Self-Inspection for Car Insurance Renewal: Everything You Need to Know

A self-inspection video for car insurance policy helps the insurer assess your vehicle's condition remotely. It can make the renewal process quicker while reducing the need for an in-person inspection. The exact requirements may vary depending on the insurer and the policy.

A car insurance inspection may be required when the insurer needs to check the current condition of your vehicle before issuing or renewing the policy. This usually happens in the following situations:

Renewing an Expired Car Insurance Policy

If your policy has expired, the insurer may ask you to complete a self-video inspection for expired car insurance before processing your expired car insurance renewal. The inspection helps verify your vehicle's condition before the policy is renewed.

Buying a Break-in Car Insurance Policy

A break-in occurs when there is a gap between the expiry of your previous car insurance policy and the purchase of a new one. In such cases, a break in car insurance inspection may be required before the insurer issues the policy.

Changing Your Car Insurance Provider

If you're switching to a new insurer after your previous policy has expired, the new insurer may request a vehicle inspection for car insurance renewal. This helps them assess the condition of your car before providing coverage.

Both methods serve the same purpose. They help the insurer assess the condition of your vehicle before issuing or renewing the policy. The difference lies in how the inspection is carried out.

Recording a self-video inspection for car insurance is a simple process. Before you start, park your car in a well-lit, open area so that every part of the vehicle is clearly visible.

While the exact requirements can differ from one insurer to another, you'll generally be asked to:

• Record a single, continuous video without pauses or edits.
• Capture the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle.
• Show the registration number clearly.
• Record the windscreen, headlights, bumpers, doors, roof, and wheels.
• Show the interior, including the dashboard and steering wheel, if requested.
• Capture the odometer reading.
• Record the engine bay or chassis number, if required.

Before uploading the video, check that all the details are clearly visible and that you've followed the insurer's instructions. A clear and complete video can help avoid delays during the remote insurance inspection process.

A little preparation can make the mobile inspection process smoother and avoid delays. Before you start recording, keep the following points in mind:

Vehicle Documents

Keep your vehicle registration certificate (RC), previous insurance policy (if available), and any other documents requested by the insurer handy. You may need to refer to them while recording or during the verification process.

Exterior Condition

Walk around your car while recording the video and ensure every side is clearly visible. If your vehicle has any dents, scratches, cracked lights, or other visible damage, capture them clearly if instructed by the insurer.

Interior Condition

If requested, record the inside of the car, including the dashboard, steering wheel, seats, and instrument panel. Make sure there is enough light so that everything is easy to see.

Odometer and Registration Number

Clearly show the vehicle registration number and the odometer reading in the video. These details help the insurer verify your vehicle during the car insurance inspection process.

Make sure to be transparent while recording the inspection. Attempting to hide damage may result in issues later.

Once you upload the video, the insurer reviews it to check your vehicle's condition. If everything is clear and the required details are visible, the digital inspection is processed further.

If any information is missing or the video is unclear, you may be asked to upload a new one. Once the inspection is successfully completed and all other requirements are met, your policy can be issued or renewed.

Whether you're buying a new motor insurance policy or planning an expired car insurance renewal, SBI General Insurance offers a simple and convenient experience.

• 9,277+ network garages for cashless repairs across India.
• 14 crore+ customers served, reflecting the trust of policyholders across the country.
• Smooth claims process designed to support you during covered events.
• 24×7 customer support for assistance with policy and claim-related queries.
• Easy online purchase and renewal with a simple digital process.
• Presence across 140+ locations to support customers nationwide. 

If your policy has expired or there's been a break in coverage, a self-inspection for car insurance is often the first step towards renewing your policy. The process is simple and can usually be completed in just a few minutes from wherever your vehicle is parked.

1. Is a self-inspection video mandatory for every car insurance renewal?

No. A self-inspection video is usually required when there has been a break in the policy or when requested by the insurer. If your third-party insurance or comprehensive car insurance policy is renewed before it expires, an inspection may not be required.

2. Can I record the self-inspection video on my mobile phone?

Yes. Most insurers allow you to record and upload the video using your smartphone, provided it meets their mobile inspection requirements.

3. What happens if my self-inspection video is unclear?

If the video is blurred, incomplete, or does not capture the required details, the insurer may ask you to record and upload a new one.

4. How long does the self-inspection process take?

Recording the video usually takes only a few minutes. The review time may vary depending on the insurer and the information provided.

5. Can I renew my policy without a vehicle inspection?

It depends on the insurer and your policy status. If there has been no break in coverage, a vehicle inspection may not be required. However, the insurer may request one in certain situations.

6. What should I do if my car has visible damage before the inspection?

Record the current condition of the vehicle honestly and follow the insurer's instructions while creating the video. The insurer will assess the vehicle based on the information provided and the applicable policy guidelines.