Car insurance is one of the essential documents that the owner of a car should have. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all public road vehicles must be protected by an automobile insurance policy.
You can be fined if you are found driving your car without a legitimate third-party insurance policy. In other words, once you buy a car, buying a car insurance policy is unavoidable.
Once you have your insurance, it’s important to keep the insurance policy number handy. There are many situations when you need this number, and these are discussed below.
What is a Car Insurance Policy Number?
A car insurance number is a unique number issued to each policyholder to identify their insurance policy and as a reference number to remember the auto insurance policy and its coverage. You must always have a hard copy of your policy document in your car and a soft copy of it in your mail so that you can access it in any case.
When are You Required to Have this Number?
In a variety of cases, a car insurance policy number may be needed. Let us take a look at the circumstances where you need to have your car insurance policy number:
1. Renewal of car insurance
You will be asked to provide your last policy number when you renew your car insurance policy. The policy number is essential to find your policy's specifics and ensure that it is updated. Even if you intend to change your insurer and purchase a policy from a new car insurance provider, you will always need your last policy number. This is necessary to ensure that your No Claim Bonus (NCB) is transferred from your previous policy to your current policy.
2. After an accident
Sadly, if your vehicle meets an accident, you may need to include your policy number to claim damages. In the event of damages from a third party, you will be asked to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the police.
You will be asked for your auto insurance policy number. Suppose you have caused unintended harm to someone else's vehicle. In that case, you will be required to send your car insurance information, including the policy number, to a third party to make a claim.
3. Routine police check
While driving your car, you might be stopped at a police checkpoint. These regular checks are carried out for safety reasons and to check the possession of essential documentation with the vehicle's driver, including car insurance. In that case, the police officer can ask for your policy document or policy number. You will also need to give your policy number to the authorities concerned if you travel outside the station.
4. While applying for a duplicate policy
Suppose you have lost your car insurance policy and wish to apply for a duplicate copy through your auto insurance provider. In that case, you will need to include your policy number.
5. While updating details on policy
Often you may find the wrong details in your car insurance policy booklet. Or you may have to update your address or phone number. To do so, you will need to ask your motor insurance company to update your records. Your insurer can not change your policy information unless you have your car insurance policy number.
6. During the sale of the car
If you are selling your vehicle, the purchaser may want to verify the car insurance policy's validity. In such cases, you will be asked for your car insurance policy number. You will also need to include your policy number to move your NCB from the sold car to your new vehicle.
5 Different Ways to Find the Policy Number
Here are five ways you can find the number of your automobile insurance policy:
1. Official website/app of the insurance company
Suppose you have bought your auto insurance policy online from your insurer's website. In that case, you can log in to your account on the website or app to know your policy number. To retrieve your account, you will need to include your car registration number, name, phone number, etc.
2. Insurance agent
Suppose you bought a car insurance policy with the help of an insurance agent. In that case, you may contact him/her to know your policy number. Insurance brokers typically keep a copy of their customers' policy information, so they can help you locate your car insurance policy number.
3. Telephonic assistance
All those who have not bought car insurance online or via an agent can know their policy number by calling their motor insurance provider's customer service by phone. All that you have to do is provide the customer executive the information they request. The customer service contact number can be found on the insurer's website.
4. The nearest branch of the insurance company
You may also visit the nearest branch of your auto insurance company to know your car insurance policy number. The branch may ask for a few details for verification before providing the policy number.
5. Insurance information bureau
Another way to know your auto insurance policy number is to visit the Insurance Information Office website (IIB). The IIB maintains in digital format the details of all motor insurance policies in India. The website is beneficial if you want to see the car's insurance number destroyed in an accident.
Final Thoughts
The car insurance policy number is the insurance policy identification number. You cannot avail the advantages of your car insurance policy without this. Therefore, you must always have your policy number. But if you don't, you can use one of these five methods to find your policy number.
