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Thursday, August 14, 2014

IRDA allows three-year insurance for 2-wheelers

f you own a two-wheeler, you can now choose to insure your vehicle for three years in one go instead of renewing the insurance policy every year. 

The insurance regulator has made this possible by allowing general insurance companies to offer third party insurance for two-wheelers for a term of up to three years instead of one year. The earlier policy led to the unintended consequence of many two-wheeler owners refraining from renewing the policy after first year. 

In its revised guidelines, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) said for three years insurers can charge three times the annual third party premium for two-wheelers as prescribed by them. IRDA barred insurers from revising premium on policy upward or downward during period of policy. "In effect, the policy will be inflation neutral and will thus benefit the policy-holders," said Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance

It is estimated that half of the two-wheeler owners have not insured their vehicles, which is harmful for individuals as well as insurance companies. This is mainly because India follows a policy of providing unlimited third party cover in case of any road accident while general insurance companies contribute towards third party motor pool. Insurers have been urging IRDA to allow them to offer a longer term cover for motor insurance since claims have been high in this segment, especially since many vehicle owners have not taken any cover although it is mandatory. 

"Three-year cover for twowheelers is only starting point. IRDA may extend it to other vehicles in due course of time," said KK Mishra, MD and CEO of Tata AIG.

Source:-The Economic Times

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