What Is No Claim Bonus (NCB) in Motor Insurance?

By Sagar NarangUpdated:
Car with insurance approval checkmark symbol.

If you have held a motor insurance policy for more than a year without making a claim, your insurer owes you something. Not literally, but in the form of a discount on your next renewal premium. This is the No Claim Bonus, commonly referred to as NCB, and it is one of the most financially valuable features in motor insurance that a surprisingly large number of vehicle owners either do not know about or do not understand well enough to use properly.

The concept is straightforward. Drive carefully, avoid accidents, do not file claims, and your insurer rewards you with a progressively larger discount on the own damage component of your premium every year. Stay claim-free long enough and that discount can reach 50%, cutting nearly half your premium cost simply through careful driving and informed decision-making.

This guide explains exactly how NCB works, how it accumulates, what can reduce or eliminate it, and the strategies that help you protect and maximise it over time.

What Exactly Is No Claim Bonus?

No Claim Bonus is a discount offered by motor insurers on the own damage (OD) premium component of your policy at the time of renewal, as a reward for not making any claims during the previous policy year.

A few important clarifications upfront:

  • NCB applies only to the own damage portion of your premium, not to the third-party liability premium, which is regulated by IRDAI and fixed regardless of your claim history
  • NCB belongs to the policyholder, the vehicle owner, not to the vehicle itself. If you sell your car and buy a new one, your accumulated NCB travels with you
  • NCB is not transferable between different policyholders. If you sell your car, the buyer does not inherit your NCB
  • NCB is valid across insurers. If you switch insurance companies at renewal, your accumulated NCB must be honoured by the new insurer upon verification

How NCB Accumulates Over Time

The discount structure for NCB in India is standardised by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). It works on a slab system based on consecutive claim-free years:

  • After 1 claim-free year: 20% discount on OD premium
  • After 2 consecutive claim-free years: 25% discount
  • After 3 consecutive claim-free years: 35% discount
  • After 4 consecutive claim-free years: 45% discount
  • After 5 or more consecutive claim-free years: 50% discount

The progression is cumulative and consecutive. Every year you go without a claim, the discount increases. Miss a year, either by making a claim or by letting the policy lapse for more than 90 days and the NCB resets to zero.

At the 50% level, the financial impact is significant. If your own damage premium is ₹12,000 annually, an NCB of 50% saves you ₹6,000 every year. Over several years, this compounds into a substantial total saving.

A Practical Example of NCB in Action

Consider Ramesh, who buys a new car in 2019 and takes a comprehensive motor insurance policy. His own damage premium is ₹10,000 per year.

  • 2019-2020: No claims filed. At renewal, he receives 20% NCB. OD premium becomes ₹8,000.
  • 2020-2021: No claims filed. NCB increases to 25%. OD premium becomes ₹7,500.
  • 2021-2022: No claims filed. NCB increases to 35%. OD premium becomes ₹6,500.
  • 2022-2023: No claims filed. NCB increases to 45%. OD premium becomes ₹5,500.
  • 2023-2024: No claims filed. NCB reaches the maximum of 50%. OD premium becomes ₹5,000.

By year five, Ramesh is paying half the own damage premium he started with. And as long as he continues to avoid claims, the 50% discount is maintained indefinitely at renewal.

Now consider what happens if in 2021-2022 Ramesh files a claim for minor accident damage. His NCB resets to zero. At the next renewal, he pays the full ₹10,000 OD premium again and must rebuild from scratch.

What Causes NCB to Reset to Zero

NCB is lost entirely in the following situations:

  • Filing any own damage claim during the policy year, regardless of the claim amount
  • Letting the policy lapse for more than 90 days without renewal. If the gap between expiry and renewal exceeds 90 days, the insurer is not obligated to honour the accumulated NCB
  • Selling the vehicle without transferring the NCB to a new vehicle purchase. If you sell your car and do not buy another within a reasonable timeframe, the NCB may not be retained

One claim, even for a relatively minor repair, resets five years of accumulated discount instantly. This is why the decision of whether to claim or pay for repairs out of pocket is worth thinking through carefully each time.

The Critical Decision: Should You Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?

This is one of the most practically important questions in motor insurance, and the answer is not always obvious.

