Safari is an iconic brand of Tata Motors that defined the mid-size SUV segment in India. Designed for Indian families and roads, this vehicle brings joy to every family it becomes a part of. As an owner of Tata Safari, you would experience pride every time you took the car for a drive. 

However, you would have also noticed that the traffic conditions are getting worse due to the increase in the number of cars on the road and deteriorating road conditions. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in an increase in road accidents and mishaps. 

This is where a car insurance policy comes in handy. If you have not yet taken Tata Safari insurance and wondering if you could drive the vehicle without one, then here are some consequences that you might have to face.

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is illegal to drive a vehicle in India without minimum insurance against third-party liability. Usually, when you buy a new car, you buy a mandatory insurance policy for one year. 

At the end of the year, you are expected to renew it. Unfortunately, many car owners tend to forget the renewal of car insurance or don’t consider the consequences of driving an uninsured car. Here are some implications that you need to be aware of.

Consequences of Driving an Uninsured Car

Car insurance is designed to offer financial protection to car owners in the event of an accident or mishap. The Indian law mandated all cars to have an active insurance policy too. However, if you are behind the wheel in an uninsured car, then here are some consequences that you might face:

• Penalties and fines

Since it is mandatory to have active insurance for a four-wheeler, if you are caught driving an uninsured car, you might have the pay the following fines/penalties:

• • If you are caught driving an uninsured car for the first time, then you might have to pay a fine of ₹2000.
  • If you have been caught before and are apprehended again for driving an uninsured car, then you might have to pay a fine of ₹4000 and/or face imprisonment of up to three months.

• Financial losses for third-party damage

Driving a car carries the risk of accidents. Even the safest drivers can get into an accident. If you are at fault, you have to bear the cost of damages or injuries caused to the third party. 

If the damages are serious, then the costs can burn a hole in your pocket. Moreover, in the unfortunate event of the death of the third party, you might have to bear the cost of legal proceedings and damages to the car. Also, since driving an uninsured car is illegal in India, you might have to face jail time and/or get your driving license suspended.

• Own damage losses

In an accident, the chances of your car getting damaged are equally high. Even if the accident does not cause damages to a third party or his property but damages your car, then the lack of an insurance policy will put all the costs associated with repairing the car on you. If the damages are major, then the repair costs can be high. A comprehensive car insurance policy ensures that you are financially protected against losses due to damages to you and your car, as well as third-party liability.

• Losing the No Claim Bonus

Many car owners tend to skip renewing their car insurance policies since they find paying the premium an unnecessary cost. However, apart from the legal and financial implications, not renewing your car insurance policy can result in you losing out on the No Claim Bonus (NCB).

Insurers offer discounts on premiums to policyholders who do not file any claim during the period of the policy. This is a progressive discount and can go up to 50% of the premium amount.

Hence, once you lose your NCB, whenever you purchase a car insurance policy, you will have to pay a higher premium.

Summing Up

The first thing you need to remember is that it is illegal to drive an uninsured car in India. The government has made it mandatory for all cars to have minimum third-party insurance for a four-wheeler. Therefore, driving an uninsured car can expose you to a heavy fine and even imprisonment. 

Further, with increasing traffic and the number of road accidents, car insurance benefits can help you manage repair costs with ease. Remember, whether you are buying a new car or a second-hand one, you need to purchase a car insurance policy and ensure the renewal of car insurance. You can visit the websites of different insurers to know the car insurance plans in India and use their online calculators to calculate car insurance premiums and choose the best option for your car. Good Luck!