How Many Days Does It Take for Motor Insurance Approval in India?

Written by Upstox Desk

6 min read | Updated on May 27, 2025, 16:32 IST

Table of Contentsarrow close icon
  1. Understanding Motor Insurance Approval

  2. Timeframe for New Policy Issuance

  3. Timeframe for Claim Approvals

  4. Factors Influencing Approval Timelines

  5. Tips to Expedite Motor Insurance Approvals

  6. Conclusion

  7. FAQs

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Shubrha, a Bangalore-based software engineer, purchased an old used car for her daily transportation. As her excitement burst out, she drove her car right after the purchase. But unfortunately, traffic police stopped Shubhra during her journey for a routine inspection. Everything was in order (except for the insurance papers) as she realised that the pending vehicle inspection had delayed the approval of the policy. Technically, she was driving without valid insurance and received a heavy fine. The incident highlighted the importance of obtaining timely motor insurance approval. She immediately contacted her insurer and followed up by completing the inspection the day after. Her policy was then issued instantly through online channels. Since then, she has ensured that she maintains a valid insurance policy to cover her vehicle before driving.

Obtaining immediate approval for motor insurance in India serves both legal purposes and provides financial protection in the event of traffic accidents or theft. While the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 requires everyone to drive a vehicle with proper insurance, ignorance of the law is quite common. One of the fastest ways to obtain insurance is through online channels.

Digitalisation has revolutionised the buying process and claims submission for motor insurance, allowing both procedures to operate at unprecedented speed and convenience. Today's insurance expeditions rely heavily on web portals with mobile applications, as well as automated verification networks, quick Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, and instant policy generation, thanks to their rapid processing capabilities.

This blog presents data on motor insurance policies and claims in India, while exploring acceleration practices for both systems, as well as factors that impact issuing and settlement times.

Understanding Motor Insurance Approval

The motor insurance approval consists of two primary components, one of which is policy issuance and the other is claim settlement. These two components can help an individual understand the approval of an insurance policy. Here is a small difference between them:

ComponentDescription
Policy IssuanceThis process involves activating the insurance policy after the vehicle has been purchased by the insured. The company assesses the applicant's details, vehicle information, and other relevant factors.
Claim SettlementClaim settlement is a process in which the insurance company pays the policyholder the amount that compensates or covers the loss or event.

The role of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in motor insurance is extensive. It establishes guidelines for insurers, oversees the policy timeline, manages the claims process, and ensures customer protection standards are maintained.

Timeframe for New Policy Issuance

The time required to activate new motor insurance coverage depends on whether the process is completed offline or online.

The online purchase of motor insurance is fast and efficient, facilitated by automated systems. Once you pay and send your documents, you get your digital policy within a short period of 60 minutes or less. The AI-driven underwriting system creates new motor insurance policies in record time, requiring minimal human interaction.

The physical buying process involves handling paper forms and conducting active document checks while waiting for an insurance provider to approve everything. The complete process takes 15 working days longer to finish.

The insurer needs to inspect your used car when you purchase insurance or when you wish to renew an expired policy. The policy issuance process takes an additional one to two days because of the surveyor's availability for vehicle inspections.

Users can choose digital platforms when they need their insurance policy to start quickly.

Timeframe for Claim Approvals

Approval processes become more challenging since they vary for each type of claim submission and the accompanying documents. This is the ordinary path for claims processing:

Intimation of the claim to the insurer.

  • The insured or a hired surveyor completes an assessment for the insurer.
  • Submission of required documents (e.g., claim form, FIR copy, repair bills, etc.).
  • The insurance company evaluates and pays out compensation to policyholders.

Insurance companies based in India must finalise claims within 30 working days after gathering all required paperwork as per IRDAI rules. Professional insurance companies handle normal damage and cashless garage fix claims in just 7 to 10 business days.

When an insured chooses cashless repair at our garage, the insurer pays for the service more quickly compared to reimbursement claims that require post-work paperwork.

Your claim settlement may take thirty days or longer to complete, depending on the extent of police work or legal processing.

Factors Influencing Approval Timelines

Your motor insurance approval wait time depends on these main factors during policy opening or claim handling. The necessary paperwork problems slow down the insurance process.

Compilation of documents

A lack of complete or valid documents prolongs the process. Remember to gather the required documents before submitting your insurance policy application.

Type of claim

The processing of cashless claims occurs faster than that of standard reimbursement claims.

Promptness in claim intimation

Your delayed response to report the claim will prolong the processing time.

Public holidays and weekends

When the company is closed during officially recognised holiday periods or weekend breaks, the normal processing schedule requires additional days.

Insurer’s internal processes

Each insurer utilises both digital and manual workflows within its internal system processing.

Vehicle inspection requirement

Inspections of vehicles take additional time when drivers need to renew their lapsed policies or bring used cars.

When the policyholder and insurer share information promptly, this helps speed up the processing time.

Tips to Expedite Motor Insurance Approvals

You can receive motor insurance quickly with helpful steps. Here are some proven tips:

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  • Ensure the insurance team receives all necessary documents when a customer applies for or needs coverage.
  • Utilise the digital platforms offered by the insurer to receive faster processing and live updates.
  • Select an insurance company that bargains low claim rejections and gains positive expert feedback from clients.
  • Fast incident reporting enables the insurer to take the initial steps to expedite claim processing.
  • Keep in contact with the insurer support team to check the application and claim status.

Taking action throughout the process speeds up your approval and lowers the potential for time loss.

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Conclusion

Users of online platforms in India can complete the motor insurance approval process rapidly. Online policies are released immediately, but offline procedures require 1 to 3 days for completion. Insurance firms are required to process claims within 30 days under IRDAI rules, with basic cases typically taking between 7 and 10 days to settle.

The quickest path to insurance approval depends on sharing complete information through digital technology with established insurance companies. Being active and receiving news about your vehicle will help you protect it from risks and secure your financial position.

FAQs

  • What is the online process time for obtaining a motor insurance policy?

With no more than a few minutes needed to process your order, you can view your digital policy.

  • What policies does the IRDAI set for motor insurance settlements?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India directs insurers to finalise claims within 30 days after complete document submission.

  • Policies take additional time to settle when necessary investigations and document checks are conducted.

Insurance claims related to theft, total loss, and third-party incidents require additional examination to process.

  • Is cashless claim payment faster than receiving reimbursement payments?

When an insurer handles direct payments to the auto repair shop, the claim processing occurs more efficiently.

  • How can I view my claim status online?

Most insurers allow customers to check the progress of their claims through their online platforms or smartphone applications.

About Author

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Upstox Desk

Upstox Desk

Team of expert writers dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive coverage on stock markets, economic trends, commodities, business developments, and personal finance. With a passion for delivering valuable information, the team strives to keep readers informed about the latest trends and developments in the financial world.

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