Is Driving Licence Necessary For Claiming Car Insurance?

If you regularly drive a two-wheeler, a four-wheeler or any other vehicle on Indian roads, the necessity of a driving licence cannot be understated. This is because although driving offers you a great deal of freedom and makes life more convenient, it is also a massive responsibility.

 

When you are on the road, even the most minor negligence can lead to an accident that may harm you and/or a third-party. This is why it is mandatory for all vehicle owners in India to have a valid driving licence. This article throws light on the benefits of a driving licence and what you can do if you lose yours. 

 

Driving is not just something that offers you freedom and makes life more convenient for you; it is also a massive responsibility. Whilst you are on the road behind the wheels of your car, even the most minor negligence can lead to an accident that may harm you as well as a third-party. This is why it is mandatory for all car owners in India to have a valid Driving Licence.

Not only is your Driving Licence evidence of your having passed a stringent test to verify your driving capabilities, it is also a permissible proof of identity. According to the Motor Laws applicable in India, only people with a valid Driving Licence can drive on the roads of the country. Therefore, you must have either a Permanent Driving Licence or a Learners' Driving Licence that is valid.

 

In addition to playing a critical role in terms of legal compliance vis-a-vis driving in India, your Driving Licence is also important with regard to your car insurance policy. If you are wondering: Is Driving Licence required for claiming insurance?, then the answer is yes. Although you do not necessarily need a Driving Licence to purchase a car insurance policy, you need one to file a car insurance claim.

 

One of the important documents that needs to be quoted and/or submitted at the time of filing a car insurance claim is your Driving Licence. According to the guidelines of the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDAI), the driver of a car must have a Permanent Driving Licence issued by the relevant Regional Transport Office (RTO) in order to file a claim on their car insurance policy.

 

If you do not have a valid Driving Licence in place, then your car insurance claim, however minor, shall be considered incomplete and invalid. Therefore, you must keep your Driving Licence handy whilst filling your car insurance claim form. It is important to note here that you cannot file a car insurance claim with a Learner's Driving Licence.

Now that we have addressed the question: Is Driving Licence necessary for insurance claim?, let us address another important question: What Should You Do If You Lose Your Driving Licence? It is possible that you may end up losing your Driving License. In such a scenario, you must follow certain steps in order to get a Duplicate Driving Licence. Here is what you need to do in such a situation.

1. File a First Information Report:

The first thing that you must do following the loss of your Driving Licence is file a First Information Report (FIR) with the relevant police station. The jurisdiction is determined on the basis of the area where you lose your Driving Licence. You must retain a copy of the aforementioned FIR for your reference.

2. Visit the Notary's Office:

The second thing that you must do is visit the Notary's office and get an affidavit on the applicable Stamp Paper, stating the loss of your Driving Licence. The aforementioned document serves as evidence of your having taken an oath in front of a Notary Public, Executive Magistrate, or any other relevant officer, about your Driving Licence having been lost.

3. Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence:

The next important step you must follow is apply for a duplicate Driving Licence. To do so, you need to visit the relevant RTO and submit a duly filled form for a Duplicate Driving Licence. Alongwith the aforementioned form, you must submit the necessary supporting documents. The application of a Duplicate Driving License carries a certain fee. Once you receive your Duplicate Driving License, you must make a few copies of the document, and carry it with you whenever you drive your car.

If you wish to be able to file a car insurance claim even in the event of having lost your Driving Licence, then you can opt for the Loss of Driving Licence add-on cover. The addition of the aforementioned cover to your car insurance policy enables you to file a claim on the policy even if you do lose your Driving Licence. By paying a minimal additional fee, this add-on can significantly enhance the coverage of your car insurance policy.

There are several benefits of adding the Loss of Driving Licence add-on to your car insurance policy, some of which have been listed below.

 

1. It carries a nominal cost.

2. You can claim monetary compensation in the event of the loss of important documents.

3. It is easy to purchase with a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy.

4. It enables you to file a car insurance claim even if you lose your Driving Licence.

5. You can buy this cover for commercial and private vehicles alike.

Now that you know the answer to the question: Is Driving Licence required for claiming insurance, you must always have a valid Driving Licence. And to ensure that the potential loss of your Driving Licence does not hinder the filing of your car insurance claims, you must add the Loss of Driving Licence add-on to your car insurance policy.