the country and can lead to heavy penalties. Hence, buying car insurance ensures legal compliance, which is one of the biggest advantages of motor insurance.

Saves money:

A car insurance policy can cover most of the repair expenses on your vehicle and can reduce those big garage bills in the aftermath of a mishap, thereby helping you save a lot of money. This is the primary reason why insurance is bought and is, without question, the biggest benefit of a car insurance policy.

Third-party liabilities:

Third-party insurance protects you against any third-party liabilities in case of an accident involving your car. This means that if your car hits another vehicle on the road and damages it, your third-party liability cover will help you compensate the owner of the other vehicle to the extent of damages suffered by him/her.

Minimises liability arising due to loss of lives:

Not just property or car damage, third-party car insurance also pays for the other person's injury or death in case of an accident. It protects you from legal repercussions, which is one of the major advantages of car insurance.

Reimbursement in case of theft:

A stolen vehicle can burn a deep hole in your pocket as well in your heart. With Total Loss Car Insurance, if your car is termed as a total loss (after theft or an accident), then the insurance company pays you an amount equal to the current market value of your vehicle.

Cashless claims:

One of the key benefits of motor insurance is the cashless claims facility that offers you the benefit of getting your vehicles repaired without paying money at any of the network garages of the insurer. The reimbursement of expenses is directly handled between the insurance provider and its network garages. You just drop your vehicle there after the mishap, do the necessary paperwork and drive your car out when it is ready without paying any bills.

Roadside assistance:

A car insurance policy can come with add-on roadside assistance cover that can prove to be extremely useful while handling vehicle breakdowns in the middle of the road, especially at odd times. With a Roadside Assistance cover for your car, you can simply contact your insurer, inform it about the breakdown and your location. The rest will be handled by the insurer. It will send you timely help by coordinating with its network garages and mechanics. You just need to wait in your vehicle and not worry about managing the situation.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Motor Insurance

Types of Bike Insurance

A two–wheeler allows you to travel with a lot of freedom by facilitating easy traffic navigation and convenient parking. If you are a bike owner, you must opt for a correct bike insurance policy to protect your finances in case of any unforeseen circumstances. There are various types of bike insurance policies available in the market today. To help you choose, we’ll explain what each of these policy types can do for you. But first, let’s understand what bike insurance is.

What is Bike Insurance?

Navigating busy roads can expose your two–wheeler to risks and accidents. If an accident or collision occurs, it can cause severe injuries to people and damage your bike. A bike insurance plan covers you against the expenses you would otherwise face in paying for these damages and losses. As a policyholder, you are required to pay timely premiums in exchange for the insurance coverage offered.

What Are the Types of Bike Insurance?

The types of 2–wheeler insurance available are:

  • Third–party liability–only cover: According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a bike should mandatorily be insured for any liability that could arise due to loss or damage suffered by third parties in an accident caused by the insured bike. Thus, this type of bike insurance plan is popularly known as third–party bike insurance. Under this policy, if an accident is caused by the insured bike, then damage done to a third–party vehicle, or injuries and loss of life caused to a third–party, shall be reimbursed by the insurer.

    Keep in mind that a third–party insurance policy does not cover own damages. In case of an accident, the damages to the insured vehicle would be borne by the owner under this policy. A personal accident cover is also a mandatory requirement for all motorists, and this has to be purchased with third–party insurance if the bike owner is already not covered under such a plan.

  • Standalone own damage cover: This is a type of two–wheeler insurance policy that covers damages caused to the insured bike. It covers the bike against natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes along with man–made calamities like theft. However, this policy does not cover third–party liabilities. You can buy a standalone own damage insurance policy along with the mandatory third–party insurance policy.

  • Comprehensive two–wheeler insurance: With a comprehensive two–wheeler insurance policy, you can avail a wider coverage. This type of policy is a combination of the own–damage cover for the insured bike and third–party insurance. You get covered against third–party claims and own damages in accidents, natural calamities, and manmade disasters. You can also opt to enhance your policy with add–on covers such as consumables cover, engine protection, and roadside assistance, among others.

