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Can I Drive My Brand-New Car Home Without Insurance?

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UID: 6273 | **T&Cs Apply

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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.

Why You Need Insurance Before Driving a New Car?
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Driving a new car without insurance is illegal. Here’s why it’s non-negotiable:

What Are the Insurance Choices for a New Car?
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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.

How Much Does New Car Insurance Cost?
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Here’s the breakdown of the cost:

4 Key Things to Know Before Buying Insurance for New Car

Before you finalise a policy, keep these important points in mind:
 

1. Three-Year Third-Party Cover Rule
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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.
 

2. Third-Party vs Comprehensive
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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.

3. Convenience of Buying Online
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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.

4. Extra Protection with Add-Ons
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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.

Final Thoughts
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I take my new car from the showroom without insurance?

No, dealers are not allowed to release a new car without valid insurance.
 

What happens if I drive a new car without insurance?

You can face fines, imprisonment, or even have your vehicle seized by authorities.
 

Can I buy new car insurance online instead of from the dealer?

Yes, you can. Buying new car insurance online is usually cheaper and also lets you pick add-ons that suit your needs.
 

Why is a long-term third-party cover compulsory for new cars?

IRDAI introduced this rule in 2018 so that every new car stays insured for the first three years without any break in coverage.