Relocating to a new city might seem exciting. However, it can be challenging and requires careful planning. One vital aspect that might get overlooked is the process of managing your car insurance online.
Whether you are moving to a new city for personal reasons, work, or studies, ensuring that your motor insurance policy aligns with the relocation is crucial. You can take some steps to ensure this; let’s discuss some of them in detail.
Checklist of Motor Insurance Policy When Relocating I=in India
Upgrading Your Motor Insurance Policy
Even though your motor insurance policy is still valid within the country, you might feel the need to upgrade your policy to get a hassle-free driving experience. A vehicle insurance policy upgrade is required when relocating from a tier-2 city to a metro.
In metro cities, there will be a huge rush in traffic and a higher rate of accidents as well, demanding you to be extra cautious. This situation demands that you upgrade your motor insurance policy to one that offers stronger coverage.
To safeguard yourself, it is advisable to upgrade from a basic third-party car insurance plan to a comprehensive car insurance plan. This upgrade will not only offer coverage against bodily injuries, damages, or death but also cover calamities and theft.
Purchasing Required Car Insurance Add-Ons or Riders
Along with upgrading your existing motor insurance policy, you can consider opting for add-ons or riders that can give you extra coverage. However, it is recommended that you purchase only the required add-ons.
For example, if you are relocating to a city like Mumbai, opting for an add-on for engine protection is recommended as it will protect your four-wheeler’s engine against flood.
You can also purchase zero depreciation car insurance if you own an expensive or luxury four-wheeler with costly parts. In the same way, those who prefer to travel across the country with family should consider purchasing a passenger cover add-on.
Most car maintenance insurance companies offer add-on cover options, which you can opt for as per your requirements.
Getting No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Regional Transport Office (RTO)
Registering your four-wheeler with the regional transport office of the state or city to which you are planning to relocate is recommended. Driving a four-wheeler with a registration of some other state is illegal. Additionally, suppose you plan to relocate from one Indian state to another.
In that case, you are required to get a no-objection certificate from the state’s regional transport office where your four-wheeler was registered. After obtaining your NOC, you must register your four-wheeler with the RTO of the new state to which you are planning to relocate.
Try Avoiding the Gap in Coverage
You might forget to renew your car insurance maintenance policy, which expired around the time of your relocation. In this case, driving with a lapsed car insurance plan can get you in serious trouble. Driving with a lapsed or expired car insurance policy is illegal and will not offer you coverage if you incur some loss.
Check the Impact of Relocation on Four-Wheeler Insurance Premiums and Insurance Coverage
There is no certainty of change in the car maintenance insurance cost because of relocating, as it depends on your car insurance provider and the risk coverage. The area you plan to relocate to also impacts the premium you will have to pay for your motor insurance policy.
Your car insurance provider can increase the insurance premium if you plan to relocate to naturally catastrophic areas, such as flood-prone or earthquake-prone areas.
Letting Your Insurance Provider Know
You must let your current insurer know about the new address you are relocating to. You should also inform them about any changes to the contact number.
Reaching out to your insurance provider will allow you to understand the changes required in your car insurance policy, if any, and avoid potential issues associated with coverage lapses.
Most insurance providers like Tata AIG value customers who keep them informed about any changes.
To Wrap It Up
Several other steps you can take to manage car insurance when relocating in India include checking whether the No Claim Bonus (NCB) can be transferred, exploring network garages in your new city, and checking if you require a new insurance provider.
All the tips mentioned above will ensure a well-managed vehicle insurance policy, adding an extra layer of safety to your new journey in a new area.