Expired Car Insurance

Buying a car insurance policy is not something that should be done as a compulsion, rather you must understand how beneficial it can be. Life is unpredictable, an accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Though an untoward incident cannot always be averted, one can surely be prepared to handle a difficult situation. And the best way to do so is to have a suitable car insurance policy. Therefore, treat the renewal of your car insurance policy as a priority always. 

But for some reason, if your car insurance has already expired, it's time for quick damage control. Being without car insurance would not only make you lose all your policy benefits but it can also be a strenuous time. It is highly recommended that you renew the policy immediately otherwise you may face the following consequences.

Consequences of Expired Car Insurance Policy

1. Disobedience of Law
   Each and every motor vehicle that moves on the road must have insurance, this is mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. When you do not renew your policy in time it lapses and is treated as invalid. If caught without valid car insurance, you can face serious penalties.
2. Losing Out on Benefits
   A slight carelessness on your behalf will prove to be rather detrimental as you would lose out on all the policy benefits and coverage. If your car gets any damage during this time, you will pay for all the repair costs from your own pocket.
3. Loss of NCB
   For every year that you do not make a claim, you can avail a discount on the premium. This is called the No Claim Bonus and every year the discount increases. However, if you do not renew your policy within 90 days from the date of expiry, all the accumulated NCB will be lost.
4. Pay Higher Premiums
   When you renew an expired car insurance policy, you need to pay a higher premium. After 90 days from the date of expiry, you do not get any NCB benefits. You also lose out on the other available discounts and end up paying more for the same policy.

Steps to Renew Expired Car Insurance Online

• Step 1- Select the Policy
  After thorough research, you can finalise the plan that you feel suits your insurance requirements the most. Make use of a car insurance premium calculator to get an estimate of the premium.
• Step 2 - Appointment with the Surveyor
  When you finalise the renewal, a surveyor from the car insurance company will come to assess your car. On the basis of his review, insurance will be offered.
• Step 3 - Buying the Car Insurance Policy
  Once you receive approval from the company, you can straightaway pay the premium and buy the policy. It should be noted that the inspection is valid for a period of 24 hours and thus buying the policy within this time is imperative.

Things to Consider When Your Car Insurance Policy Expires

When your car insurance policy expires, you must consider doing the following things:

1. Contact the Insurance Company
   As soon as you realise that your car insurance has expired, get in touch with the insurance company as soon as possible. The customer care or the insurance agent would help you renew your policy at the earliest.
2. Abstain from Driving 
   Till the time your insurance is renewed, avoid driving. An accident under these circumstances will not only be a financial burden but can land you in legal trouble.
3. Renew/ Buy a New Policy Immediately
   Whether you wish to renew the same policy or buy a new one, do whatever you can without delay. You can compare different plans by different companies easily when comparing online.
4. Keep Documents Ready
   When planning to buy a new car insurance policy, make sure you have all the required documents handy. Not having all the documents will further delay the procedure. You would require:
   • Copy of previous Insurance Policy papers
   • Copy of the RC
   • Driver’s License