Documentation related to auto insurance is going digital as well. Discover the advantages of switching to digital, such as simple access, environmental friendliness, and no risk of document loss, for everything from term insurance to two-wheelers. Understand the validity of soft copies, required documents, and real-life examples of digital car insurance.
Gone are the days of carrying around bulky folders filled with car insurance papers. With India’s growing digital ecosystem and IRDAI’s e-policy mandate, car insurance is now fully manageable online. With the rise of technology and the increasing use of online services, car insurance companies are now offering the option to go completely paperless. This means that you no longer need to keep track of physical documents and can access all your insurance information digitally. In this article, we will explore the benefits of having electronic documents for your car insurance and how it can make your life easier.
Is a Soft Copy of Car Insurance Valid?
One question that often arises when discussing digital car insurance documents is whether a soft copy is valid. Yes. A soft copy of your car insurance policy is legally valid across India. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates that insurers issue electronic policies, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recognises these digital copies under Rule 139 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (amended October 2020)
A soft copy of car insurance was legally recognised for traffic stops starting from 1st October 2020. As per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules amendments, authorities can accept digital insurance documents, along with a driving license and RC, via government-approved platforms like DigiLocker and mParivahan.
What is Digilocker?
DigiLocker is a digital platform launched by the Government of India under the Digital India initiative. It allows citizens to store, access, and share official documents in a secure, paperless form. It is legally recognised under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and documents stored in DigiLocker are considered equivalent to original physical documents. Note: You can download the DigiLocker app on Android or iOS, or visit www.digilocker.gov.in. Always verify that the account is linked with your Aadhaar to ensure authenticity.
How to Upload and Access Car Insurance on Digilocker?
Managing car insurance documents can be stressful, especially if you misplace the physical copy. DigiLocker offers a simple and secure way to store your car insurance digitally, ensuring you can access it anytime, anywhere. The process is quick and legally valid, making it easier to show proof of insurance on the go. Here’s how you can upload and access your car insurance on DigiLocker.
1. Sign Up/Login
- Visit digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app.
- Create an account using your mobile number and Aadhaar or log in if you already have one.
2. Upload Insurance Policy
- Go to the “Upload Documents” section.
- Select your car insurance file from your device and upload it.
- You can tag it under the “Insurance” category for easy identification.
3. Access via Insurer/Issuer
- Many insurance companies are linked with DigiLocker.
- You can directly fetch your insurance policy from the “Issued Documents” section by selecting the issuer (insurance company).
- Once fetched, it gets stored in DigiLocker automatically.
4. Use the Document
- You can access the policy anytime via the DigiLocker app/website.
- It can be shown to traffic police or other authorities as a legally valid proof, replacing physical papers.
Other Documents that can be uploaded on Digilocker
You can upload or fetch a wide variety of documents, including:
- Driving & Vehicle Documents: Driving License, Vehicle RC, Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate.
- Educational Certificates: Mark sheets, degrees, diplomas from CBSE, universities, and boards.
- Identity Proofs: PAN card, Aadhaar, Voter ID.
- Health Documents: Health insurance policies, vaccination certificates.
- Financial Documents: Policy bonds, provident fund details, pension documents.
- Government Certificates: Birth certificate, caste certificate, domicile certificate, ration card, etc.
The Shift Towards Digital Documents
The shift is part of India’s Digital India initiative, promoting paperless governance and convenience. Similar transitions are visible in health, life, and two-wheeler insurance sectors. The move towards digital documents is transforming the way we manage important paperwork. From vehicle insurance to health policies, many essential documents are now accessible online, making it easier and faster to retrieve, store, and manage them.
Two Wheeler Insurance
The trend of going paperless is not limited to just car insurance. Two-wheeler insurance is also moving towards digital documents. This means that you can now access all your insurance information for your bike or scooter online. This is especially beneficial for those who own multiple vehicles, as it eliminates the need to keep track of physical documents for each one.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is another type of insurance that is now available in digital form. With the increasing use of health insurance, it has become essential to have easy access to your policy information. With electronic documents, you can easily access your policy details, claims, and other important information from anywhere at any time.
PUC Certificate
In addition to insurance documents, the PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is also now available in digital form. This means that you no longer need to carry around a physical copy of your PUC certificate while driving. You can simply access it on your phone or other electronic devices.
Term Insurance
Term insurance, which provides coverage for a specific period of time, is also moving towards digital documents. This makes it easier for policyholders to access their policy information and make changes if needed. It also eliminates the risk of losing important documents.
How to Access Digital Car Insurance Documents
Accessing your car insurance documents online is simple and convenient. With just a few steps, you can view, download, and manage your policy without relying on physical copies. You can access your digital car insurance policy online through:
1. Via Insurance Company Website:
- Log in to your insurer’s official website using your policy number or registered credentials.
- Navigate to the “My Policies” or “Documents” section.
- Download your e-insurance copy (e-Policy) in PDF format.
