What is Used Car Insurance?
Used car insurance (or second-hand car insurance) is an insurance policy that financially protects pre-owned or second hand cars. Like policies for new cars, it covers damages from road accidents, natural disasters, theft, and third-party legal or financial liabilities. Insurers decide the premium based on the used car’s age, condition, and usage. Since the vehicle has already depreciated, its Insured Declared Value (IDV) and premium is lower.
Generally, you do not need to buy a fresh insurance policy for a used car. The existing policy is transferred from the previous owner to the new one. However, it is important that the car insurance is transferred within 14 days to ensure continuous coverage and avoid claim rejection. Additionally, before issuing or transferring the policy, insurers may also require a vehicle inspection of the used car (depending on its condition & policy status) to check for any existing damage.
Why is it Important to Get Used Car Insurance?
Buying car insurance is important for all car owners, whether it is a new car or a second-hand one. Here is why you should buy a used car insurance plan:
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Protects from All Risks
The basic purpose of a comprehensive car insurance policy is to keep an insured car safe from all kinds of damages and losses. With the help of a second-hand car insurance policy, your used car will be secured from all kinds of unforeseen risks, such as fire, accidents, natural calamities, manmade hazards, etc.
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Compulsory for All Cars
As per the Indian Motor Vehicle Act 1988, all cars plying on public roads should be covered under valid car insurance. The law applies to both new cars and second-hand cars. Therefore, if you don’t want to be penalised for using your second-hand car without insurance, you must get it insured under a used car insurance policy.
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Covers Third Party Liability
If your second-hand car causes damages to a third-party property or bodily injuries to a third party person in an accident, you will be liable to pay for it. But if you have a second-hand car insurance policy, your insurance company will take care of your third-party liabilities and pay for them on your behalf.
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Personal Accident Cover
A used car insurance policy not only covers your second-hand car from uncertain risks but also protects the owner-driver of the car from any accidental injuries as well as death. Thus, in case you suffer an injury in a car accident, you can get it covered with a Personal Accident Cover.
How to Transfer Ownership and Insurance of a Used Car?
When buying a second-hand car, you need to transfer the ownership of the car and the existing car insurance policy to your name. Since car insurance is mandatory in India, the used car that you are buying will likely have an insurance policy unless it has expired.
Here are the steps to transfer the ownership and insurance:
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Visit the Regional Transport Officer (RTO)
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Fill up an application to transfer the ownership of the car by transferring the RC of the car on your name
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Submit all the documents required
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Once the RC has been transferred to your name, fill up the fresh proposal form
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Submit the policy form along with all the required documents
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Pay the policy transfer fee
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The motor insurance company will transfer the policy to your name
Make sure to cross-check your name and details on the RC and the motor insurance policy after the transfer has been made.

Documents Required for Old Car Insurance Transfer
Take a look at the list of documents that you need to submit to transfer the insurance for a second-hand car:
- New Registration Certificate with your name on it
- Form 29 and 30 signed by the previous owner of the second hand car
- Copy of the existing car insurance policy
- Your ID & address proof
- New proposal form
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous policyholder
- Proof of transfer of RC and payment of transfer fee

How to Buy Used Car Insurance Online?
Follow these steps to buy used car insurance online:
- On the 'Car Insurance' page, provide your car number, its make & model, variant, fuel type, RTO, and contact details.
- Check quotes from multiple insurers, select a suitable plan, and customise the coverage by adding any necessary add-ons.
- Complete the policy payment online via cards, net banking, or UPI, and instantly receive your used car insurance policy at your registered email.

What are the Benefits of Buying Used Car Insurance Online from Policybazaar.com?
Buying a car insurance policy is an effortless and speedy process if purchased online at Policybazaar.com. It is one of the most popular insurance brokers in India, offering a variety of insurance plans, including used car insurance. If you are wondering why you should buy second-hand car insurance policy from us, take a look at the reasons below:
Used Car Insurance Buying Checklist: Important Things to Keep in Mind
You need to ensure the following things before buying a used car and its insurance so that you don’t face any troubles later:
FAQs on Used Car Insurance
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Q1. Is used car insurance mandatory?
Ans: Yes, as per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a third party car insurance policy is mandatory, even for a used car. -
Q2. What are the benefits of buying a used car?
Ans: Buying a second-hand car has the following benefits:
- More Affordable - Used cars are available for a lower price as compared to buying a new car of the same model. This is because depreciation is applicable on second-hand cars that reduce the market value of the car.
- Lower Premium - The cost of second-hand car insurance is lower than the price of car insurance for a new car. This is because the Insured Declared Value (IDV) or the market value of the used car is lower due to depreciation. As a result, it ends up lowering the premium amount charged by the insurance provider.
- Lower Repair Cost - Repairing a new car is more expensive as compared to a second-hand car. Therefore, you will have to pay less money to repair your used car.
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Q3. How much is the cost of insurance for a used car?
Ans: The insurance premium of used car insurance may vary from one vehicle to another. The condition of all second-hand cars is not the same, besides the age and value of the car also differs. Moreover, different motor insurers may charge a varying premium amount for a second-hand car insurance policy. Thus, the best way to check the cost of second-hand car insurance is to visit an insurance broker, such as Policybazaar.com, and check the used car insurance prices offered by different insurers before buying any one. -
Q4. Is insurance cost less for a used car?
Ans: Yes. The premium charged for a second-hand car insurance policy is lower than the insurance cost for a new car. This happens because used cars have a lower IDV or market value as opposed to a brand new car of the same model. Thus, it reduces the cost of a used car insurance policy even though the level of coverage remains the same. -
Q5. Can I drive the car without transferring insurance to my name?
Ans: If you drive your second-hand car without transferring the existing car insurance to your name, you won’t be able to make any claims with the insurance company in case of any unfortunate incident. -
Q6. Is the third party cover automatically transferred to the new owner of the car?
Ans: Upon a used car ownership transfer, the third-party insurance cover is transferred to the new owner and remains valid for 14 days. During this duration, the buyer should apply for the policy transfer for own-damage coverage. -
Q7. Can I buy a new car insurance policy instead of transferring the old one?
Ans: Yes, most buyers choose to buy new car insurance for their second-hand cars if the existing policy is about to expire or lacks adequate coverage.
Car Insurance Companies
#Rs 2094/- per annum is the price for third-party motor insurance for private cars (non-commercial) of not more than 1000cc
*Savings are based on the comparison between the highest and the lowest premium for own damage cover (excluding add-on covers) provided by different insurance companies for the same vehicle with the same IDV and same NCB. Actual time for transaction may vary subject to additional data requirements and operational processes.
+Savings are based on the maximum discount on own damage premium as offered by our insurer partners.
^Lowest Price Guaranteed is based on certifications shared by insurers with us. Policybazaar will facilitate price matching subject to the terms and conditions of select insurers.
##Claim Assurance Program: Pick-up and drop facility available in 1400+ select network garages. On-ground workshop team available in select workshops. Repair warranty on parts at the sole discretion of insurance companies. Dedicated Claims Manager. 24x7 Claim Assistance.
