How to Transfer Car Insurance Policy Easily

Posted on: May 13, 2020 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Transfer Car Insurance Policy Easily

Transferring car insurance is important when the ownership of a vehicle changes. Whether you sell or buy a used car, you should know how to transfer car insurance policy. This guide takes you step by step through the reason for transferring car insurance, how to do it, and what documents you need.

Why do you need to transfer car insurance?

A transfer of a car policy is important because different reasons surround it.

1. Firstly, it ensures the new owner gets to be covered under an all-risk car insurance policy, protecting him against any possible liability.

2. Secondly, it secures coverage continuity, thereby preventing any legal complexities or financial losses from ensuing due to possible gaps.

3. Furthermore, by transferring the policy, the new owner might benefit from the no-claims bonus (NCB) that the previous owner has accrued.

How to transfer a car insurance policy from one person to another?

It's really easy to transfer car insurance from one person to another:

1. Notify Your Insurer:

The first step is to let your insurance company know about the change of ownership. Normally, this can be done online or over the phone.

2. Provide Necessary Information:

You will need to submit the new owner's particulars, like his or her name, address, and driving history.

3. Fill out any required forms:

Your insurer will probably require you to fill out some specific forms to initiate the transfer process.

4. Review the Policy:

The new owner must look through the existing policy to confirm that it covers his or her wants. They might think about changing or updating the coverage.

5. Finalise the Transfer:

Once all of the information is verified, the insurance company finalises the transfer and issues a new policy document to the new owner.

Document required to transfer car insurance to new owner

The documents required for a successful transfer of car insurance are generally as follows:

1. ID Proof: Both buyer and seller must submit valid ID proof.

2. Vehicle Registration Document: Proof of ownership of the vehicle.

3. Existing Insurance Policy Document: The current insurance policy document should be submitted for reference.

4. No-Claims Bonus Certificate (if applicable): The certificate indicates the NCB accrued by the previous owner.

No claims bonus in car insurance transfer

No-claim bonuses (NCBs) act as an inducement for insurance companies to give discounts for every claimless year from their policyholders. In transferring auto insurance, the NCB will usually be retained by the previous owner, but it does not pertain to transfer to the new owner.

Document required for NCB retention letter Can no claim bonus be transferred to the new car owner

Generally, the no-claims bonus cannot be transferred to the new car owner. It will generally remain with the original policyholder, who can apply it to his next policy. However, some insurers may allow a partial transfer under certain conditions, so check with your insurance provider.

What happens if the car insurance transfer remains incomplete?

If the transfer of the car insurance is not completed, the previous owner may still be held liable for any incident involving the car. This can lead to complications, possibly including claims on the former owner’s insurance policy, which may have an effect on premiums in the future.

Who is responsible for the transfer of the car insurance policy?

Usually, the responsibility of the transfer of the car insurance policy is with the seller; however, both parties must act promptly to ensure that all transfers are accomplished and no legalities or financial damages are incurred thereafter.

Conclusion

Transferring a car insurance policy is a critical step after changing ownership of the vehicle. Knowing the particulars of transferring car insurance, the documentation involved, and the implications of a no-claims bonus can be essential to smooth transitions. In the case of either comprehensive car insurance or basic policies, following these steps is meant to safeguard the seller and the buyer. Always, the particular requirements of the case and follow-up can be consulted with one's particular insurance provider.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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