Driving a car without valid insurance in India is not just risky—it is illegal. Yet many vehicle owners forget to track their policy expiry date or misplace their policy documents. The good news is that you can now verify your car insurance status online using your vehicle registration number in just a few minutes.

In this detailed guide, we will explain How to Check Vehicle Insurance Status Online, the official platforms available, why it is important, and what to do if your policy has expired.

Why Checking Car Insurance Status Is Important

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every vehicle running on Indian roads must have at least a valid third-party insurance policy. Driving without insurance can result in:

· Heavy fines

· Legal penalties

· Vehicle seizure

· Personal financial liability in case of accidents

Regularly verifying your insurance status helps you:

· Avoid penalties

· Ensure continuous financial protection

· Prevent claim rejection

· Plan timely renewals

What You Need to Check Insurance Status Online

The best part is that you only need one detail:

· Vehicle Registration Number (RC number)

You do not need the policy number or insurer details in most cases.

How to Verify Car Insurance Status Online Using Registration Number

There are two primary government-authorized digital platforms where you can check your vehicle insurance status.

1. Through Parivahan Sewa Portal

The Parivahan portal is managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and provides centralized vehicle data.

Steps to Follow:

1. Visit the Parivahan website.

2. Navigate to “Know Your Vehicle Details.”

3. Enter your vehicle registration number.

4. Complete the verification process.

5. View insurance details displayed on the screen.

You can typically see:

· Insurance validity status

· Policy expiry date

· Vehicle details

· Registration status

This method is reliable as it pulls information directly from official RTO records.

2. Through Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB)

The Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) maintains a database of insured vehicles across India.

Steps:

1. Visit the IIB portal.

2. Enter vehicle registration number.

3. Provide additional details if required.

4. Submit the request.

5. View insurance status.

This platform is especially useful if you do not remember which insurer issued your policy.

What Details Can You Check Online?

When you verify car insurance status using your registration number, you can typically access:

· Insurance company name

· Policy type (Third-party or Comprehensive)

· Policy validity period

· Registration details

· Vehicle make and model

Note: Some portals may not display full policy information due to privacy rules.

Can You Check Insurance Status via Mobile?

Yes. Both government portals are mobile-friendly. You can:

· Use your smartphone browser

· Access DigiLocker-linked vehicle documents

· Download insurance policy copies (if linked)

This ensures that even during traffic checks, you can quickly show proof of insurance.

What If Your Insurance Has Expired?

If you discover that your car insurance policy has expired:

1. Avoid driving the vehicle immediately.

2. Contact your insurer or an insurance advisor.

3. Renew the policy online.

4. Inspect the vehicle if required (in case of long lapse).

A lapse in insurance can lead to:

· Higher renewal premiums

· Loss of No Claim Bonus (NCB)

· Policy inspection requirements

Renewing before expiry helps you avoid these complications.

Difference Between Third-Party and Comprehensive Insurance

While verifying insurance status, you may notice the type of policy listed.

Third-Party Insurance

· Mandatory by law

· Covers third-party injury or property damage

· Does not cover own vehicle damage

Comprehensive Insurance

· Covers third-party liability

· Covers own vehicle damage

· Optional add-ons available (zero depreciation, engine protection, roadside assistance)

If your vehicle is new or frequently driven, comprehensive insurance offers better protection.

How Often Should You Check Your Car Insurance Status?

It is advisable to check your insurance status:

· One month before expiry

· Before long road trips

· Before selling or buying a used car

· During vehicle transfer

· After policy renewal confirmation

Proactive monitoring ensures uninterrupted coverage.

Checking Insurance Status for Used Cars

If you are buying a second-hand car, verifying insurance status is critical. It helps you confirm:

· Whether insurance is active

· Type of policy

· Expiry date

· Claim history (if disclosed)

Always transfer the insurance policy to your name after purchase to avoid claim issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming dealership insurance auto-renews.

2. Forgetting to update the new registration number.

3. Not verifying policy after online renewal.

4. Ignoring lapse warnings from insurers.

5. Driving even after policy expiry.

Staying alert prevents financial and legal trouble.

Does Insurance Status Affect Claim Settlement?

Yes. If your policy has expired at the time of an accident:

· Claims will be rejected.

· You may have to bear full repair costs.

· Third-party liabilities must be paid personally.

Hence, verifying insurance status regularly is a responsible practice.

Digital India and Insurance Transparency

With digitization of vehicle and insurance records, checking policy details has become transparent and quick. Integration between RTO databases and insurance companies ensures real-time updates, reducing fraud and fake policy risks.

Vehicle owners now have better control and access to their insurance information than ever before.

Conclusion

Verifying your car insurance status online using your registration number is simple, quick, and essential. It ensures legal compliance, financial protection, and peace of mind. Whether you check through the Parivahan portal or the Insurance Information Bureau database, staying informed about your policy status protects you from penalties and unexpected expenses.

If your insurance is nearing expiry or you want better coverage options, Square Insurance can help you compare policies, renew plans, and choose the right add-ons for comprehensive protection. Timely verification and renewal are key to safe and stress-free driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I check car insurance status with only the registration number?

Yes, you can verify insurance details using your vehicle registration number through official portals.

2. Is it mandatory to have car insurance in India?

Yes, at least third-party insurance is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act.

3. What happens if my car insurance has expired?

Driving without insurance is illegal and may result in fines and claim rejection.

4. Can I check insurance status on my mobile phone?

Yes, government portals are mobile-friendly and accessible via smartphones.

5. Will insurance details show immediately after renewal?

In most cases, records update within a short time, but minor delays may occur.