How to Know If a Car Has Insurance: A Complete Guide (2025)

How to Know If a Car Has Insurance: A Complete Guide (2025)

Picture this: you’re driving on a busy Indian road, and suddenly, a minor collision occurs. Or perhaps you’re about to buy a second-hand car that looks like a great deal. In both scenarios, one critical question arises: is the vehicle insured? Knowing a car’s insurance status is vital for handling accidents, avoiding hefty fines, and making smart purchasing decisions.

Many vehicle owners in India unintentionally let their insurance lapse simply because they forget the renewal date. Driving without at least third-party insurance is not only risky but also illegal. This guide will explain how to know if a car has insurance using simple, reliable methods like VAHAN, the mParivahan app, and insurer websites. Let’s get you the answers you need in minutes.

Why You Should Check a Car’s Insurance Status

Confirming a car’s insurance status is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial step for your financial and legal protection. Here’s why you should always verify if a car is insured:

• Legal Compliance: The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 mandates that every vehicle on Indian roads must have at least a third-party liability insurance policy. Driving without one is a punishable offense.
• Avoid Heavy Fines: If caught driving an uninsured vehicle, you can face substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. Verifying coverage helps you stay on the right side of the law.
• Protection Against Third-Party Liability: In case of an accident where you are at fault, third-party insurance covers the costs of damages or injuries to the other party. Without it, you would be personally responsible for these expenses.
• Smooth Accident Claim Process: If another vehicle causes an accident, knowing their insurance details is the first step to filing a claim for your damages. An expired or non-existent policy can complicate the entire process, leaving you to cover your own repair costs.
• Essential for Used Car Buyers: When purchasing a used car, it’s essential to check the vehicle insurance status. An expired policy could indicate negligence on the previous owner’s part and may lead to difficulties in transferring the policy or getting a new one.

Method 1: Check Car Insurance Status on VAHAN

The VAHAN e-services portal, launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is one of the most reliable ways to check vehicle insurance details online. It’s a centralized national registry that holds data for all registered vehicles in India.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to check car insurance using the VAHAN website:

1. Visit the VAHAN e-Services Website: Open your web browser and go to the official VAHAN portal.
2. Navigate to “Know Your Vehicle Details”: On the homepage, find this option in the main menu.
3. Enter the Vehicle Registration Number: Type the car’s registration number (e.g., DL01AB1234) into the designated field.
4. Enter the Verification Code: Input the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen for verification.
5. View the Details: Click “Search Vehicle.” The portal will display key details, including the insurance company name, policy number (often partially hidden for privacy), and the policy’s expiry date.

VAHAN is considered highly reliable because it sources data directly from the RTO and insurance companies, ensuring the information is up-to-date and accurate.

Method 2: Check Car Insurance Using the mParivahan App

For those who prefer using their smartphones, the mParivahan app is an excellent alternative. It offers similar functionality to the VAHAN website and is available for both Android and iOS devices.

Follow these steps to check a car’s insurance using mParivahan:

1. Download the App: Find and download the mParivahan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Sign Up or Log In: Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Enter the Registration Number: In the app’s dashboard, enter the vehicle’s registration number in the search bar.
4. Check the Insurance Details: The app will fetch and display the vehicle’s registration details, including the insurance validity and expiry date.

While the mParivahan app is convenient, users sometimes report that the server can be slow or temporarily unavailable. However, it remains a very useful tool for on-the-go checks.

Method 3: Check Car Insurance on Insurer Websites

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) allows insurance companies to provide policy verification services on their websites. If you know the insurer, you can directly visit their portal to find out if a car insurance is valid. This is also a great way to check car insurance by registration number.

Some of the major insurers that offer this service include:

• ICICI Lombard
• HDFC Ergo
• Bajaj Allianz
• Digit
• Reliance General Insurance

The general steps are usually as follows:

1. Go to the Insurer’s Website: Navigate to the official website of the insurance provider.
2. Find the “Policy Renewal” or “Download Policy” Section: This is often located in the car insurance or customer service area.
3. Enter Vehicle Details: Input the car’s registration number.
4. Verify with OTP: You might be asked to verify your mobile number with a one-time password (OTP).
5. View Policy Status: The portal will display the policy status, including its expiry date.

Method 4: Ask the Previous Owner or Dealer

When buying a used car, the simplest way to know if the car has insurance is to ask the seller or dealer directly for the documents. Delays in RTO processing can sometimes mean that online portals are not yet updated after a transfer of ownership.

