Owning a car always has its perks when living in a busy and bustling metropolitan city. It can end your dependency on crowded public transportation and is equally useful in the case of emergencies. With new affordable vehicles being released year after year, owning a car is no longer just a dream for the majority.
As a car owner, you will always want to ensure that the car is in good condition; whether the petrol tank is full, the tyres are functional, and so on. Similarly, when you buy a car, you should never neglect the importance of getting a car insurance policy and all the relevant documents.
An unforeseen event like a car accident can cost you quite a lot, depending on the extent of the damage. The only certainty on the roads is the uncertainty it offers. You can never predict the likeliness of being involved in a car accident. But, if you have car insurance, the bills will be your last concern.
During a road trip, you might need to show an identification proof due to various reasons. Carrying an identification is useful if there is an unfortunate accident while travelling and you are unable to make a call. In such cases, someone else may need to check the contact details to get in touch with your family.
In other cases, the inability to produce these documents can attract hefty traffic fines. As per the existing regulations, traffic personnel are authorised to stop a vehicle and ask the owner-driver to produce the necessary documents for checks. So, ensure you carry the following documents with you always.
- Driving License:
It is of utmost importance to hold a legitimate driving license once you start driving your car. It is mandatory to carry your driving license while driving the vehicle. The process of obtaining a driving license begins with applying for a learner’s permit.
After holding the learner’s license for a month, you will have to appear for a driving test. An employee of the RTO personnel will examine the driving skills of the candidate and declare the results. After you receive your driving license, you must always keep it with you while driving your car.
- Registration Certificate:
The RC or registration certificate of your vehicle is the official document which will serve as a proof of the car’s registration. This is a crucial document that should always be in your car that all the vehicles present on the road are registered with the national vehicle register list.
You should always apply soon for a registration certificate for your vehicle by visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RC should be made available to you within seven days of purchasing the car. This is one of the most important documents that you should carry while driving as the absence of an RC calls for hefty traffic fines.
- PUC Certificate:
The Pollution Under Control certificate or the PUC is an essential document to have in your car at all times. To get the certificate, your vehicle will have to pass an emission test. The certificate indicates that the car meets all of the pollution control norms set by the Government of India.
If you fail to present this document at the time of traffic inspection, you will be fined for not holding it. There are different ways through which these emissions are calculated. PUC tests can be done at authorised test centres, which are generally at petrol pumps or near toll booths.
- Car Insurance Policy:
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 directs that every car or vehicle on the road should be insured. Only if the car is insured, can it be driven legally on the road. You should research the different car insurance plans that best suit your financial plan.
Third-party liability insurance is the minimum and compulsory insurance coverage that you can opt for. However, it is advisable to get a comprehensive car insurance policy to ensure all-round protection, along with a choice of add-ons. You can update the car insurance policy with different add-on covers like Zero Depreciation Cover, Passenger Cover, Engine Protection, etc.
While driving your car on the road, it is a legal mandate to carry your car insurance certificate with you. You can keep a copy in your car and hold the original in a safe place, allowing you to keep it safe and also enabling you to drive your car without worries.
- Vehicle Fitness Certificate:
All cars that ply on Indian roads are required to have a vehicle fitness certificate. As the name indicates, the vehicle needs to be functioning at an optimal level so that it does not cause an accident.
According to the law, a vehicle fitness certificate is a must for private vehicles as well as commercial vehicles.
Conclusion
To summarise, when you are out on a drive with your family or alone, you need to ensure that you carry all the essential documents. Apart from the legal obligations, possessing all the relevant documents can save you from paying hefty fines if the traffic police stop you.
You can also choose a comprehensive car insurance plan that best suits your needs. An online car insurance check can show you several options from motor insurance providers like Tata AIG.
Comments are closed.