The general principle is: if the cost of repair is significantly lower than the NCB benefit you stand to lose by claiming, pay for the repair yourself.

Here is how to think through it. Suppose your OD premium is ₹12,000 and you have accumulated 35% NCB, saving ₹4,200 per year. You have a minor accident causing ₹8,000 worth of damage. If you claim:

  • The ₹8,000 repair is covered
  • Your NCB resets to zero
  • Next year you pay the full ₹12,000 OD premium instead of ₹7,800
  • That is an immediate annual loss of ₹4,200 in discount and you rebuild from zero again

In this scenario, paying the ₹8,000 yourself preserves ₹4,200 in annual savings going forward. Whether that trade-off makes sense depends on your specific numbers but the calculation is worth doing every single time before filing a claim.

For large claims, a major accident, a total loss, a theft, claiming is almost always the right decision regardless of NCB impact. The policy exists precisely for those situations.

NCB Belongs to You, Not Your Vehicle

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of No Claim Bonus, and it has significant practical implications.

When you sell your vehicle, the NCB does not transfer to the buyer. It remains with you. What you can do is obtain an NCB retention letter or NCB certificate from your insurer at the time of vehicle sale. This document confirms your accumulated NCB percentage and allows you to apply it to the insurance policy for your next vehicle, as long as you purchase that vehicle within 3 years.

This means years of careful driving and disciplined claim behaviour follow you through vehicle changes. Selling a car does not mean starting from zero on your next one, provided you obtain and present the relevant documentation.

When buying a used car, do not assume you inherit the previous owner's NCB. You do not. The new policy for the vehicle starts fresh for you as the new owner.

Transferring NCB When Switching Insurers

Many vehicle owners worry that switching to a different insurance company at renewal means losing their NCB. This is not the case.

NCB is portable across insurers. When switching, you need to:

  • Request an NCB certificate from your current insurer before the policy expires
  • Submit this certificate to the new insurer at the time of policy issuance
  • The new insurer is required by IRDAI regulations to honour the NCB percentage confirmed in the certificate

Do not let concerns about losing NCB keep you in a policy with an insurer whose service or pricing is no longer competitive. The discount travels with you.

NCB Protect Add-On: Is It Worth It?

Recognising that a single claim can wipe out years of accumulated discount, insurers offer an add-on cover called NCB Protect or NCB Protector. For an additional premium, this add-on allows you to make one, sometimes two, own damage claims in a policy year without losing your accumulated NCB.

Whether it is worth purchasing depends on a few factors:

  • The additional premium charged for the add-on
  • Your current NCB percentage, the higher it is, the more valuable protection becomes
  • Your driving environment and risk exposure

At 40% or 50% NCB, the add-on is typically worth serious consideration. At 20%, the maths may not always support it. Compare the cost of the add-on against the annual saving your current NCB provides and make the decision accordingly.

NCB Protect add-ons also come with conditions, usually they only protect against claims where you are not at fault, or limit protection to one claim per year. Read the specific terms of the add-on before purchasing.

Common Misconceptions About NCB

1. "NCB applies to third-party premium too."

It does not. NCB applies only to the own damage component. Third-party liability premium is fixed by IRDAI and unaffected by your claim history.

2. "If I don't renew on time, I keep my NCB."

Only if the gap between expiry and renewal is 90 days or less. Beyond 90 days, the NCB is forfeited. Timely renewal is essential to preserving accumulated discount.

3. "NCB transfers to the buyer when I sell my car."

It does not. NCB stays with the policyholder, not the vehicle. The buyer starts afresh.

4. "Filing a third-party claim affects my NCB."

It does not. NCB is only affected by own damage claims. If someone else hits your car and you file a third-party claim against their insurance or if you file a claim under the third-party section of your own policy, your NCB is unaffected.

Manage Your Motor Insurance Smarter With Policywings

Policywings helps vehicle owners understand their motor insurance including how to maximise NCB, compare renewal options, and make claim decisions that protect their long-term savings.

Renewing your policy or switching insurers? Check your NCB status and explore your options on Policywings before you decide.

Visit Policywings today. Drive smart, insure smarter.

Conclusion

No Claim Bonus is one of the few features in motor insurance where responsible behaviour is directly and meaningfully rewarded. The discount structure is transparent, the rules are standardised, and the potential saving over time is genuinely significant.