Here are the documents you should request:

• A copy of the current or most recent insurance policy.
• The premium payment receipt.
• The policy number.

Be cautious of red flags, such as a seller who is hesitant to provide documents or a policy that expired long ago. This could complicate the process of transferring the No Claim Bonus (NCB) and ownership.

Method 5: Contact the Insurance Company Directly

If you’re unable to find the information online or need definitive confirmation, contacting the insurance company is the most accurate method. You can call their customer service helpline and provide the necessary details.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Find the Insurer’s Contact Information: Locate the customer service number on their website.
2. Provide Vehicle Details: You will need to give them the car’s registration number.
3. Provide Engine and Chassis Number: For verification, they may ask for the last four or five digits of the engine and chassis number.

This method provides the most reliable information directly from the source, clearing up any doubts you might have.

Signs That a Car Insurance Policy Is Expired

Sometimes, there are clear signs that a car’s insurance has lapsed. Look out for these common indicators:

• No Renewal Reminders: Insurers typically send multiple SMS and email reminders before a policy expires. A lack of these messages could mean the contact details are outdated or the policy has already expired.
• VAHAN Status Shows “Expired”: If you check the policy on VAHAN or mParivahan and the status shows “Expired” or “Not Available,” it’s a strong sign the vehicle is uninsured.
• Old Policy Document: If the only document available is a policy copy that is more than a year old, the insurance has likely expired.

Remember, an expired policy means you cannot file a claim in case of an accident, leaving you financially vulnerable.

What to Do If Your Car Has No Insurance

Discovering your car has no insurance requires immediate action. Driving without it is illegal and risky. Here’s what you should do:

1. Buy Third-Party Insurance Immediately: This is the minimum legal requirement in India. It covers liabilities from damages or injuries to a third party.
2. Consider a Comprehensive Policy: For complete protection, a comprehensive policy is the better choice. It covers third-party liabilities as well as damages to your own vehicle from accidents, theft, or natural disasters.

At InsuranceMart, we recommend considering valuable car insurance add-ons for enhanced security:

• Zero Depreciation Cover: Ensures you receive the full claim amount without deductions for depreciation.
• Consumables Cover: Covers the cost of items like engine oil, nuts, and bolts that are consumed during repairs.
• Engine Protection Cover: Protects your engine from damage due to water ingression or oil leakage.
• Roadside Assistance Cover (RSA): Provides 24/7 help for issues like flat tires, towing, or emergency fuel.
• Return to Invoice Cover (RTI): In case of total loss or theft, you receive the car’s original invoice value.

Choosing the right policy can be confusing, but Insurance Mart is here to help you navigate the options and select the best coverage for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I check if my car insurance is active?

You can check if your car insurance is active online through the VAHAN e-services portal or the mParivahan app. Simply enter the vehicle’s registration number to see the policy status and expiry date.

2. Can I check car insurance with just the registration number?

Yes, you can easily check car insurance with just the registration number. Platforms like VAHAN, mParivahan, and most insurer websites allow you to retrieve policy details using only this information.

3. How do I know if a seller’s car has insurance?

When buying a used car, ask the seller for the insurance policy document. You can then verify the details online using the methods mentioned in this guide to confirm if the policy is valid and active.

4. How can I check my car insurance expiry date?

The quickest way to check your car insurance expiry date is by using the VAHAN website or mParivahan app. You can also find it on your policy document or by logging into your insurer’s online portal.

5. Is mParivahan reliable for insurance details?

Yes, mParivahan is a reliable government app that sources its data directly from RTO and insurer records. While it can occasionally experience server issues, the information it provides is generally accurate.

6. What happens if I drive without insurance in India?

Driving without at least third-party insurance is a serious offense under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. If caught, you could face fines up to ₹2,000 for the first offense and up to ₹4,000 for subsequent offenses, along with possible imprisonment.

Stay Protected on the Road

Knowing how to check if a car has insurance is an essential skill for every vehicle owner in India. Whether you use the VAHAN portal, mParivahan app, or contact the insurer directly, these five methods make it easy to verify your coverage and stay protected. Always remember to renew your policy on time to avoid legal trouble and financial losses.

If you need help choosing the right vehicle insurance or want expert advice on the best add-ons for your car, contact InsuranceMart. Our founder, Bhushan Sharma, built this company on a promise to protect every client like family. We’re here to provide clarity and ensure you have the best protection on the road.