Premium payment for renewal of Motor Third Party Insurance policies falling due during the lockdown period (25th March, 2020 to 14th April, 2020) as a result of COVID 19 situation

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority

Circular Ref. No: IRDAI/NL/CIR/MOT/079/04/2020

Date: 02-04-2020

Premium payment for renewal of Motor Third Party Insurance policies falling due during the lockdown period (25th March, 2020 to 14th April, 2020) as a result of COVID 19 situation

ALL GENERAL INSURERS (OTHER THAN SPECIALISED INSURERS)

Re: Premium payment for renewal of Motor Third Party Insurance policies falling due during the lockdown period (25th March, 2020 to 14th April, 2020) as a result of COVID 19 situation

The Department of Financial Services, Government of India, has issued notification dated 1st April, 2020 on the captioned matter in public interest.

2. Vide the notification, the Central Government has directed that policyholders whose motor vehicle third party insurance policies fall due for renewal during the period on and from 25th March, 2020 up to 14th April, 2020 and who are unable to make payment of their renewal premium on time in view of the prevailing situation in the country as a result of COVID 19 are allowed to make premium payment for renewal of policies to their insurers on or before 21st April, 2020 to ensure continuity of the statutory motor vehicle third party insurance cover.

3. In the above regard, please note the following:

i. Policyholders shall be required to pay the renewal premium for the entire period of 12 months from the date it was due, on or before 21st April, 2020.

ii. Insurers shall communicate the above details to the concerned policyholders including through e-mail, SMS, telephonically, display on website etc immediately in a manner that is correctly understood by them.

iii. Agents and intermediaries are also to be duly informed so that all concerned are aware of the last date for payment of premium for the purpose of ensuring continuity of the said cover.

iv. When the policy is issued after receipt of premium due on or before the last date indicated above, it shall be ensured that the period of cover commences from the date the renewal was due without there being any break in the policy period provided such renewal fell due within the lockdown period (25th March, 2020 to 14th April, 2020).

v. Insurers shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made for ease of payment of premium by policyholders during the week following the end of the lockdown period (the last date being 21st April, 2020).

Please acknowledge this circular and confirm having noted the contents. The notification issued by the Central Government is enclosed for ready reference.

(T.L.ALAMELU)

MEMBER (NON-LIFE)