For peace of mind on the road, buy bike insurance today. Before making the final decision, you must compare the coverage, policy options, and premium rates of bike insurance offered by different insurers. Also, check the credibility and reliability of the insurer beforehand. An insurance company with a proactive customer support team will help you avoid any inconvenience at a later stage.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Motor Insurance

What Is Bike Insurance Claim Process?

India has one the highest number of two-wheelers in the world. Most two-wheeler owners are familiar with the idea of bike insurance as it is mandatory by law. Yet, surprisingly, the thought of filing a claim under the motor insurance policy sends jitters to many.

That’s because the bike insurance claim process is seen as a lengthy and complex procedure. Whereas, in reality, it is extremely straightforward and simple if you have all the relevant documents in place.

So, let us give you a detailed explanation of the two-wheeler insurance claim process to help you prepare for any such adverse situation that may arise in the future.

What is a Bike Insurance Claim?

A bike insurance claim is a formal demand made to the motor insurance company to compensate you for any expenses incurred due to damages to your vehicle arising out of theft or accident.

In fact, not just your vehicle, under a two-wheeler insurance procedure a claim can also be raised to demand compensation for property damage or personal injury related to a third party in case your bike caused a road mishap.

When it comes to the motor claim process, there are two types – cashless and reimbursement. The motor insurance claim process can be different for both types of claims. Let’s understand their meaning:

Cashless claim: In case your bike gets damaged after an accident and is taken for repair to an authorised garage, which is a part of the network of your insurance company, then you are eligible for cashless settlement of the claim. In a cashless settlement, your repair bill would be paid to the garage directly by your insurer without your involvement. It means you can just drive out of the garage without paying any penny if your claim is accepted and settled. ■ Reimbursement claim: If your bike is repaired at a garage that is not a part of the network of your insurance company, then you would have to settle all the bills yourself from your pocket. Later, you can ask your insurer for reimbursement of expenses by submitting the bills.

Documents required to file a claim

You can make the vehicle insurance claim process completely hassle-free and smooth if you collate all the required documents and bills carefully and submit them along with your claim form. Here’s a list of the key documents required for a bike insurance claim procedure:

■ Duly filled and signed claim form

■ Copy of the registration certificate (RC) of the insured bike.

■ Copy of the driving license of the owner/driver of the bike.

■ Copy of the insurance policy document.

■ Copy of FIR, where needed (in case of theft or third-party bike damage).

■ Repair bills and receipts.

■ Other documents as demanded by the insurer (based on specific situations).

Steps for two-wheeler insurance claim process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the auto insurance claim process:

1. In case of a road accident, first, take note of the registration numbers of the other vehicles involved in the mishap.

2. Immediately intimate the insurance provider about the incident (theft or accident) and the upcoming claim. You can do this by calling on the customer care numbers of your insurance provider or by email or even at your insurer’s official website.

3. The insurance provider will ask for some basic details and provide you with a claim reference number for future correspondences. It will also guide you on the motor insurance claim procedure, document requirements and network garages.

4. You also need to visit the police station and file an FIR in case of theft or third-party claims.

5. Your insurer will then assign you an official inspector/surveyor who will examine the damage sustained by your bike. The surveyor may visit the location of the incident or your chosen garage.

6. Fill up and submit the claim form to your surveyor along with the required documents like driving license, RC book, police FIR, etc.

7. Based on the inspection of damages, the surveyor prepares a claim estimate and sends it to the insurer.

8. In the case of cashless settlements, the repair work starts at the network garage as soon as the insurer approves the claim estimate. After the repair is done, the insurer settles the final bill with the garage directly.

9. In case of reimbursements, you need to pay the garage yourself and then submit all the bills and receipts to the insurer later.

