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Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is Mandatory to Renew Your Two Wheeler Insurance Policy

By Vikas Chandra Das
21 July 2022, 11:46 AM

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) has made it mandatory for insurance providers to follow the order of the Supreme Court of India that prevents insurers from renewing any motor insurance plan until the vehicle owner has a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) authentication. This move is implemented by the centre to reduce the growing pollution in the consistency in the National Capital Region of (Delhi NCR).

Therefore, the insurance agencies will now be requesting that you show a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) or Pollution Under Control (Pollution Under Control (PUC)) Certificate at the time of renewing your two-wheeler insurance policy

An order passed on August 26, 2020 explained that insurance providers can no longer provide motor claims if the vehicle does not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) (pollution under control) certification. 

The matter was brought to light when in July 2018, the Supreme Court, in the matter of MC Mehta versus Union of India, expressed its worry over rising air pollution. It was then concluded that insurance plans should take more responsibility. Therefore, it was decided that a vehicle without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) declaration on the date of the renewal will not be eligible for a two-wheeler insurance policy. 

What is Pollution Under Control (Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate? 

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is authentication that guarantees that a vehicle fulfils the pollution control guidelines. The pollution principles/levels are fixed for a wide range of engine vehicles in India. When a vehicle goes through a Pollution Under Control (PUC) test effectively, a certificate is provided to vehicle owner-driver. Based on this certificate, you become aware of the damage your vehicle is doing to the environment. This awareness helps to control the pollution levels and owners can make conscious attempts to slow down climate change. 

*PRO-TIP: All vehicles need to compulsorily carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. 

What are the Guidelines for Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certification for Two-wheelers? 

You do not need to have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) for a newly purchased vehicle. According to the guidelines, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) declaration needs to be provided after one year of vehicle registration. To avoid a fine, you need to submit a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate before the date of expiry of your old two-wheeler insurance plan/ 

What does this Change Mean for you? 

If you are a two-wheeler owner, having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will guarantee that the vehicle is emitting pollution which is considered under the standard limits. A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is not issued to vehicles that are emitting more than the recommended standards. This indicates that you will be more aware of how you can contribute to improving the environment. For example, if a two-wheeler is transmitting pollution which is above standards, it may likely be that the vehicle needs fixing which the owner is avoiding. Since the owner is now aware and understands the consequences it is having on the pollution standards, they may be more open to doing the necessary fixes. A Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate also helps to compare older models with newer ones. This encourages owners with extremely old vehicles to refitted or replace specific parts. 

As per Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, any individual driving a motor vehicle in any state will, on being asked by a police officer in uniform, as per the order of the State Government, need to show - valid motor insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate, Registration Certificate and Driving License. 

Summary: 

A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate will not only help curb pollution but also spread the message about the importance of protecting the environment. It is important to remember vehicles that were purchased less one year back, do not need to produce a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate. However, for all other vehicles, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is a mandatory document at the time of renewal of their two-wheeler insurance policy.

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