Can I Insure My New Car Without a Registration Number?

When you buy a brand-new car, it may not have a registration number (RC) yet, but you can still purchase insurance for a new car. Buying insurance is mandatory because, as per Indian law, no car can legally leave the showroom without valid insurance.
Well, once the RC is issued, your insurer updates the policy with the permanent registration number. This article covers everything you need to know about the process of getting new car insurance without an RC.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, you should have at least a third-party insurance policy for your car. Moreover, it is crucial to note that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) will not process your car’s registration unless you submit the valid insurance documents. So, even if you don’t yet have a registration number for your new car, insurers will still allow you to buy a policy using your car’s temporary details.

When you book a car, the dealer provides:

These details are enough to issue insurance for your new car. Once your RC number arrives, the insurer updates your policy at no extra cost.

For example, if you bought a new hatchback, the new car insurance price will still depend on its value (IDV), engine capacity, and policy type, not on whether the RC number is present.

When insuring your new car, you get two main choices:

Buying new car insurance online has more advantages compared to the offline process.

So, rather than simply going with what the dealer offers, you must explore new car insurance, where you will often find more choices and better savings.

Many people, in the excitement of delivery day, make small but costly mistakes with their car insurance. Some of the common ones are:

• Not checking the policy coverage carefully and only looking at the price.
• Ignoring useful add-ons that are especially important for new cars.
• Depending only on the dealer’s policy without comparing other options.
• Forgetting to update the RC details later can cause issues during claims.

You don’t need to wait for a registration number to insure your new car. Insurance comes first, registration follows. Whether you buy through the dealer or check new car insurance online, make sure the policy covers your needs. Later, once the RC is issued, simply get the number updated with your insurer. This way, your car stays legally compliant and financially protected right from day one.