10. After due verification, the insurance company settles the claim usually within 30 days of receiving the last necessary document.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Motor Insurance

Bike insurance transfer to other person

One of the most common mistakes people make when they sell their bikes or two-wheelers is that they remember transferring ownership but forget to transfer the motor insurance policy to the buyer of the vehicle. Even those who remember are not aware of the process of how to transfer bike insurance from one person to another.

As a result, people sometimes just let the insurance policy be, thinking there will be no consequences. But that’s a myth. Not transferring the insurance policy to the new owner can lead to legal hassles for both the seller and the buyer and may also leave the bike without any insurance cover. Let’s see how.

What is bike insurance transfer?

Two-wheeler insurance transfer essentially refers to the process of transferring the insurance policy in the name of the new owner of the bike.

Once the two-wheeler insurance transfer is done, the bike insurance policy document should carry the name and details of the buyer of the vehicle and not that of the seller.

Under Section 157 of the Motor Vehicles Act, it is the responsibility of the buyer to apply to the insurance company requesting transfer of the bike insurance policy to his name. This application must be made within 14 days of buying the vehicle.

Remember that the two-wheeler insurance name transfer process can be initiated only after the bike ownership title has been transferred and the new RC book of the bike shows the name of the new owner.

If the new RC book is not yet available, the buyer can also submit the proof of transfer of ownership as a stop-gap arrangement. But he would have to compulsorily submit the new RC book to the insurer as soon as it is available.

Why should you transfer your bike insurance policy?

Transferring the bike insurance policy is very important both for the seller and buyer of the bike.

Suppose if the policy is not transferred, and the insured vehicle gets involved in a road accident, the insurance company would not clear even a single claim. That’s because the name on the policy document would not match the name of the new owner of the vehicle.

So, the buyer of the vehicle would have to bear all the expenses from his own pocket, whether it’s related to own damage or any third-party liability.

Not just the buyer, the seller can also land in trouble. In case of an accident, the court might get involved if both the insurer and/or the new owner of the bike refuses to pay any financial liabilities to the third party. Then, the court may also send notice to the seller to compensate for some of the losses incurred by the third party as the insurance policy still has his name on it.

Moreover, the seller also loses out on the no-claim bonus (NCB) earned on the bike insurance policy in case it is not transferred. NCB is a bonus you earn for not making any claim in the previous policy years.

For the seller, this bonus can translate into premium discounts on the insurance policy for his new bike. If the old policy is not transferred, the seller cannot avail the NCB certificate at all. Thus, the chances of getting discounts on any new insurance policy are lost.

Here’s how to transfer bike insurance from one person to another:

Now coming to the key part -- how to transfer two-wheeler insurance? Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

1. As soon as the transfer of ownership is done, the buyer needs to inform the insurance company about the same within the next 14 days and apply for bike insurance transfer.

2. As the new owner, you can also change to some other two-wheeler insurance plan by the insurer that suits your requirements better.

3. After you have chosen the new plan, fill up the proposal form giving details about the transfer of ownership of the bike.

4. The key documents that need to be submitted along with the proposal form include the new RC book of the bike or proof of transfer of ownership, original policy document, no-objection certificate from the previous policyholder, and address/identity proofs of the buyer along with some passport-sized photographs.

5. You should also submit Form 29/30/Sale deed along with the above-mentioned documents. Form 29 is the notice of transfer of ownership of a bike. This form notifies the Regional Transport Office (RTO) about the sale of the motorcycle. Whereas Form 30 is the report of transfer of ownership of the bike. It functions as the confirmation of Form 29.

6. After all the documents are submitted, the insurer will initiate the transfer process. In some cases, the insurance company might send an investigator to create an inspection report of the bike before the transfer is completed.

7. The buyer would need to pay a nominal transfer fee to transfer the policy in his name.

8. Once the fee is paid and everything is verified by the insurer, the policy would be transferred to the new owner of the bike.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.