A car is an asset that needs to be insured. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, car insurance is mandatory for all car owners. Insurance protects your car and passengers travelling in it from accidents and damages. During such times, you can access your car insurance details using your car’s registration number. If you’ve ever wondered how to find my car insurance policy number using your number plate, this article is for you.

Car Registration Number - An Overview

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues a unique vehicle registration number to every vehicle on Indian roads. Comprising ten alpha-numeric characters, this number represents the state where your car is registered, the district and the ongoing RTO series. All vehicles must affix the registration number on the front and rear ends of their vehicles.

How to Find Insurance Policy Number by Vehicle Number?

Insurance policy numbers are long and can be difficult to remember. Here's how to find car insurance policy number using your vehicle's registration details.

Use Insurance Information Bureau's (IIB) portal

IIB is an insurance data depository under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Follow these steps to check your car insurance status online.

1. Visit the IIB website and click on 'V SEVA' on the homepage.

2. Enter your name, email ID, address, mobile number and car registration number.

3. Click on 'Submit', and the portal displays your car insurance details.

Use the VAHAN Web Portal

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched VAHAN for a hassle-free vehicle registration process.

1. Visit the official website of VAHAN and select 'Know Your Vehicle Details'.

2. Create your account with VAHAN using your mobile number and email ID.

3. Log in to the newly-created account using your mobile number.

4. Enter your car registration number and click on 'Vahan Search'.

5. Details related to your car insurance will be displayed on the website.

Send an SMS to VAHAN

You can also get your car insurance details via SMS. Type VAHAN < space > Car Registration Number and send it to 7738299899.

Times when you need the registration number to check car insurance

Following are instances where you may need to access your insurance details immediately.

• Accidents: You may need your car insurance policy documents if you are in an accident.

• Hit and run cases: During such cases, you can take a photo of the number plate of the car that hit you. You can trace the car owner's details using their registration number.

• Buying a second-hand car: When purchasing a used car from a previous owner or dealer, you can check the car's authenticity.

Buy Vehicle Insurance

When you pour your savings into buying a car, you want to make sure that your car stays protected. With car insurance, you can protect your vehicle and your loved ones. You can pay for damages endured by your car, get roadside assistance during a car breakdown and get coverage against thefts and natural calamities. Your car insurance also covers hospitalization costs that you may incur during accidents. Talk to your general insurance provider to buy your car insurance policy today.