Understanding how NCB accumulates, what protects it, when claiming is worth the cost, and how to carry it through vehicle changes and insurer switches gives you a real financial advantage as a vehicle owner. Most people leave money on the table simply through not knowing how the system works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Does NCB apply to two-wheelers as well as four-wheelers?

Yes. The NCB structure and slab rates are the same for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The same rules regarding accumulation, reset, portability, and documentation apply across vehicle types.

Q2. Can I claim NCB if I switch from a comprehensive policy to a standalone own damage policy?

Yes. NCB is applicable to the own damage component regardless of whether your policy is comprehensive or a standalone OD policy. The accumulated percentage remains valid upon renewal.

Q3. What happens to NCB if my car is stolen?

If your vehicle is stolen and a total loss claim is filed, your NCB resets to zero. However, if you purchase a new vehicle, you can request that your insurer consider your claim history favourably, though this is at the insurer's discretion rather than a standard entitlement.

Q4. How do I prove my NCB when switching insurers?

Request an NCB certificate from your current insurer before the policy expires. This document confirms your accumulated NCB percentage and is submitted to the new insurer at the time of fresh policy issuance.

Q5. Is there a maximum limit to NCB?

Yes. The maximum NCB permissible under IRDAI regulations is 50%, achieved after five or more consecutive claim-free years. It does not increase beyond 50% regardless of how many additional claim-free years follow.

Q6. What if I made a claim but the claim was later withdrawn?

If a claim is intimated but subsequently withdrawn before any payment is made, many insurers will not penalise the NCB but this varies by insurer and the specific circumstances. Always confirm with your insurer before withdrawing a claim, and get the confirmation in writing.

Q7. Can NCB be transferred to a family member's policy?

No. NCB is strictly linked to the individual policyholder and cannot be transferred to another person's policy, even within the same family.

