Trying To Renew Motor Insurance? Why A Valid Pollution Control Certificate Is A Must Now

Motor Insurance: In compliance with the Supreme Court's direction to tackle the rising vehicular pollution, the insurance companies have made it mandatory for vehicle owners to provide the valid PUC at the time of renewal of your motor insurance policy.

New Delhi: If you are among those who are yet to renew your motor insurance this year, then make sure to get pollution under control certificates (PUC) before you apply for the same.  As per the recent Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) circular, insurers are advised to follow the Supreme Court direction which mandated insurers must not renew any motor policy until the vehicle owner provides a valid PUC certificate. It is to be followed strictly with a focus on compliance in National Capital Region of Delhi (Delhi NCR). Also Read: Salary Cuts & Layoffs! Survey Shows Coronavirus Lockdown Severely Impact Work-Life Balance Of People

What does it mean to you?

In line with the Supreme Court's direction, the insurance companies will make sure that you provide the valid PUC at the time of renewal of your motor insurance policy.

It is important to note that the circular does not mention the non-payment of a claim amount for damaged vehicles with expired PUC certificates.

The IRDA circular issued on August 20 clearly stated, "Central pollution control board (CPCB) has raised concerns regarding status of compliance of above direction of the Supreme Court of India in the National Capital Region of Delhi (Delhi - NCR). Please ensure that the direction of the Supreme Court of India is followed scrupulously with special focus on compliance in the National Capital Region of Delhi (Delhi - NCR)," as per the circular.

In its order in July 2018, the top court while tackling issues related to rising vehicular pollution passed the decision in the matter of MC Mehta vs Union of India.

What is PUC certificate?
This certificate assesses that the emissions coming from your vehicles meets the pollution control standards. Such pollution standards/emission levels are fixed for all types of motor vehicles across the country. After the vehicle clears a PUC test successfully, a certificate is provided to the vehicle owner. This certification gives you the idea of whether the vehicle’s emissions are in line with the standard pollution norms and are not harmful.