Buying a motor policy is one of those “must-do” steps that comes with owning a vehicle, especially a brand-new one. The most appropriate coverage keeps you on the right side of the law, protects you if your car causes injury or damage to someone else, and (if you choose broader protection) helps you handle repair bills, theft, or unexpected accidents.
If you’re buying first car, purchasing new car insurance online is usually the easiest route. A third party car insurance covers your legal liability if your car injures someone or damages their property. In most places, this is treated as compulsory insurance for driving on public roads. The key limitation is that it does not pay for repairs to your own car.
Step-By-Step: How To Buy New Car Insurance Online
Online purchase flows are fairly smooth now. If you keep your details ready, the whole process can take about 10-20 minutes.
1. Keep Your Basic Details Ready
Start with your name, mobile number, email ID, and address. Next, keep your car details ready: make/model, variant, fuel type, registration city, and the expected delivery date. If your permanent number isn’t available yet, insurers usually accept temporary vehicle registration details until the final RC comes.
2. Choose Where You’ll Buy From
Use an insurer’s official website or a licensed/authorised online platform. Buying directly from the insurer can feel simpler for first-time buyers because the flow is designed for that insurer’s add-ons, claims rules, and documentation. Many insurers issue the policy digitally soon after payment.
3. Enter Vehicle And Proposer Information Carefully
This is the step where small errors create future headaches, so type everything slowly and double-check. You may be asked for:
- Registration number (or temporary number), RTO location, and manufacturing year
- Car make/model/variant, fuel type, and any accessories (if relevant)
- Proposer details (the person in whose name the policy is issued): name, DOB (sometimes), address, email, mobile
If your car is financed, you may also need lender details so hypothecation can be recorded correctly in the policy schedule.
4. Select The Cover You Actually Need
If you only want legal compliance, third-party cover may be enough in terms of rules, but it won’t protect your own car. For a brand-new vehicle, most owners lean toward comprehensive coverage because even minor repairs can be expensive.
Confirm the policy start date. Ideally, your insurance should begin on delivery day (or earlier if the dealer requires it) so you don’t end up with a gap.
6. Review The Quote Like You’re Reviewing A Bill
Before paying, read the important items, not just the final premium:
- What’s included vs excluded
- Claim conditions (like water ingress rules, driving licence validity, reporting timelines)
- IDV (Insured Declared Value) or how the insurer sets the car’s value
- Your personal and car details (name spelling, address, engine/chassis details if shown)
This check matters because correcting details later can take time, and errors can complicate claims.
7. Pay Online And Download Your Policy Instantly
Once you pay, you typically receive:
- Policy schedule (the main document)
- Full wording/terms and conditions
- Receipt and contact details for claims/support
Save a copy in email, cloud storage, and your phone. It’s also smart to share it with a family member.
Documents Needed To Buy A New Policy Online
Exact requirements vary slightly by insurer, but these are the most commonly needed (or helpful to keep ready):
- Vehicle registration number (permanent) or temporary registration details
- Vehicle invoice/sale confirmation (helps confirm variant and price)
- ID and address proof of the proposer (as per regulatory/KYC needs)
- Driving licence details (sometimes requested for proposer/primary driver)
- Lender/financier details (if the car is financed and hypothecation applies)
- Previous policy details (only if you’re transferring benefits or replacing an existing arrangement)
Wrapping Up
When you’re new to car ownership, it’s tempting to choose the most affordable new car insurance and move on. But the better way to decide is to think in terms of “what would hurt financially if it happens.” A liability-only plan may satisfy compulsory insurance rules, but it won’t help if your own car is scratched in traffic, dented in a parking mishap, or stolen.
For a new car, especially if it’s financed or used frequently, comprehensive protection is usually the more comfortable choice because repair costs add up fast.
