Car Insurance Renewal Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Pay

Key takeaways

Renew before expiry to avoid an inspection and a period without cover.
Check IDV, NCB and add-ons on every quote — not just the price.
Make sure accessories, CNG kits and the financier are recorded correctly.
Keep a digital copy of the policy; it is valid proof via DigiLocker or mParivahan.

Renewal takes ten minutes online. Checking these ten things takes ten more, and can save you a lot of money and stress later.

1. The renewal date

Renew before the policy expires. If it lapses, you are driving uninsured — an offence — and the insurer may need to inspect the vehicle before own-damage cover restarts. Your NCB survives a lapse of up to 90 days, but the vehicle is not covered during the gap.

2. The IDV

Compare the offered IDV with the schedule value from our IDV calculator. Keep it close to that figure; don’t cut it just to reduce the premium. See high vs low IDV.

3. Your NCB

Confirm the NCB percentage. If you didn’t claim last year, it should move up one slab. If a quote shows less, ask why before paying. Use the NCB calculator to check.

4. Add-ons

Keep the ones you’d use, drop the ones you never would, and check age limits — zero-dep and RTI may not be offered once the vehicle crosses a certain age unless they were on the previous policy.

5. Deductibles

Check the compulsory deductible on the schedule and whether a voluntary deductible has been added. A deductible lowers the price but raises what you pay on every claim.

6. PA cover

Owner-driver personal accident cover of ₹15 lakh is compulsory unless you already hold equivalent cover. Make sure it is included or that you have declared your other cover.

7. Declarations

Declared accessories and their values
External CNG/LPG kit — endorsed on the RC and on the policy
Financier name if the vehicle is on loan (or removal of hypothecation if the loan is closed)
Correct registration number, engine and chassis numbers

8. Personal details

Update your address, mobile number, email and nominee. Claim updates and renewal notices go there.

9. PUC certificate

Carry a valid Pollution Under Control certificate. It is required to drive legally and insurers may ask for it at renewal.

10. Compare at least three quotes

Line up quotes with the same IDV, add-ons and NCB, then use the renewal comparison tool. Buy from the insurer directly or through an IRDAI-registered intermediary, and pay only through official channels.

Compare up to three renewal quotes in one go.

Renewal Comparison Tool

After you pay

Download the policy PDF and check every detail on the schedule.
Save it to DigiLocker or mParivahan — digital documents there are accepted as valid.
Note the claims helpline number and the insurer’s app in your phone.
Set a reminder a month before the next expiry.

FAQs

What is a break-in policy?

When a policy has expired, renewing it is called a break-in renewal. The insurer usually inspects the vehicle (often by video or photos) before own-damage cover starts.

Can I switch insurer at renewal?

Yes. Your NCB moves with you. Declare your previous policy details correctly.

Do I need to renew third-party if I have long-term TP?

No, not until it ends. Renew only the own-damage part (standalone OD) each year until then.

Sources

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — compulsory insurance and PUC requirements; Ministry of Road Transport & Highways advisory recognising documents in DigiLocker and mParivahan.
No Claim Bonus 90-day validity in standard policy wordings.