7 Ways to check whether your car insurance policy is fake

Why Fake Car Insurance is a Growing Concern?

With the rise of digital insurance platforms and third-party agents, it's become easier than ever to purchase car insurance with a few clicks. Unfortunately, this ease has also opened doors for fraudsters.

It leads to unknowingly purchasing a fake insurance policy for a car, which appears legitimate but is entirely invalid. These policies are often sold at suspiciously low prices or by unauthorised agents operating without registration from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Let’s understand what zero depreciation means and how it compares to standard plans.

Driving with fake car insurance documents can lead to:

• Denial of claims in case of accidents
• Legal penalties and fines
• Financial losses
• Criminal charges for possessing or submitting forged documents

This is why understanding the importance of motor insurance and how to distinguish a valid policy from a fake one is essential.

Check the IRDAI Registration of the Insurer

The first step in identifying a legitimate car insurance provider is to verify whether the company is registered with the IRDAI.

IRDAI is the official body that regulates and licenses insurance companies in India. Any insurer not listed on IRDAI’s official website is not authorised to sell insurance products in the country.

How to verify:

• Visit the official IRDAI website (https://irdai.gov.in).
• Navigate to the “List of Registered Insurers.”
• Check if your insurer is mentioned under “General Insurance.”

If your insurer isn’t listed, chances are, you’ve purchased fake car insurance from an unauthorised source.

Verify the Policy on the Insurer’s Official Website

All genuine car insurance providers in India offer digital access to policy details. Once you receive your policy, go to the insurer’s official website and try verifying the policy using your:

• Policy number
• Vehicle registration number
• Engine/chassis number

If the website fails to recognise your policy or the details do not match, you might be holding a fake car insurance policy.

Red flags to watch for:

• Website errors or broken links
• No customer login section
• No customer support response

Legitimate insurance providers offer a secure login portal where policyholders can track their car insurance and download valid documents.

Match Policy Details with Your Vehicle Information

Carefully cross-check the policy document with your actual vehicle information. A legitimate car insurance policy will always include:

• Vehicle make and model
• Registration number (license plate)
• Engine and chassis number
• Policy start and end date
• Premium breakdown
• Name and address of the insured

Even minor mismatches could signal that the document has been tampered with or falsified. Fraudulent agents may reuse templates or modify existing documents to create fake car insurance documents.

Look for the IRDAI-Approved QR Code or Digital Signature

As a regulatory mandate, all genuine digital motor insurance policies must include a QR code or digital signature that links back to the insurer's database.

Here’s how to check:

• Open the digital policy on your phone.
• Scan the QR code using a QR scanner app
• It should take you to the insurer's site or the IRDAI verification portal.

If the QR code doesn’t work or redirects you to a suspicious URL, the policy may be dummy car insurance online.

Confirm the Policy with the Insurance Agent

If you purchased your policy through an agent or broker, don’t hesitate to reconfirm the details directly with the insurer. Some fraudsters pretend to work for well-known companies but are not affiliated with them.

To verify:

• Call the customer care number listed on the insurer’s official website.
• Share your policy number and vehicle details.
• Ask if the policy exists in their system

If they cannot find your policy or say it was never issued, you’ve likely been duped with a fake insurance policy for a car.

Validate Using mParivahan or VAHAN App

The Government of India has launched two trusted platforms—mParivahan and VAHAN—that allow vehicle owners to verify insurance records and registration details online.

Steps to verify insurance:

• Download the mParivahan app from Google Play or the App Store.
• Enter your vehicle registration number.
• Check the insurance expiry date and provider name.

If your insurance record is missing or doesn’t match your physical document, it may be a fake car insurance claim scenario waiting to happen.

Call the Insurer’s Helpline for Final Verification

When in doubt, consult the source directly. Most genuine insurers provide 24/7 customer support to assist with policy validation. Use the helpline number listed on their website to:

• Confirm your policy number
• Cross-check vehicle and owner details.
• Request a policy reissue if required.

Never rely solely on the agent’s word or third-party links. If something feels off, contact the insurer directly. It’s better to ask a few questions now than be left stranded during a claim.

What to Do If You Suspect a Fake Policy

If you suspect that your policy is fake, take the following steps immediately:

• Don’t rely on it for legal or financial protection.
• Contact the insurer and share the policy document to request verification
• Confront the individual and ask for a refund or clarification.
• Buy car insurance online from a verified source.
• File an FIR with your local police station to report the fraud.

Delaying action could lead to serious consequences, mainly if an accident occurs or a claim becomes necessary.

How to Report a Fake Car Insurance Scam

Falling for a fake car insurance policy scam is distressing, but reporting the issue helps others avoid the same trap.

Here’s how you can report:

• IRDAI Grievance Cell: Call 155255 or Email complaints@irdai.gov.in
• National Cyber Crime Portal: Report online scams via https://cybercrime.gov.in
• Police FIR: Visit your local police station and file an FIR with all the document evidence
• Consumer Forum: Seek redressal through your local consumer court or portal

Also, share your experience on public forums or social media to help create awareness.

Conclusion

The growing menace of fake car insurance documents calls for greater awareness and due diligence. While online platforms have made it easier to buy insurance, they’ve also opened doors for scammers selling dummy car insurance online. Whether you're buying a new policy or changing car insurance company, ensure your insurer is IRDAI-registered and offers digital verification tools. Always verify your policy through multiple channels, including official websites, QR codes, government apps, and direct helplines, to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Remember, a genuine policy provides you with legal protection, financial security, and peace of mind. A fake proof of car insurance offers none of that—and could land you in legal or financial trouble. If you're planning to switch insurers, do so wisely and use our tips to verify before making a decision.

Stay safe. Stay insured. And always double-check your car insurance.