Can You Raise a Car Insurance Claim Without a Driving Licence or RC?

Yes, you may be able to raise a car insurance claim if your driving licence (DL) or registration certificate (RC) is not available due to loss, theft, or pending issuance. Depending on the circumstances, your insurer may process the claim after verifying alternative or digital documents (like DigiLocker). Read on to know when you can claim your car insurance without these documents and when your claim may not be approved.Read more

Situations Where You Can File a Car Insurance Claim Without a Driving Licence or RC

Here are the common scenarios where you can claim your car insurance without a physical DL or RC:

Note: When verifying claims, most insurers accept digitally issued DLs and RCs available through DigiLocker or the mParivahan app. However, depending on the type of claim, the insurer may still require additional documents before making a final decision.

Why Do Car Insurers Ask for DL and RC?

Car insurance companies ask for your DL and RC to check legality and prevent claim frauds:

• Driving Licence: Confirms your legal right to drive.
• Registration Certificate: Proves you own the car and it is legally registered.

Note: If an accident happens when you are driving without a valid driver's licence, the insurer may reject the claim for damages to your own car, subject to the policy terms.

What Documents to Submit for a Car Insurance Claim if DL or RC is Unavailable?

Depending on the reason your driving licence or RC is not available, your car insurance provider may ask for:

• FIR or lost DL or RC complaint (if applicable)
• Duplicate DL or RC application acknowledgement
• DigiLocker or mParivahan copy of DL or RC (where accepted)
• Duly filled claim form
• Copy of your car insurance document
• Repair estimate or final repair bill
• Payment receipts (if applicable)

What is the Loss of Driving Licence or RC Add-on Cover?

Some insurers may offer a loss of DL or RC add-on in car insurance. It helps cover the expenses incurred in obtaining a duplicate driving licence and RC if they are lost or stolen. You can opt for this add-on with an own damage or comprehensive car insurance by paying a nominal additional premium.

When Can Your Claim Be Rejected Without DL or RC?

Here are the situations where insurers can deny your car insurance claim without DL or RC:

• You did not hold a valid driving licence at the time of the accident
• You fail to provide the required information or supporting proofs during claim verification
• The claim involves fraud or misrepresentation
• The claim violates the policy terms & conditions

What to Do If You Lose Your Driving Licence or RC?

In case you have lost your driving licence or car's RC, follow the steps given below:

• File a Police FIR at the nearest police station at the earliest
• Visit your RTO and obtain forms to apply for a duplicate RC or driving licence. You can also download the form from the Parivahan Sewa' website.
• If you have a car loan, obtain an NOC from the bank (in case of loss of RC)
• Get an affidavit that includes your car details and the reason for applying for a duplicate RC (in case of loss of RC)
• Submit the filled-in form along with the FIR and other crucial documents to the RTO
• Pay the fee for obtaining a duplicate driving licence or RC
• Collect the acknowledgement slip from the RTO
• You will receive a duplicate copy of your car's RC or driving licence through the post

In a Nutshell

Not having a driving licence or RC does not mean your car insurance claim will be denied. If you meet your insurer's requirements and provide the supporting documents, your claim can still be accepted. To avoid unnecessary delays in the claim process, promptly report the loss of documents, apply for duplicates, and store digital copies for easy access whenever required.