Is Car Wrap Legal in India or Not?

Car wrapping covers a vehicle's exterior with a vinyl film that alters its appearance while protecting the original paintwork. The vinyl material is applied to the car's surface using specialised tools and techniques, and it can come in various colours, textures, and finishes.

Car wrapping can be used for various purposes, including commercial advertising, personal style, or protecting the vehicle's original paintwork from damage or wear and tear. Car wraps are easily removable and replaceable, making them a popular alternative to traditional painting methods.

In addition to changing a car's appearance, car wrapping can also provide benefits such as UV protection, scratch resistance, and a layer of insulation that can help regulate the vehicle's temperature.

Having understood the basics of car wrapping, let’s answer the question: is wrapping a car legal in India?

Sometimes, with modifications such as car wrapping, it is challenging to understand its legality. Perhaps this is why individuals asking, “is it legal to wrap your car?” get unsatisfied answers. But generally speaking, if you are afflicted with the question: is wrapping a car illegal? A single-word answer is, “no.” However, the complete answer to the question, “is car wrapping legal?” is a bit longer. Let’s understand this in detail so you can modify your car without being an outlaw.

Car wrapping enables individuals to change the colour of their vehicles. However, while this is an exciting change to the appearance of your vehicle, it also makes your car an easy target for thieves. And so, a car wrap is legal in India only if it does not change the colour of your vehicle. In other words, if the colour of your car wrap remains the same as is mentioned in your RC book, then your modification is not illegal.

The rule to retain the colour can come as a disappointment for those who were expecting to completely change the appearance of their car with a car wrap. However, when you realise the answer to your question: is it illegal to wrap your car? is, “no”, you can find several ways to get creative with your car wraps without breaking the law. And to secure your newly wrapped car, you can invest in comprehensive four-wheeler insurance.

Now that we have a satisfying answer to the question: is wrapping a car illegal? let’s understand other legalities concerning car wraps.

Simply answering the question, “is it illegal to wrap your car” is not enough. Here are some points to better understand the laws about car wrapping:

• If the car wrapping difference is not reflected in the vehicle owner’s RC book, they may attract a fine. In extreme cases, the vehicle can also be seized on the grounds of suspicion.

• Technically, if the car wrap does not change the texture or the colour of the car (as stated in the registration certificate of the company) then the modification is considered legal.

• Since changing the colour and the number plate are tactics that car thieves commonly employ, vehicle owners may be unnecessarily hassled with having to produce verifiable proof of the vehicle being their own. Moreover, the complications further increase if a car with a similar model and the original colour is involved in a criminal case.

• For those who wish to wrap their cars, it is advised to stick to the choice of colour as indicated on the registration certificate.

Having understood everything there is to the question: is wrapping a car legal? let’s now explore the advantages and disadvantages of car wrapping aside from the legal concerns.

Simply knowing if it is legal to wrap your car is not enough to analyse whether or not you should wrap your car. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of car wrapping for vehicle owners to make an informed decision:

Getting four-wheeler insurance for a vinyl-wrapped car is similar to getting insurance for any other car. However, there are a few additional things to bear in mind:

• When getting a quote for your insurance for a 4-wheeler, make sure you inform the insurance provider that your car is wrapped in vinyl. This will ensure that the insurance policy covers the value of the wrap in addition to the car's original value.

• The cost of a vinyl wrap can vary widely, so you must consider that when deciding on the coverage for your four-wheeler insurance.

• As with any other insurance for a 4-wheeler, it's important to compare car insurance policies from different providers to find the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.

Getting car insurance for a vinyl-wrapped car is not very different from getting insurance for any other car. Insurance seekers only have to inform their insurance provider about the modification for suitable coverage.

Although we now know that the answer to the question, “is car wrapping legal?” is “yes,” it is still important to understand the limits to ensure you are not breaking the law. The best way to ensure you are within the limits of the law when it comes to car wrapping is to ensure your vinyl is the same colour as your car. Additionally, to secure your newly modified car, the comprehensive car insurance by Tata AIG comes with eight unique add-ons to customise your policy and optimise protection efficiently.