Check Vehicle Insurance Is your car insurance active and risk-free to the max? Every day is busy that we often overlook some aspects such as the vehicle insurance. However, in the event of an accident or an unforeseeable circumstance, it is your insurance cover that is likely to save you. Verifying whether your insurance is in effect or not goes beyond legal requirements; it saves you some amount of money. This is so easy, yet it helps out in a lot of ways especially when avoiding trouble. In this article, we shall discuss about vehicle insurance, its regular check up and its checking incase it is needed. Ensure you meet the next level of your vehicle insurance cover!
What is Vehicle Insurance?
Vehicle insurance refers to a policy that protects the vehicle owner financially against hazards such as accidents as well as their vehicle being stolen among other factors. It includes the reimbursement for the loss sustained on your automobile while liability protection covers the expenses incurred by the injured party.
In most countries, it is compulsory to have vehicle insurance. This is aimed at protecting the other road users by ensuring that the driver will have the means to pay for the damages or injuries caused.
There are various vehicle insurance types of which some include;
Third party liability – which covers the cost of damage or injury to other persons or their belongings.
Comprehensive – which has third party liability cover as well as cover against loss of the car by theft, damage by fire and any other damage that may be sustained on the car.
The price of vehicle insurance is determined by the following factors:
The cost of vehicle insurance depends on factors like:
- The type of vehicle.
- Your driving history.
- The level of coverage chosen.
Vehicle insurance provides peace of mind by protecting you financially in case of an unfortunate event.
What is the Importance of Verifying Your Automobile Insurance Coverage?
It is important to check whether your vehicle has insurance coverage for the following reasons:
Prohibition on driving: In most countries, for one to drive, they must have valid insurance. Otherwise, it is an offense.
Ensuring coverage: It is to ascertain whether the car is protected against accidents, theft, or damage.
Reaffirmation of coverage: Ensure that the dates for rebranding do not lapse as there may be penalties for doing so.
Let me explain how you can check your vehicle insurance by different methods.
1. Check Vehicle Insurance Status on the Insurance Provider’s Website
Almost every insurance company today offers online services where you can verify your insurance policy. Here’s how you can do it:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit your insurance provider’s official website.
- Find the section for “Insurance Policy Status” or “Policy Details.”
- Enter required information like your vehicle’s registration number, policy number, or mobile number.
- Click on “Submit” or “Check Status” to view your policy details.
Your insurance details such as policy number, expiration date, and coverage will be displayed on the screen.
2. Use Government Websites (e.g., Parivahan Portal in India)
Most governments have portals where citizens can check the vehicle insurance using their vehicle registration number. In India, for example, the Parivahan website can be used for this purpose.
Steps to Check on Parivahan:
- Go to the official Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in).
- Select the “Online Services” section.
- Click on “Check Insurance Status” or a similar option.
- Enter your vehicle registration number and captcha code.
- Click on the “Search Vehicle” button.
You will see details like the insurance provider, policy status, and expiry date on the screen.
3. Via Insurance Information Bureau (IIB)
In India, you may also visit the Insurance Information Board (IIB) which is a central repository of insurance data for checking vehicle insurance details.
How to Check on IIB Portal:
You will get insurance details, including policy expiry and provider.
Visit the official IIB website (https://iib.gov.in).
Go to the section for “V Seva” or “Insurance Status.”
Enter the vehicle registration number, engine number, or chassis number.
4. Through Mobile Applications
Numerous mobile applications, some created by insurance companies and others designed by government agencies, allow for checking vehicle insurance while on the move. Some of the well-known apps include:
- MyGov (India)
- Insurance provider apps like Acko, Bajaj Allianz, etc.
- Digilocker app where you can store and access your insurance policy.
Steps Using the App:
- Download the respective app from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
- Register using your vehicle registration number, mobile number, or policy number.
- Navigate to the “My Policies” or “Insurance Details” section.
- All your policy details will be available at a glance.
5. Contact Customer Care Support of Your Insurance Company
In case you are not comfortable with the online tools or you would like to gain assistance from a real person, there is always the option of just calling your insurance provider’s customer support line. Simply give them your car registration number or policy number, and they will verify your insurance history.
6 . Check Insurance Policy Using SMS
One can find the vehicle insurance details via short message service in the case of some insurance providers and other government services, as well. This works in the following way:
Step Wise SMS Process:
- Make a call and send an SMS to the given number either by the insurer firm or a relevant government agency.
- Follow the format of the SMS as per the instructions i.e. usually one has to include the vehicle number or registration number.
- You shall receive a response back within seconds with the relevant details concerning your policy and its expiry date as well as the name of the organization that issued it.
7. Digilocker (India)
Digilocker is a platform developed by the government to preserve important documents such as vehicle registrations and insurance policies in digital form. Here, one can conveniently find the details of their vehicle insurance policy and even verify it.
How to Use Digilocker:
- Installation of the Digilocker application is required or go to the site.
- Log in by means of your Aadhar number or your mobile number.
- Look for your insurance policy and then click the Issued Documents tab.
- You will be able to retrieve your vehicle insurance information, which will be saved in an electronic format and will be available for download or sharing at any time.
Key Information to Keep Handy When Checking Vehicle Insurance
Before you start checking your insurance, make sure you have the following details ready:
- Vehicle registration number
- Policy number (if applicable)
- Engine or chassis number (for IIB portal)
- Mobile number linked to the policy (for insurance provider apps)
What to Do If Your Vehicle Insurance is Expired?
As soon as you notice that your motor insurance policy has lapsed, you should take the following steps without delays:
Make an online renewal of the insurance policy; in most cases you will find that insurance companies will provide an easy process for such renewals
Obtain a fresh insurance policy: In case the insurance company with which you hold insurance policy does not have online renewal services, look for a fresh insurance cover with a different provider that fits your requirements.
Avoid driving : Do not take chances by driving your vehicle until such a time when your vehicle insurance is active to avoid incurring penalties and risk.
Conclusion
Verifying your car policy is one of the most important functions and also the easiest to carry out. It is of no importance as to whether you will use the website of your insurer, government portals or mobile applications to get the information on the status of your vehicle’s insurance, it has equally become easier nowadays. Consistent check-ups are crucial in order to prevent problems from arising in respect to the terms of use.
In danagemt situation do not hesitate to contact your insurance provider or other online sources which can the Insurance Information Bureau or other government services. Inform yourself about how to stay motor vehicle insurance compliant and safe out there!
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