How to Find Motor Insurance Details & Insurance Policy Number by Vehicle Registration Number?

Owning a car in India not only comes with the convenience of travel but also a lot of responsibilities. One of the most crucial responsibilities is to ensure that the vehicle is insured with a motor insurance policy. Motor insurance provides financial protection against damages caused to the vehicle or any third-party liabilities in case of an accident. However, as a car owner, it is equally important to have all the necessary details about your motor insurance policy, including the policy number, insurer details, and coverage benefits. In the past, finding these details could be a cumbersome task, involving multiple visits to the insurance office and endless paperwork. However, with the advancement of technology, accessing motor insurance details and policy numbers by using the vehicle registration number has become much easier. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding motor insurance details and policy number by using the vehicle registration number, all at your convenience.

What Is a Car Registration Number?

A car registration number is a unique identifier issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in a specific district. It helps identify both the car and its owner. When you purchase a new car, you must register it with your local RTO within 30 days. Upon registration, the RTO assigns a distinctive registration number, which you need to display on the front and back of your vehicle using a number plate. The format of a car registration number typically follows the pattern AA DD AA DDDD, where:

1. AA: Represents the state code where the car is registered.
2. DD: Denotes the district code.
3. AA: Indicates the RTO series for vehicle classification.
4. DDDD: Serves as a unique identifier for the car.

For example, in the number UP 32 GA 1988:

1. UP stands for Uttar Pradesh (the state of registration).
2. 32 refers to the district code.
3. GA signifies the ongoing RTO series.
4. 1988 is the unique identification number of the car.

While the first six characters may be identical for multiple vehicles, the last four digits are always unique to ensure distinct identification.

Uses of a Car Registration Number

A car registration number serves several important purposes beyond simply identifying the vehicle. Here are its key uses:

1. Buying a Car Insurance Policy

You cannot purchase a car insurance policy without providing the vehicle’s registration number. Insurance companies use it to issue policies specific to your car.

2. Renewing Car Insurance

During renewal, the car registration number is required to update the insurance cover for your vehicle. Without it, the renewal process cannot proceed.

3. Filing an Insurance Claim

To claim compensation for damages to your car or third-party losses, you must provide the registration number and your insurance policy details. You may also need to submit the car’s registration certificate during the claim process.

4. Checking Car Insurance Details

The registration number allows you to retrieve your car’s insurance details, even if you don’t have the policy number. This makes it an essential detail to keep handy for online insurance checks. A car registration number is, therefore, not just a legal requirement but also a crucial detail for maintaining insurance and managing claims efficiently.

Through the IIB Website

One of the most common ways to find car insurance details by registration number is through the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB). IIB is a central repository of all the insurance policies issued in India. It provides a platform for insurers to share policy-related information and helps policyholders to access their policy details. To find motor insurance details by registration number through IIB, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the IIB website (https://iib.gov.in/).
• Step 2: Click on the ‘Know Your Insurance Policy’ tab on the homepage.
• Step 3: Enter the vehicle registration number and other necessary details like the policy start date and expiry date.
• Step 4: Enter the captcha code and click on the ‘Search’ button.

Once you click on the ‘Search’ button, you will be able to view the policy details like the policy number, insurer details, policy start and expiry date, and coverage benefits.

Through the IRDAI website

Another way to find comprehensive motor insurance details by registration number is through the website of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). IRDAI is the regulatory body for insurance in India, and its website provides a variety of services for policyholders. To find motor insurance details by registration number through the IRDAI website, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the IRDAI website (https://www.irdai.gov.in/).
• Step 2: Click on the ‘Motor Insurance Service’ tab on the homepage.
• Step 3: Select the ‘Know Your Insurance Details’ option.
• Step 4: Enter the vehicle registration number and other necessary details like the policy start date and expiry date.
• Step 5: Enter the captcha code and click on the ‘Search’ button.

Once you click on the ‘Search’ button, you will be able to view the policy details like the policy number, insurer details, requirements for vehicle insurance claims, policy start and expiry date, and coverage benefits.

Through the insurance company’s website

In addition to the IIB and IRDAI websites, many insurance companies also provide online services to their policyholders. These services allow policyholders to access their policy details, make premium payments, and file claims online. To find different types of motor insurance details by registration number through the website of your insurance company, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the website of your insurance company.
• Step 2: Look for the ‘Customer Service’ or ‘Policyholder Services’ section.
• Step 3: Click on the ‘Policy Details’ or ‘Know Your Policy’ option.
• Step 4: Enter the vehicle registration number and other necessary details like the policy start date and expiry date.
• Step 5: Enter the captcha code and click on the ‘Search’ button.

Once you click on the ‘Search’ button, you will be able to view the policy details like the policy number, insurer details, policy start and expiry date, and coverage benefits.

Importance of Keeping Car Insurance Details Handy

Having your car insurance details readily accessible is crucial for several reasons:

1. Raising Claims

When filing a claim, your insurer will require the car insurance policy number. This is especially important if you need to lodge an FIR for third-party liability, accidents, or theft claims, as the police may also request your insurance policy details.

2. Policy Renewal

To renew your car insurance policy, you’ll need to provide vehicle insurance details, including the policy number. Additionally, this number is necessary for transferring any accumulated No Claim Bonus (NCB) to a new policy.

3. Verification During Traffic Stops

If the traffic police stop your vehicle for a routine check, they may ask to see proof of your car insurance. You can either present your insurance document or share the policy number for verification.

4. Applying for a Duplicate Policy Document

If you lose your original car insurance policy, you can request a duplicate copy using your policy number. This ensures you have continuous proof of coverage without disruptions. Keeping your car insurance information handy ensures you are prepared for any situation where these details might be required.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding motor insurance details and policy number by using the vehicle registration number is a hassle-free process that can be done online. With the centralised platforms provided by the IIB and IRDAI websites, along with the online services offered by insurance companies, accessing policy details and making vehicle insurance claims has become a quick and convenient task. As a responsible car owner, it is important to stay updated with your motor insurance policy and have all the necessary information readily available. It not only ensures that you are adequately protected in case of accidents but also saves time and effort in case of any future claims or renewals. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily find your motor insurance details and policy number by using the vehicle registration number and have peace of mind while driving on Indian roads. Remember, having comprehensive motor insurance is not a legal requirement, but instead a smart investment for your car and your safety.   * 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.