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Home / Car Insurance / Can I Drive My Brand-New Car Home Without Insurance?
No, you cannot legally drive your brand-new car home without insurance in India. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every car on the road must have at least a valid third-party insurance policy. So, before you take delivery of your car, you need to buy insurance for a new car. Without it, you may face fines, penalties, or even seizure of your vehicle. Even most dealers will not let you take your car out of the showroom unless you show proof of insurance. Dive in to know more.
Driving a new car without insurance is illegal. Here’s why it’s non-negotiable:
Law enforcement: If you are caught driving without insurance, you may face a fine of up to ₹2,000 or even jail time.
Financial protection for others: Third-party insurance ensures that if your car injures someone or damages their property, they get compensated.
Dealer requirement: Showrooms are bound by law to deliver only insured vehicles.
Tension-free ownership: With an active policy, you can focus on enjoying your new car without worrying about legal hassles.
There are two types of policies to choose from:
Third-Party Car Insurance
This insurance is compulsory as it pays for any damage your car causes to another person’s vehicle, or if someone gets injured.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
This plan includes third-party cover and also protects your own car if it gets damaged in an accident, stolen, or affected by natural disasters. For new car owners, this option is often the safer choice.
Here’s the breakdown of the cost:
Third-party plans are the cheapest. Prices are fixed by IRDAI and usually start from ₹2094 depending on your car’s engine size.
Comprehensive plans cost more but give much wider cover. Depending on the car model and city, premiums can start around ₹15,000 and go up to ₹50,000 or even higher.
If you buy new car insurance online, you can easily compare policies, check reviews, and grab discounts, which often makes it more affordable than going through a dealer.
Before you finalise a policy, keep these important points in mind:
In 2018, IRDAI made it compulsory for all new cars to have a three-year third-party plan from day one. In fact, some insurers also give you an option to bundle it with own-damage cover.
Third-party insurance keeps you legal, but it doesn’t cover your car. A comprehensive policy does both. It meets legal requirements and protects your car, which is important because repairs for new cars can be very expensive.
The process of getting insurance for a new car online is smooth. You can compare the new car insurance price, check features, and buy your policy in a few clicks.
With a comprehensive plan, you can choose add-ons like zero-depreciation cover, roadside assistance, engine protection, or return-to-invoice. These add-ons reduce your costs during an accident or mishap and are very useful if you live in areas prone to floods, theft, or heavy traffic.
There is no doubt that buying a new car is pretty exciting, but don’t forget insurance is a must. You can count on a third-party policy as it is the minimum requirement, but if you want real protection for your car, a comprehensive plan with the right add-ons will be a good choice.
No, dealers are not allowed to release a new car without valid insurance.
You can face fines, imprisonment, or even have your vehicle seized by authorities.
Yes, you can. Buying new car insurance online is usually cheaper and also lets you pick add-ons that suit your needs.
IRDAI introduced this rule in 2018 so that every new car stays insured for the first three years without any break in coverage.