Transferring Car Insurance From One Person to Another
When you purchase a second-hand vehicle, the purchasing process is not just about the model, mileage, or price. It also involves sorting out the paperwork that proves legal ownership. One step a lot of people forget is transferring the car insurance.
If this is not done, the buyer may end up driving without valid insurance, and the seller could still be held responsible for accidents or claims even after selling the car.
As per Section 157 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the insurance must be transferred within 14 days of the sale. Still, many people are unsure about how the process works or what documents they need.
However, there is some good news. Today, you can complete most of the process online, and it is much simpler than it used to be. This guide walks you through everything step-by-step so you can complete the car insurance name transfer smoothly and stress-free.
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List of Content
- How to Transfer the Insurance of Car to New Owner?
- Why is it Important to Transfer Insurance to New Owner?
- No Claims Bonus Retention in Car Insurance Transfer
- Who is Responsible for the Transfer of a Car Insurance Policy?
- Tips to Ensure a Smooth Online Transfer
- To Conclude
How to Transfer the Insurance of Car to New Owner?
- Here is a simple guide on how to change name in car insurance in four easy steps. This process is also helpful for transferring car insurance to a different vehicle.
Gather the Required Documents
Transferring your car insurance online is much easier. With the right documents in place, the whole process becomes quick and smooth. The new owner can start the transfer process themselves or get help from an insurance agent.
All they need to do is submit a few key documents to the insurance company so the policy can be updated with the new owner’s name. Here is what you will need to transfer insurance to new owner:
- Form 28: A request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO, confirming there are no pending dues or legal issues.
- Form 29: Notifies the RTO that the vehicle has been sold and documentation has been handed over to the buyer.
- Form 30: This is a confirmation of the details mentioned in Form 29.
- The documents of the previous car insurance policy.
- The NOC (No Objection Clause) certificate from the former insurance holder.
- The form for the new application.
- The inspection report (which is carried out by the insurance provider).
- The difference is from the NCB (No Claim Bonus).
- The documents mentioned above need to be submitted along with a transfer fee payable to the insurance company.
Inform the Insurance Company
After you have gathered all the necessary documents and applied for the RC transfer, do not forget to inform your car insurance provider about the change in ownership. Your insurer will help you with how to transfer car insurance quickly through the online customer portal, so there is no need for long paperwork or long queues.
Additionally, if you have been a claim-free driver, do not forget about your No Claim Bonus (NCB). You can carry it forward to your new policy by requesting an NCB retention letter. This is a small step that can help you save significantly on future premiums.
Submit Documents and Pay Fees
To complete the insurance transfer, both the buyer and the seller will need to share a few documents, like identity proof, address proof, proof of sale, and a formal request for the transfer. This step helps the insurance company verify details and follow the required regulations.
Before proceeding, the insurer may also inspect the vehicle to assess its current condition. Based on this inspection, the premium or coverage may be adjusted if needed. Once everything is verified, the insurer will update the policy with the new owner’s details. This endorsement acts as official proof that the insurance has been successfully transferred.
In some cases, small car insurance transfer charges may apply. Make sure this is paid so that the process goes through smoothly without delays.
Furthermore, if the car is financed, you may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the financier to complete the car insurance transfer.
Receive the Updated Policy
Once the transfer process is complete, the new owner will receive an updated policy document with their details. It is important to review this document carefully to make sure all the information is correct.
If you are the previous owner, you should also log in to the insurer’s portal or contact the provider to confirm that the policy is no longer active under your name. If it still appears active, you should request cancellation to prevent any future confusion or liability.
Also Read: Car Insurance Add-on Covers
Why is it Important to Transfer Insurance to New Owner?
The importance of car insurance cannot be contested. It protects your car financially in the event of any unfortunate eventuality. However, without the car, the four-wheeler insurance becomes redundant.
Therefore, if you are selling your car, ensure that you have completed the car insurance name transfer to the new owner. Similarly, if you are purchasing a second-hand car, check whether the previous owner has completed the car insurance ownership transfer. Here are a few pertinent reasons why the car insurance transfer is stressed upon:
Prevents Liabilities in the Future
Car insurance covers third-party liabilities. This means that if you end up in an accident and need to pay for damages to a third party, your four-wheeler insurance can take care of it on your behalf. However, without the car insurance being transferred to the new owner, the new owner's claim will not be valid. This rejection of the claim means you will have to pay for the third-party damages from your pocket.
Alternatively, if the previous owner does not complete the car insurance name transfer, the previous owner may be held liable for third-party damages.
