28-10-2020
Validity of motor insurance policy not extended to December 2020
Insurance AlertssValidity of motor insurance policy not extended to December 2020
The Indian government had announced in August this year that vehicle documents that expired after 1 February, 2020 and before 31 December, 2020 will remain valid till the end of this year. This was done by the government as COVID-19 induced lockdown had caused government offices to remain closed or operate in a limited capacity. Because of this, many motorists could not get their vehicle documents renewed, compelling the government to extend the validity of all motor vehicle documents till 31 December. The documents which are now valid till the end of 2020 include driving license, vehicle registration and fitness certificate, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, etc. However, according to the General Insurance Council, this extension of validity does not apply to the motor insurance policy.
According to a TNN report, General Insurance Council (a representative body of insurance companies formed by Insurance Act 1938) said that vehicle insurance policies, especially own-damage cover, need to be renewed timely as they are not covered under the extension announced by the government of India in August 2020.
The General Insurance Council said, "The MoRTH letter on August 24, 2020, advising state governments over the validity of vehicle papers only extends to fitness certificates, permits, driving licences, and registration certificates. It is hereby clarified to all policyholders that the letter issued by MoRTH does not include vehicle insurance policies, which needs to be renewed as per the renewal date. All vehicle owners are advised to get their insurance policies renewed on or before the due date of renewal for continued validity of the insurance policies."
Source: Times Now News
