These days, buying car insurance is quicker and easier than ever. You no longer need to stop by an insurance office or wait on agents to complete your policy. A few clicks let you check out different options, purchase car insurance online, and get the policy papers delivered straight to your email.
Still even with the ease of online insurance, keeping the correct documents handy makes the process smoother. This guide explains what papers you will need to buy or renew your car insurance online in India.
Why Having the Right Documents Helps
Insurers need documents to verify your identity, car ownership, and vehicle condition. This helps prevent fraud, maintain accurate records, and decide the right premium. Proper documentation also supports smooth claim processing. When buying car insurance online, you simply upload the required files digitally through the insurer’s app or website.
Papers You Need to Buy Car Insurance Online
Below are the documents required to buy car insurance online:
-
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
The RC is a key document when you need to buy or renew car insurance. It confirms that the car is registered in your name and lists important details like the registration number, engine number, chassis number, and manufacturing info.
When you purchase car insurance online, you must provide your registration number and upload a copy of your RC. If the car is new, you can use the temporary registration number at first.
-
Proof of Identity
Insurance companies check ownership by verifying your identity. You can use documents like:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Voter ID
This connects the insurance policy to its rightful owner and helps stop wrongful use.
-
Proof of Address
Verification of address allows proper delivery of policy information and smooth claim handling. You can use address proofs such as:
- Electricity, gas, or water bills
- Ration Cards
- Passports
- Aadhaar Cards
- Driving Licences
-
Past Insurance Papers (if relevant)
To renew or switch insurers, you must submit your previous policy so the new insurer can confirm your No Claim Bonus (NCB) and maintain continuity. Without NCB proof, you risk losing your renewal discount.
-
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
The PUC certificate proves your car meets emission norms and is legally required during insurance purchase or renewal. Insurers may also request the PUC number when completing online insurance forms.
-
Passport-Sized Photograph
Physical photos aren’t required by most insurers anymore, but a digital passport-sized photo may still be necessary in some cases when issuing a policy for the first time.
Additional Documents You Need for Buying a New or Used Car
Below are the additional documents needed:
To Buy a New Car:
- Get the invoice from the dealer.
- Keep the temporary registration number handy.
- Make sure you have the vehicle delivery receipt.
To Buy a Used Car:
- Provide proof of RC transfer if the car was purchased recently.
- Share the sale agreement made between you and the previous owner.
- Include a copy of the prior owner’s insurance policy.
These papers are important to confirm ownership changes and to make the policy transfer smooth and hassle-free. Check all your documents before submitting so your application doesn’t get held up or turned down.
Final Thoughts
Getting car insurance online stands out as a practical choice for anyone who owns a vehicle. It helps save time, cuts down on paperwork, and lets you manage your coverage options better. You just need some basic documents like your RC, ID proof of address, previous policy details if you have one, and the PUC certificate.
With Chola MS Car Insurance, you can handle the process of buying car insurance without paper. The platform gives instant quotes, lets you upload documents, and issues policy quickly. They aim to make the entire process simple and stress-free, whether you are getting a new policy or renewing an old one.
FAQs
Q1: Is it possible to get car insurance online without having the RC?
If you’ve just bought a new car, you can use the temporary registration number for the time being. But you’ll still need a valid RC to get the full policy.
Q2: Do I need to upload the PUC certificate while buying insurance?
Providing the PUC certificate is a must for getting new insurance or renewing an existing one.
Q3: How do I give proof of my No Claim Bonus?
Share your previous policy details or an NCB certificate from your last insurer to show proof.
Q4: What if I make a mistake with my details while buying the policy?
You can ask your insurer for an endorsement to fix any incorrect details after buying the policy.
ThePrint BrandIt content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.