2. Via Mobile App:
- Most insurers provide dedicated mobile apps (available on Android and iOS).
- Install the app, log in with your registered mobile number or email.
- Access your digital insurance documents under sections like “My Policies”, “e-Cards”, or “Documents”.
- You can view or download the e-policy directly to your device.
3. Via DigiLocker (Government Platform):
- DigiLocker is a secure government-backed platform for storing official documents.
- Link your car insurance to DigiLocker by logging in using your mobile number and Aadhaar.
- Your insurer may directly upload the e-policy to DigiLocker, making it easily accessible anytime.
The Benefits of Digital Car Insurance Documents
Digital car insurance documents make managing your policy simpler and more efficient. Instead of dealing with bulky files and the risk of misplacing papers, you get instant access to all details anytime. They also promote a safer and greener way to store and share your insurance information. The following are the benefits of digital car insurance documents:
Easy Access to Information
Environmentally Friendly
No Risk of Losing Documents
No Need for Physical Storage Space
Easy to Share
Secure and Tamper-proof
One of the main benefits of having digital car insurance documents is the ease of access. You no longer need to search through piles of papers to find your insurance information. With just a few clicks, you can access all your policy details, including coverage, premiums, and renewal dates.
Going paperless is not only convenient, but it is also environmentally friendly. By eliminating the need for physical documents, you reduce paper waste and contribute to a greener planet. This is a small step towards a more sustainable future.
With physical documents, there is always a risk of losing or damaging them. This can be a major inconvenience, especially when you need to access your insurance information urgently. With digital documents, you can rest assured that your data is safe and easily accessible.
Physical documents take up space and can be difficult to organise. With digital documents, you no longer need to worry about finding storage space for your insurance papers. This is especially beneficial for those who live in small apartments or have limited storage space.
Digital documents are also easy to share with others. This can be useful when you need to provide proof of insurance to someone, such as a police officer or a car rental company. You can simply access your insurance information on your phone and share it with them.
Digital policies are encrypted and verified by government servers, reducing the risk of forgery or unauthorised changes.
Do I Need a Physical Copy of Car Insurance?
No, you don’t need to carry a physical copy of your car insurance in India. As per IRDAI and MoRTH rules, soft copies stored in DigiLocker or mParivahan are valid proof during traffic checks or registration renewals. Just ensure your e-policy is complete, readable, and accessible offline when required.
Documents Required for Car Insurance
When purchasing car insurance through Coverfox, you typically do not need to submit any documents unless specifically requested by the insurer. Still, keeping your vehicle registration certificate, previous insurance policy (if applicable), vehicle inspection report (if required), identity proof, and address proof handy ensures that your car insurance process goes smoothly and without delays.
Also, with digital car insurance documents, you can easily upload these documents online and complete the process without having to physically submit them.
Real-Life Examples of Digital Car Insurance Documents
Digital insurance is no longer just a concept; it’s part of everyday life. From mobile apps that store your policy to digital wallets holding e-cards, people are already experiencing its convenience. These real-life examples highlight how simple and practical digital documents have become.
You can understand by this example:
"Ravi was stopped by traffic police for a routine check. Instead of searching for papers, he opened the DigiLocker app on his phone and showed his e-policy. The officer verified it instantly, and Ravi was on his way within minutes — no paperwork or penalties."
This illustrates that digital documents are accepted and makes the explanation more engaging.
In Summary
With the rise of technology, the shift towards digital car insurance documents is inevitable. It offers convenience, easy access to information, and is environmentally friendly. While a physical copy of your insurance is no longer necessary, it is always a good idea to keep a backup for your records. With the acceptance of digital documents by authorities, it is clear that the future of car insurance is paperless. So why not make the switch and enjoy the benefits of having all your insurance information at your fingertips?
With IRDAI’s e-policy mandate and government-backed platforms like DigiLocker, digital car insurance is here to stay. It’s secure, eco-friendly, and efficient. Always keep your digital credentials safe and enjoy paperless convenience.
Also Read:
The Best Way to Deal with Car Inspection for Claims
Car Buying Guide: Smart Tips for Buying a New Car
PUC Certificate for Vehicles: Why is it Needed?
Frequently Asked Question
Is a physical copy of car insurance mandatory?
No, carrying a physical copy is not mandatory if you have a valid digital copy stored in approved apps.
Is a digital copy of the RC valid?
Yes, a digital copy of the Registration Certificate (RC) is valid when stored in government-recognised apps like DigiLocker or mParivahan.
What app should I use to store my insurance?
You can use DigiLocker, mParivahan, or your insurer’s official mobile app to safely store your digital car insurance.
Is digital insurance valid for registration renewals?
Yes, digital insurance documents are accepted for registration renewals by the transport authorities.
Do digital insurance documents update automatically?
Yes, when your insurer updates or renews your policy, the digital copy also reflects the latest details.
Is a soft copy of car insurance valid?
Yes, a soft copy is legally valid if stored in authorised apps and can be shown when required.
