Car Insurance Renewal: Here’s what you should do when your car insurance expires

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It is necessary to get the car renewed before the policy expires. A wise move will be to get your insurance policy renewed before the current policy expires. Car insurance policy is mandatory. This is a legal requirement if you want to drive your car on public roads and ensure your safety and that of others. Renewing car insurance after the due date can have dire consequences, but you can avoid them by ensuring timely renewal of your car insurance.

There are very few customers who pay careful attention to its features, terms and conditions before actually buying a policy.

Renewing a motor insurance policy gives you an opportunity to re-think your needs and make changes to the policy. This can help you reduce your premium or use new benefits through the add-on features available with the motor insurance policy.

What should you do if your car insurance expires?

Choose an insurance company in such a way that it has a good track record of clearing claims.

The first step is to contact your insurer. The company may still consider a standard renewal during the car insurance lapse grace period. If not, you will have to apply for a new policy.

Documents required

When you go to renew the expired insurance, sort out the documents and papers of your lapsed policy and keep them safe.

You should also include documents, bills, receipts and other details of any past claims in this documentation.

Also, include the following vehicle details:

– Registration Certificate (RC) of your car

– Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

– Your driver’s license

– Proof of your identity and address

With all these documents, you contact your insurer and allow your vehicle to be inspected. After this inspection, the company will provide you with the policy premium calculation. Make sure you buy new covers early, as they are often valid for a limited time.

Important tip

Once the policy expiry period crosses 90 days, you will no longer be entitled to your NCB. Make sure whether your insurer is carrying forward the No-Claim Bonus (NCB) from your lapsed policy. Insurers often offer this benefit if you request for it. Hence, you must ask the insurer to avail of this benefit.

Check add-on cover while renewing the policy

Whenever you renew your motor insurance policy, you are advised to check the add-on covers with your insurer which may be beneficial for you.

For example, if you are living in a flood-affected area, taking additional cover for the engine to protect against damages due to hydrostatic lock should be one of your policy features.