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Standalone Own Damage (OD) Insurance As the name says, it covers damage to your own car. What it covers: Accidents, theft/robbery, damage by fire, natural disasters, riots etc Important to know: You can buy this insurance only if you have a valid third-party policy This is where IDV matters, No Claim Bonus (NCB) applies and add-ons are selected Comprehensive Car Insurance This is a wide-ranging and all-inclusive type of car insurance. It consists of: Third-party liability cover Own damage cover It’s the most commonly chosen insurance by private car owners because of the balanced protection it offers. Zero Depreciation (Bumper-to-Bumper) This is NOT a separate policy but an add-on under own damage coverage and is recommended generally for cars up to 5 years old. Cuts down depreciation deductions on parts in case of claims Gets you higher claim payouts Is available only with standalone or comprehensive car insurance When Should You Renew Car Insurance? 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Here are the common add-ons: Bumper to bumper insurance – this is best for new cars Engine protection – it’s very useful if you live in flood-prone areas Roadside assistance –highway drivers can benefit a lot from it Basically, just drop those add-ons that no longer make sense for the age of your car. Set the Right IDV Insured Declared Value is the current market value of your car. While higher IDV means higher premium, lower IDV means lower claim payout. Hence, you should choose a realistic IDV, not extreme values. Compare Before Renewing Don’t blindly stick to the same insurer and renew with them every year. When you compare, you can: Find better coverage that too at similar cost Switch insurers without the risk of losing NCB Secure the cheapest insurance for car that still offers good enough protection Common Car Insurance Renewal Mistakes to Avoid Renewing without checking coverage: Since your car needs change with every passing year, your policy should too. 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Introduction A lot of people treat insurance as a last-minute purchase and buy it only because it feels necessary in that moment. Sadly, they don’t fully understand what they need or why. Similarly, business insurance is also seen as a formality rather than a safety net. In reality, proper insurance planning makes a significant difference in financial stability. The right insurance policy helps individuals protect the income, health and assets of their family. For businesses, it secures their operations, employees and finances. Let’s discuss how insurance brings long-term stability and peace of mind. What Is Insurance Planning? It is the process of identifying risks and then selecting proper insurance covers that will protect against financial loss. Basically, you can better decide what kind of coverage do you actually need, how much coverage would be good enough and how policies should evolve as circumstances change. The whole point is to not buy random policies. Insurance planning is entirely focused on getting correct coverage with real needs. It could be income protection, health expenses, safety of assets and even liability risks. Why Insurance Planning Matters for Individuals Insurance planning, for individuals, is mainly about achieving financial protection and mental satisfaction. We know how unpredictable is life. Health-related expenses, sudden accidents or an unfortunate case of income loss can disturb long-term goals if there is no proper planning. insurance will help with: Income Protection A term plan is what you need to protect those who are financially dependent on you. With this, family members are able to manage daily expenses, pay off EMIs and accomplish future goals even when the earning member is no more. Health and Medical Security Medical costs can hit anyone at any time and often, they are very expensive. But when you have a planned health coverage, you can preserve your years of savings or avoid taking on debt for emergencies. Asset Protection Only a suitable insurance coverage can protect assets like cars or homes against damage, theft or big accidents. Repair or replacement costs can certainly be reduced through a well-chosen insurance policy. Long-Term Financial Discipline Insurance planning also encourages individuals to think about their financial situation practically. Hence, their protection grows along with income and responsibilities. Why Businesses Need Insurance Planning Not just individuals, even businesses need insurance planning. Beyond protection, it also supports the continuity and credibility of the company. Unexpected events can shut down operations temporarily, cause legal complications or make businesses face financial losses. However, insurance planning helps in: Operational Risk Management Businesses are prone to face risks related to property damage, safety of employees, legal liability and data security. With insurance planning, businesses can identify these risks and then assign appropriate coverage. Employee and Legal Responsibility Certain covers are really helpful to businesses in managing employee-related risks and meet legal requirements. This reduces both legal troubles and financial strain. Business Continuity Through smart planning, business operations can go on even during mishaps. This helps businesses in fast recovery without having to spend the working capital. Key Elements of Effective Insurance Planning Consider Real Risks Always start by understanding what risks can cause you financial stress. Individuals usually find it hard to deal with loss of income or medical emergencies. For businesses, it could be damage to assets, liability claims or even an operational halt. Choose Coverage Based on Needs Both under-insuring or over-insuring are big mistakes. You must choose an insurance policy that balances affordability while also promising adequate protection in need. Regular Review of Coverage Over the years, there is a change in the stage of life, income levels and business operations. By reviewing insurance from time to time, you can make sure that coverage continues to be relevant. Understand Policy Terms It’s suggested to know the inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods and even the whole claim process so that there is no confusion during emergencies. The Role of Online Insurance in Modern Planning Thanks to digitalisation, insurance planning has become quite stress-free. Many people now prefer online insurance platforms to do their research, compare options and manage different policies. When you buy insurance online, you get these benefits: Plans can be compared easily Pricing is transparent Policy is issued quickly Digital storage and easy policy renewal Besides being so convenient, the option to buy insurance online also lets you make a purchase whenever you want, without any sales pressure Mistakes to Avoid in Insurance Planning Here are some common mistakes that you must avoid to ensure effective and reliable insurance planning: Choosing policies only because of low premiums Ignoring what’s ‘not’ included and T&C of the claim Delaying purchasing a term plan Not updating coverage even after major life or business changes have happened Treating insurance as a one-time purchase and forgetting about it later Insurance Planning Is an Ongoing Process It should always be remembered that insurance needs don’t remain the same throughout. There could be an increase in your income, growth in responsibilities or expansion in businesses. Hence, coverage must be accordingly updated. Only with regular evaluation can you make sure that the insurance policy continues to serve its core purpose. In fact, today we have different online insurance platforms. They make it easier to track, update and manage multiple policies from the same site or app. Conclusion Insurance planning is about fearing but staying prepared. Both individuals or businesses need the right mix of policies to manage unexpected mishaps and protect their long-term goals. Planning can be a very practical and empowering financial decision. All you need to do is choose coverage thoughtfully and review it regularly. Also, you can buy insurance online for the most convenience. Just follow a structured approach and you can secure a safety net. For more details regarding plans and coverage, connect with PolicyWings!

Written byRahul NarangPublished onJanuary 20, 2026
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for Small Companies in India?Business Insurance

How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for Small Companies in India?

