Passing the Keys and the Policy: Understanding the Car Insurance Transfer Process in India.
Are you scouting the internet to find solutions on how to transfer car insurance to a new owner in India?

If this transfer process seems too much to get into, fear not. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand the process of car insurance transfer in India, simplify the steps, list out various related requirements and provide you with crucial insights to ensure an easy transfer process for your car insurance. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the essential knowledge required to pass on your car insurance baton confidently.

Understanding the necessity of transferring car insurance in India

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a car owner must have car insurance in India. Getting your car insured helps keep your car financially protected against unforeseen risks such as accidents, damage caused due to natural disasters, thefts, etc., as it helps cover the costs of the damages caused. Transferring your car insurance helps ensure that the new buyer is completely covered in case of any third-party damages and you are free from any third-party liabilities. If you are the one buying the car, make sure that the previous owner transfers the existing motor insurance policy to you after the purchase.
No-claim bonus is not transferable from the seller to the new owner unless the new owner is a blood relative and if the seller has no objections to the transfer. Transfer of car insurance, as a seller, is also essential to retain your No Claim Bonus, which helps you earn a discount that can be used during the purchase of a new car insurance policy. To do so, you must obtain an NCB certificate from the insurance company post transferring your existing car insurance.

Who bears the responsibility for the transfer of the car insurance policy?

Transfer of car insurance formalises the withdrawal of one party from an insurance policy agreement, once the other party approves. According to Section 157 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the seller is responsible for transferring the car insurance to the new owner. The parties must transfer car insurance policies within 14 days of procurement. If one fails to get the insurance transferred, the car will no longer be under insurance protection from the 15th day.

How can car insurance be transferred to a new owner?

The process of car insurance transfer is simple and goes hand-in-hand with the transfer of ownership of the car. When a car is bought by a new owner, the insurance policy of the previous car owner becomes invalid. This is because, according to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI), the name and address of the new owner on the car’s registration certificate and insurance documents have to be the same for the owner to be able to raise a claim.
When purchasing or selling a used car, two important documents are essential– The Registration Certificate and the Car Insurance Policy. Once you get a hold of these two vital documents, you can submit a request to your car insurance provider to transfer your car insurance.

What are the required documents for transferring car insurance in India?

To effectively transfer your car insurance to the new owner, you must first gather the necessary documents and submit the same to the insurance company. Along with a transfer fee, there are certain other documents that you may need to provide. They are as follows:

• Form 29 & Form 30
• A new copy of the Registration Certificate
• No Objection Clause by the previous owner (obtained through Form 28 )
• Old car insurance policy documents
• A new application form
• Address proof of new owner

The way forward

Once you have submitted the necessary documents, in some cases, the insurance provider may conduct a proper physical inspection to assess the condition of your car and make sure that the current insurance policy is well-aligned with the car’s current condition before approving the transfer. Post-inspection, the insurance provider will issue an inspection report, based on which the transfer of your car insurance will be approved. Once the transfer is approved, the insurance policy will be updated and the changes in ownership and the new owner’s details will be reflected in the same. Post-transfer, you may review the policy to check if all information is correct and up to date.

Conclusion

Completing the car insurance transfer process is crucial when selling your vehicle. It’s not only a legal requirement in India but also a way to protect both the seller and the buyer from potential risks. Don’t wait! Email us at support@elephant.in and get in touch with Elephant Car Insurance to get the perfect quote today!

*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice from before you take any/refrain from any action. Tax benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. Please contact your tax consultant for an exact calculation of your tax liabilities.