If your car insurance has expired, don’t panic - you can still renew it. This process is called a Break-in Renewal.
Many car owners in Hyderabad forget to renew their policy on time and worry they’ll lose coverage or have to go through time-consuming inspections.
The truth is, you can renew an expired policy quickly, often without inspection, if you act within a reasonable grace period.
In this article, we’ll explain what a break-in renewal is, how long you can wait before losing NCB, and how to renew smoothly online using PolicyBachat - no agents, no paperwork, and no stress.
What Is A Break-In Renewal
A Break-in Renewal happens when your car insurance policy lapses - meaning the renewal date has passed, and you no longer have active coverage.
If the lapse is short (typically less than 90 days), you can still renew online, but insurers may ask for a quick inspection before reactivating coverage.
Important:
Driving without a valid policy is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act. So even a single day’s gap can expose you to fines and risks.
Why Policies Lapse
- Missed renewal reminders or date oversight.
- Waiting to switch insurers but missing the overlap window.
- Payment failure or incomplete online transaction.
- Extended car repairs or vehicle inactivity.
- Miscommunication with agents or banks (for auto-debit renewals).
How Long Can You Wait Before It’s Too Late
| Car Segment |
Avg. IDV (₹) |
Avg. Premium (₹) |
Top Insurers |
| Hatchback |
₹2,50,000–₹4,00,000 |
₹6,000–₹10,000 |
HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz |
| Sedan |
₹4,50,000–₹7,50,000 |
₹10,000–₹15,000 |
Tata AIG, SBI General, Reliance General |
| SUV |
₹8,00,000–₹15,00,000 |
₹15,000–₹25,000 |
ICICI Lombard, Royal Sundaram, HDFC ERGO |
How To Renew A Lapsed Policy Without Inspection
- Act fast: Visit PolicyBachat or your insurer’s portal immediately after expiry.
- Enter your car details: Registration number, model, and previous insurer name.
- Compare renewal quotes: You’ll see options for instant renewal eligibility.
- Avoid inspection by renewing within 30 days: Many insurers skip inspection if no claim is pending.
- Pay online: Once payment is confirmed, policy is reactivated instantly.
- Receive e-policy copy: Valid proof of coverage emailed and downloadable right away.
Tip: Choose “No Claim” option honestly to retain your NCB.
What To Expect During Inspection
If your policy has lapsed for more than 30–45 days, some insurers may need a quick check.
Modern inspections are digital and take less than 10 minutes.
Digital inspection process:
- Receive link via SMS or WhatsApp.
- Record a 360° video of your car, showing number plate, engine, and sides.
- Submit via mobile app or web link.
- Approval within a few hours.
No physical visit required in most cities including Hyderabad, Telangana.
How To Avoid Future Lapses
- Set calendar or SMS reminders 7 days before renewal.
- Opt for auto-renewal via PolicyBachat’s secure payment setup.
- Buy long-term comprehensive policies (2–3 years).
- Update your contact info with insurer regularly.
- Renew early - you can renew up to 45 days before expiry.
Localized Insight For Hyderabad
- Average renewal delay: 12 days.
- % of policies renewed within grace period: 85%.
- Common insurers skipping inspection: HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz.
- Avg. NCB loss value after 90 days: ₹2,500.
Benefits Of Timely Renewal
- Retain NCB discounts up to 50%.
- Avoid inspection hassles.
- Continuous coverage with no legal gap.
- Prevent premium surge due to break-in risk loading.
- Peace of mind - insured all year round.
FAQs
What is a break-in car insurance policy?
A policy that has expired and is being renewed after the due date.
How many days after expiry can I renew?
Typically within 90 days; beyond that, a new policy is needed.
Can I renew a lapsed policy online?
Yes, through PolicyBachat or directly on the insurer’s website.
Will inspection always be required?
Not always - renew quickly to skip inspection.
What happens to NCB if my policy lapses?
NCB remains valid for 90 days; after that, it resets to 0%.
Is driving without insurance allowed?
No, it’s illegal and attracts fines under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Can I switch insurers during a break-in renewal?
Yes, most insurers accept previous NCB proof for renewal.
Can I renew expired third-party insurance?
Yes, but some insurers may issue only a new comprehensive policy.
Do I need to upload car photos for inspection?
Only if the policy is expired beyond 30–45 days.
Can inspection happen at home?
Yes, via mobile or web video submission.
Does inspection affect premium?
No, it’s for verification only, not pricing.
Can I renew after 6 months?
No, a new policy is required after 90 days of lapse.
Will renewal premium be higher after expiry?
Slightly, due to break-in loading.
How can I renew faster next time?
Save your details on PolicyBachat for 1-click renewal.
What happens if my claim is pending and policy lapses?
Renew after claim closure or switch insurer once it’s settled.
Customer Reviews
- “Renewed my expired policy in 5 minutes - no inspection!” - Arjun P., Delhi
- “Didn’t know it was possible after lapse. PolicyBachat made it easy.” - Neha S., Pune
- “Lost my NCB last year. This guide helped me keep it this time.” - Ravi K., Hyderabad
- “Digital inspection took 7 minutes. Renewal done same day.” - Priya D., Bengaluru
- “I’ll never miss renewal again - set reminders like they said.” - Kavita R., Jaipur
- “Great step-by-step guide for break-in renewal.” - Vikram T., Mumbai