Introduction Having a small business in India starts with immense opportunities but also with a wide range of challenges. Moreover unforeseen occurrences like fire mishaps, legal conflict, cyberattacks or property damage can destroy business functions and can create financial risks. This is why learning about business insurance costs is important for all small and medium enterprises (SME). Insurance gives financial security and also a peace of mind which allows businesses to concentrate on growth while preparing for incidental events. Why Small Businesses Need Insurance One huge misfortune can be difficult to recover for a small company or a startup. Large corporations have multiple revenue streams but SMEs generally function with limited resources. A lawsuit or an accident on company premises or even a data breach could influence cash flow and also lower the company’s reputation. This is why SME insurance is essential. It makes sure that unforeseen costs are controlled by the insurer instead of the business consuming the whole financial risk. Having insurance coverage even increases credibility with clients, investors and partners. Many corporate clients prefer working with vendors who are correctly insured as it shows financial responsibility and long term stability. Influence on Business Insurance Cost The cost of insurance for small businesses in India is not consistent. Many elements establish the premium amount and learning about these can boost SMEs to make sound choices. The industry type plays an important part. For example a manufacturing unit trading with high weight machinery may pay extra for insurance than a consulting firm due to higher risk exposure. The size of the company which also includes revenue, total employees and geographical area which affects the premium. Companies with more than one office or warehouses are likely to need higher coverage compared to smaller functionalities. The type of coverage chosen is another important element. A comprehensive policy covering property damage, liability and cyberattacks will cost more than a basic plan providing limited protection. The history of claims can also influence premiums. Businesses with a record of constant claims are likely to face more insurance costs. In the end the location is also important. Companies functioning in high risk areas are more prone to natural disasters, hazards or theft which may pay more for insurance compared to those in safer areas. Common Business Insurance Cost for SMEs Although accurate costs differ still most of the SME insurance premiums are moderately affordable considering the safeguard they offer. A small consulting firm with 10 to 15 employees may pay between INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 yearly for professional indemnity and liability coverage. A retail shop or small manufacturing unit may pay INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 yearly conditional on the level of property and asset protection requirement. Cyber liability insurance is increasingly getting popular among IT and digital service providers which can range from INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 yearly conditional on data exposure. Group health insurance for employees is another common coverage among SMEs which typically costs around INR 6,000 to INR 10,000 per employee yearly. These figures are suggestive, most likely to be assumed and can differentiate based on the insurer, coverage options and risk profile of the business. Policywings help SMEs strategise or compare plans and can offer cost effective solutions customised to their needs. Types of Insurance Policies That Affect Costs Under business insurance costs it is important to know the types of coverage which are available for SMEs. Property insurance protects office spaces, warehouses and equipment against fire, theft or natural disasters. Liability insurance covers legal costs in case of third party claims. Professional indemnity insurance safeguards service based firms such as consultants, auditors and IT companies from errors or negligence claims. For businesses with an online presence, cyber liability insurance is increasingly essential. SMEs that manufacture or supply goods mostly go for product liability coverage to protect against claims related to defective products. Additionally, group health insurance is widely chosen by SMEs to provide employee benefits and attract talent. Each of these policies adds to the total insurance cost but all together they provide comprehensive safeguard. Management of Business Insurance Costs Small businesses mostly function with small budgets as it’s important for them to manage insurance costs effectively. The initial step is recognising risks carefully. All companies do not require every type of coverage. For example a small consultancy can have professional indemnity insurance over product liability coverage. Selecting policies based on real business risks makes sure that SMEs do not exhaust money on not required protections. Comparing quotes from various insurers also makes a visible difference in premium costs. Involving advisors or digital platforms like Policywings can also help SMEs get transparent comparisons and choose policies that can balance affordability with comprehensive coverage. Selecting increased deductibles where the business agrees to carry a small portion of the loss can also decrease premium amounts. Maintaining a good claims history can make a significant change as well as it can keep costs under a grip. Businesses that apply safety protocols, cybersecurity extents and compliance practices are mostly rewarded with lower premiums by insurers. Conclusion Knowing business insurance costs is important for small companies wanting to protect their functionalities from unforeseen events or risks. While premiums differ depending on industry, size, coverage and location where protection insurance offers high costs. For SMEs insurance is not an extra spending but an investment in stability and development.

Written byRahul NarangPublished onDecember 12, 2025