What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance in India? (Complete Guide 2026)

If your vehicle is used to earn money or run a business, then commercial vehicle insurance is not optional—it’s legally mandatory in India.

From trucks and taxis to delivery vans and pickup vehicles, commercial vehicle insurance protects your vehicle, business income, driver, and third-party liabilities.

In this article, we’ll explain what commercial vehicle insurance is, how it works, coverage, types, cost, and claim rules—in simple language.

What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Commercial vehicle insurance is an insurance policy designed for vehicles used for commercial or business purposes.

As per Indian Motor Vehicle Act, any vehicle used to carry goods or passengers for hire or reward must have commercial insurance.

Examples of Commercial Vehicles in India

Trucks & lorries
Pickups & tempos
Taxis & cabs (Ola, Uber)
Auto-rickshaws
School buses & staff buses
Ambulances
Delivery vehicles (Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato)
Construction vehicles

Why Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance Important?

Commercial vehicles face higher risk because they:

• Run longer hours
• Travel long distances
• Carry goods or passengers
• Involve higher third-party liability

Without proper insurance:

• Claims get rejected
•  Heavy legal penalties
•  Business income loss

Types of Commercial Vehicle Insurance in India

Third-Party Commercial Vehicle Insurance (Mandatory)

This is the minimum legal requirement.

Covers:

• Injury or death of third party
• Damage to third-party property

Does NOT Cover:

• Own vehicle damage
• Theft or fire
• Driver injuries

Comprehensive Commercial Vehicle Insurance (Recommended)

This offers complete protection.

Covers:

• Third-party liability
• Own damage (accident, fire, theft, flood)
• Natural & man-made disasters
• Optional add-ons

Add-On Covers Available

You can enhance protection with add-ons like:

• Zero depreciation cover
• Engine & gearbox protection
• Return to invoice
• Roadside assistance
• Driver personal accident cover

(Add-ons vary by insurer & vehicle type.)

Documents Required for Commercial Vehicle Insurance

To buy or renew a policy, you need:

• RC (Registration Certificate)
• Fitness Certificate (mandatory)
• Permit (state / national)
• PUC certificate
• Driver’s commercial driving license
• Previous insurance policy (for renewal)

Missing documents can cause claim rejection.

How Much Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost in India?

The premium depends on:

• Vehicle type (truck, taxi, pickup)
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
• Vehicle age
• City of registration
• Claim history (NCB)
• Coverage & add-ons

Example (Approximate):

• Taxi insurance: ₹12,000 – ₹25,000/year
• Pickup / tempo: ₹18,000 – ₹35,000/year
• Heavy truck: ₹25,000 – ₹80,000+/year

What Happens If You Don’t Have Commercial Insurance?

Driving without valid insurance can result in:

• Heavy fines
• Vehicle seizure
• Claim rejection
• Legal action in case of accident

Common Claim Rejection Reasons (Commercial Vehicles)

• Fitness expired
• Permit expired
• Driver DL mismatch
• Usage violation
• Late claim intimation
• False information

Final Thoughts

Commercial vehicle insurance is not just a legal formality—it is business protection.

Right policy
Valid documents
Timely renewal

These ensure smooth claims and uninterrupted income.

If you want expert help choosing the right commercial vehicle insurance at the best price, professional guidance can save both money and claim headaches.