Yes, a Compulsory Personal Accident (CPA) cover of ₹15 lakh is mandatory for all individual owner-drivers of registered motor vehicles (cars and two-wheelers) in India under regulations set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [1, 2, 3]
Key Rules & Requirements
- Vehicle Owners: You must have this coverage whether you buy a basic third-party liability policy or a comprehensive motor insurance policy. [1, 2]
- Coverage Amount: The standard compulsory cover provides a sum insured of ₹15 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability. [1, 2]
- Multiple Vehicles: You are not required to buy a separate CPA cover for every single vehicle if you already own a valid standalone personal accident policy or an active PA cover linked to another motor policy that meets the criteria. You can opt out of buying a new CPA cover during renewal if you already hold an equivalent active PA policy. [1, 2, 3]
- General Personal/Health Insurance: Having a standard health insurance policy does not automatically exempt you from the motor CPA requirement unless that policy explicitly includes a valid personal accident benefit meeting IRDAI specifications. [1, 2]
- Passengers and Drivers: The compulsory owner-driver PA cover does not automatically cover passengers or hired/paid drivers. Separate add-ons or policies (such as a Workmen’s Compensation policy) are needed for them. [1, 2]
You can review specific motor insurance guidelines through the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India or check details directly with providers like ICICI Lombard or SBI General Insurance. [1, 2, 3]