Stay Legally Compliant
Indian law requires every vehicle on the road to have valid third-party insurance. But “valid” does not just mean having a policy, it means having one in the current owner's name. If the policy is not updated, it technically means you are driving without insurance, which could lead to fines or legal trouble.
Prevent Claim Rejection Later
During challenging times, your insurance will support you. If you do not update the policy after buying a used car, your future claims for accidents, theft, or damage may be rejected simply because the paperwork was not updated. When you have a proper understanding of how to transfer insurance to new car, you will have smooth claim processing whenever you need it.
No Claims Bonus Retention in Car Insurance Transfer
The NCB is a discount on the premium amount that is given to the insurance holder upon policy renewal. This discount is applicable if the insured member has not filed a claim during the term. When you sell your car and transfer car insurance to new car, you can avail of your NCB on the policy of your new car.
The NCB can be a great way to save on your car insurance renewal premium in the coming years. The longer you go without making claims, the bigger your discount can be. You will not be able to transfer your NCB to a new owner, because it is a reward given to the policyholder, not the vehicle. Instead, it can only move from your old car to the new one you buy.
NCB is decided based on your personal driving history, your safe usage of the vehicle, and your claim-free record with the insurer. For this, you will have to inform your insurance provider that you have sold your car and obtain the NCB certificate from them. However, insurance holders are not eligible to receive the certificate unless the car insurance ownership transfer is complete.
Who is Responsible for the Transfer of a Car Insurance Policy?
Transferring a car insurance policy is not just one person’s job, as both the buyer and seller are involved in completing the process smoothly. Since insurance is linked to the vehicle's legal owner, both parties must take the right steps to avoid issues later. Here is how the responsibility is shared:
Responsibilities of the Seller
The seller’s role begins as soon as the vehicle is sold. They need to take care of:
- Hand over all necessary paperwork to the buyer, including the policy copy and sale documents.
- Request your insurer to transfer or cancel the policy.
- If the car was on loan, get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your lender.
- You must inform the insurance company about the sale and share the new owner’s details.
Responsibilities of the Buyer
Once ownership shifts, the buyer must:
- Submit the required documents, including ID proof, address proof, and the sale receipt.
- Carefully review the updated policy once it is issued to ensure all information is accurate.
- If your insurer asks for any transfer charges, you need to pay those.
Also Read: 5 Key Benefits of Car Insurance - Secure Your Vehicle Today
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Online Transfer
Transferring car insurance online in a few smart steps can make the process even smoother. Keep these tips in mind to avoid delays or surprises later:
Start the Transfer Early
Do not wait until the last few days. You have 14 days to complete the car insurance name transfer, and any delay beyond that may result in a break in coverage. If you start early, it also gives you time to fix missing documents or errors without stress.
Hold on to Your No Claim Bonus (For Sellers)
If you are selling the vehicle, remember that your NCB belongs to you, not your car. When you request an NCB certificate, you can apply the discount to your next insurance policy and continue saving.
Review the Insurance and Claim History
Before finalising the transfer, take a moment to check the car’s insurance records. This can reveal past claims, existing add-ons, or any policy lapses, helping you make informed decisions.
Confirm Garage Network Availability
If the vehicle is from another region, check whether the insurer has authorised workshops near you. This ensures hassle-free repairs and smoother claims later.
Match Policy Dates With the RC
It is a good idea to keep the updated RC issue date and the new policy date in sync. When these dates match, it becomes easier to verify your coverage and avoid confusion or disputes during a claim.
Consider Switching Insurers if Needed
If the current policy does not suit your needs, you can switch providers at renewal. Just compare plans, check reviews and settlement ratios, and transfer your NCB.
To Conclude
A second-hand car is still a big investment, and properly transferring the insurance ensures that your investment stays protected. Once the paperwork, timelines, and NCB details are sorted, you can rest assured that everything is legal, valid, and active. Thanks to the easy digital processes, the transfer is now faster and far less daunting than it used to be.
Additionally, as a new or existing vehicle owner, staying informed about your car insurance policy, add-ons, NCB eligibility, and renewal timelines helps you make smarter decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
If you are ready to transfer or renew your car policy and want trusted protection backed by seamless digital processes, explore TATA AIG’s motor insurance plans. Be it 3rd party car insurance or comprehensive car insurance, you will get expert support, quick processing, and reliable coverage designed to safeguard your journey on every road ahead.
When you buy car insurance online from TATA AIG, you can strengthen it with useful add-ons tailored to real-life needs. Options like Roadside Assistance, Engine Secure, Tyre Secure, Key Replacement, and Daily Allowance can make a big difference with a pre-owned vehicle.
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