In India, car insurance is a legal requirement. While mandatory third-party car insurance exists, comprehensive car insurance offers more protection. The contract details are documented in an insurance document when purchasing car insurance. However, you must obtain duplicate copies if you lose your car insurance documents. How can you do that? This blog will cover the process.
Getting Your Duplicate Car Insurance Papers
Does obtaining a duplicate car insurance policy document seem like a daunting task?
The process is relatively easy.
Securing a duplicate copy is crucial if your policy papers are misplaced or stolen. Let us discuss the traditional method of acquiring duplicate car insurance papers step by step:
- Inform your insurer
The first step is to promptly notify your insurance company of the loss, which you can do by calling or emailing. Swiftly informing your insurer is crucial, as it initiates the process of issuing a duplicate copy.
2. File a Police Report
When misplacement reaches a stage where retrieval is impossible, the next step is to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the police. This official document verifies the loss and supports evidence when formally applying for a duplicate copy. Subsequently, you must submit a copy of the FIR to your insurance company along with a written application outlining the circumstances of the loss.
3. Place a Newspaper Advertisement
Next, publishing a newspaper advertisement is a mandatory step. This step involves placing an ad in a state newspaper covering the region where the loss occurred. The cost of this advertisement is to be borne by you.
4. Submit the Application to Your Insurer
Now, submit a hard copy application to your insurance company, including details of your loss. Ensure to include essential information such as your name, insurance policy number, issue date, and coverage type. Attach the FIR copy outlining the circumstances of the loss and the application.
5. Secure an Indemnity Bond
Next, obtain an indemnity bond, a legally binding document with your full name and two witnesses’ signatures duly acknowledged by a notary. Pay the stamp paper fee to finalize the bond. Once obtained, please submit it to your insurance company, completing the request processing requirements.
Download the Car Insurance Copy Online
The traditional method of getting duplicate car insurance is time-consuming. But with online options, this process is quicker. Here is how to download a car insurance copy online:
1. Access Your Account:
Access your account by entering your credentials, such as your ID number and policy number.
2. View and Download:
Once logged in, easily view your policy document online.
Download the document directly to your device or take a printout if needed.
Buy a New Car Insurance Policy
If your insurance policy has expired, purchase a new car insurance policy. Choose between third-party coverage, addressing liability towards others, or comprehensive car insurance protecting you and your vehicle in unforeseen circumstances. Comprehensive policies safeguard against unexpected events, while third-party coverage solely manages liability towards third parties.
Conclusion
In India, having car insurance, particularly third-party car insurance, is mandatory. However, opting for comprehensive car insurance provides more financial protection. Safeguarding your car insurance papers is crucial, but loss is possible. In such cases, ensure you obtain duplicate copies. We’ve discussed traditional and online methods earlier, but for enhanced safety, consider mobile apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan for digital document storage. This eliminates the need for physical copies, offering a convenient and secure solution for managing and accessing your essential car insurance documents.
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