Car Insurance 101: All Necessary Documents Required While Driving A Car In India
If you are out on the road with your car, you may encounter numerous checkpoints and tolls at some point. This is where you will be required to present particular documents that are to be carried while driving. You can get many of these documents, like car insurance, online. These are the documents that must be carried:
1. Your car’s registration certificate (RC)
A car’s RC shows that the car you’re driving is yours and wasn’t stolen or taken during a robbery. Be sure to obtain the registration certificate within 7 days of the purchase. According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is one of the compulsory documents needed for a road trip or in general.
2. Pollution control certificate (PUCC)
Your car’s Pollution under Control Certificate demonstrates that it does not produce smoke or other air-polluting gases above legal limits. The information below establishes this. Your dealer may provide you with a PUCC for brand-new four-wheelers, valid for up to a year, after which you may have to get the car tested yourself.
3. Vehicle insurance certificate
The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 mandates that any vehicle operating in a public space be protected by third-party insurance. The insurance certificate must be among the documents carried while driving. You can get this car insurance online.*
Be sure to do adequate research before you purchase four-wheeler insurance. You can get only third-party insurance or opt for a comprehensive plan. Calculate car insurance premium online using a calculator to help you choose according to your needs.*
4. A driving permit
A driving licence is one of the many important documents to have with you while you’re driving (DL). A driving licence can be divided into the following classes depending on the kind of vehicle it is granted for. The four-wheeler category for personal use is LMV-NT. LMV, MGV, HMV, HGMV, HPMV/HTV, TRAILER, and TRANS are the categories for commercial use.
5. Vehicle fitness certificate
This certificate proves that your four-wheeler is working as efficiently as possible and is safe to be driven on public highways. The RC and PUCC on your automobile may become obsolete if you don’t have a fitness certificate. You may also face severe fines and can even have your car seized.
People must travel with personal identification documents in addition to vehicle-related paperwork. A voter ID card and an Aadhaar card are examples of documents that can serve as identifying proof.
We know it is scary to carry so many vital documents. There is an alternative. One can avoid a fine when stopped on the road by showing digital versions of the required documents.
Document validation for digital files
According to Rule 139 of the CMVR, 1989 and Section 4 of the IT Act 2000, all vehicle documentation in “electronic mode” are just as valid legally as their physical equivalents. Keep in mind that these documents can only be used if they are uploaded to the mParivahan or Digilocker apps.
The authorities can obtain and validate these documents through their e-challan app. To verify a document’s authenticity, users can either manually enter information about the required documents or scan their QR codes.
Other things to keep in mind about car insurance:
- Choose an insurance company with a good claim settlement ratio. Calculate car insurance premiums using an online calculator and compare insurance from various companies before you make your choice.*
- Look at different add-ons available and add them based on your needs. A good choice is a zero dep insurance for car which may allow you not to be charged for depreciation during the claim settlement.*
- Always keep your documents updated. Renew them on time. You might have to go to the official centre for some documents, but for some, like car insurance renewal, you can do it online.
*Standard T&C apply.
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
