WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE LOST YOUR CAR INSURANCE PAPERS

When you are on the road in your car, there are certain documents that you need to keep with you. One of these is your car insurance. Losing it can put you in great trouble because of the repercussions. Without car insurance papers, you won’t be able to file a claim or renew your policy, and you may incur fines and penalties. Therefore, if you lose your car insurance documents, you must immediately inform your insurance provider and apply for a duplicate copy. However, the process does not just end with this. You would have to go through other formalities too.

So, what is the best course of action here, and what can you do if you lose your car insurance papers? Given below are the steps/ actions you can take.

1. File an FIR at the nearest police station.

The moment you realise you have lost your car insurance papers, you should reach the nearest police station and lodge an FIR against the lost car insurance papers. You will receive a copy/ proof of the FIR. Keep it safe.

2. Notify your insurance provider.

Secondly, inform your insurer or the third-party agent, in writing, from whom you purchased the car insurance policy. You would have to mention the details of the policy, date of loss etc. You will be required to submit a copy of the FIR and the application form to reissue duplicate car insurance papers for you.

3. Put an advertisement in the newspaper.

An advertisement in a local newspaper regarding the misplacement or loss of your car insurance papers is also necessary. You need to mention your contact details and identification details. This proves you have put all your efforts into getting it back. Also, you would have to bear the expenses.

4. Sign the indemnity bond.

You must declare an indemnity bond before your insurer issues the duplicate car insurance papers. This indemnity bond prevents fraud. It is proof that it guarantees that no one other than you and your nominee will be eligible for the policy benefits, even if they come up with the original documents.

Points to remember

In India, driving without valid car insurance is illegal.

1. If you have lost your car insurance papers, quickly apply for a duplicate following the above procedure

2. Some organizations allow the use of photocopied insurance papers. However, you must always keep your documents safe.

3. The duplicate copy of the insurance papers you will receive will have written that it is a duplicate.

4. You can keep digital copies of your car insurance documents such as registration certificate, tax receipt, pollution control certificate and other relevant documents.

Conclusion

Car insurance papers are essential for trouble-free driving and save you from illegal obligations. Hence, it is advised to keep it safe and secure. However, if you lose it anywhere, no worries. You can follow the above steps to retrieve it. After completing the above procedure, your insurer will send you a soft copy, or you will be asked to download it. Sometimes the process varies a little from one insurance company to another. Hence, you must confirm it once with your insurer to avoid any extra trouble. To be on the safer side, you can always choose to purchase a car insurance policy online. It will help you get the papers online, which you can download and take a printout.