Your Legal Shield on the Road: Understanding Vehicle Insurance Law in India

Accidents don’t knock before they occur whether it’s a minor dent or a serious collision, vehicle insurance is what protects you legally and financially. In India, it’s not just a smart choice, it’s the law.

This guide by Pairvii Legal explains your rights, duties, and legal remedies under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and IRDAI regulations, helping you understand what to do when an accident or insurance dispute arises. 

Legal Foundation: What the Law Says

Vehicle insurance in India is primarily governed by:

• The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended by the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019)

• Regulations of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Under Section 146, every motor vehicle operating in a public place must be insured against third-party risk. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence, punishable under Section 196 with fines or imprisonment.

 2. Types of Motor Insurance Policies

A. Third-Party Insurance (Mandatory)

• Covers injury, death, or property damage caused to others by your vehicle.

• Required under Section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

• Claims are filed before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).

• You cannot legally drive without this coverage.

B. Comprehensive Insurance (Optional but Essential)

• Covers your own vehicle’s damage due to accident, fire, theft, or natural disaster, in addition to third-party liability.

• Can include add-ons such as zero depreciation, roadside assistance, or engine protection.

• Not mandatory but highly advisable for complete legal and financial protection.

 3. Third-Party Insurance and Victim Rights

The law prioritizes victim compensation over technicalities. If an accident occurs:

• The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) decides compensation under Section 168.

• Compensation is based on income, age, and degree of injury.

• For hit-and-run cases, compensation (as per 2019 Amendment) is:

○      ₹2 lakh for death

○      ₹50,000 for grievous injury

If the vehicle is insured, the insurer is directly liable to pay compensation to victims. 

4. Rights and Duties of Vehicle Owners

Your Legal Duties:

• Maintain valid third-party insurance at all times.

• Renew the policy before it expires — even a day’s lapse can invalidate it.

• Inform the insurer in case of an accident, policy lapse, or sale of vehicle.

• Ensure the driver holds a valid driving license.

Your Legal Rights:

• Claim own-damage compensation under a comprehensive policy.

• Seek third-party compensation if injured by another vehicle.

• Appeal MACT decisions to the High Court under Section 173.

• Expect fair settlement under IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests) Regulations, 2017.

  
  

5. Claim Procedure After an Accident

1. Inform your insurer immediately delay can weaken your claim.

2. File an FIR in case of injury, death, or major damage.

3. Submit documents: claim form, estimate, FIR, photos, and RC.

4. Survey and assessment are done by the insurer’s appointed surveyor.

5. Claim settlement must follow IRDAI timelines (usually within 30 days).

   
   

If your insurer unreasonably delays or rejects your claim, you may approach:

• The Insurance Ombudsman, or

• The Consumer Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, or

• File a complaint directly with IRDAI.

  
  

6. Key Judicial Precedents

1. Skandia Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Kokilaben Chandravadan (1987 AIR 1184):

    Insurers can deny liability only if there’s a willful breach of policy terms.

2. New India Assurance Co. v. Shanti Bai (1995 AIR 1113):

    Insurer may still be liable even if the driver lacked a valid licence.

3. National Insurance Co. v. Swaran Singh (2004) 3 SCC 297: Insurer remains liable to third-party victims, though recovery can later be sought from the vehicle owner.

4. Ramkhiladi v. United India Insurance Co. (2020) 2 SCC 550:

   Reinforced the priority of victim protection over technical defences by insurers.

   
   

Key IRDAI Regulations

• IRDAI (Motor Third Party Liability Insurance) Regulations, 2022: Defines coverage, limits, and premium norms.

• IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests) Regulations, 2017: Ensures transparency, timelines, and grievance redress.

• Long-Term Third-Party Cover:

○   Cars - 3 years mandatory policy at purchase

○    Two-wheelers - 5 years mandatory policy at purchase

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Under Section 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act:

• Fine up to ₹2,000 and/or 3 months imprisonment for first offence.

• Fine up to ₹4,000 and/or imprisonment for repeat offences.

• The police can seize your vehicle until valid insurance proof is produced.

  
  

Conclusion

Having vehicle insurance isn’t just compliance, it’s legal protection for you and others. The law ensures that everyone on the road is financially protected, and ignorance is no excuse for non-compliance. A valid policy safeguards your freedom, finances, and legal rights because on the road, protection for one means safety for all.