After 3 years, many car owners wonder which motor insurance policy they can buy and whether comprehensive insurance is mandatory. This guide explains motor insurance options after 3 years as per IRDAI rules.
By Anuja Solutions – Car Care & Motor Insurance Expert
Many car owners get confused when their vehicle completes 3 years.
Some dealers and even some insurance agents give incorrect information like:
❌ “After 3 years you must buy Comprehensive only.”
❌ “You cannot buy TP or OD separately.”
❌ “If you bought only TP in 4th year, you cannot buy OD later.”
These are myths, not rules.
This blog will clearly explain what the IRDAI guidelines say, and what you, as a vehicle owner, can actually choose.
🔹 Understanding the First-Year Rule (Brand New Car)
When you buy a new private car, IRDAI has mandated a bundled policy:
1-Year Own Damage Cover (OD)
3-Year Third Party (TP) Cover
This is compulsory only for the first year of ownership.
After the first year, you renew the OD every year, while TP continues until its 3-year validity ends.
🔹 What Happens After 3 Years?
Once your car completes 3 years, it becomes a normal renewal vehicle.
This means:
✅ You can choose any type of policy:
1️⃣ Third Party Only (TP)
Mandatory legal cover
Does not cover your own vehicle
Cheapest option
2️⃣ Own Damage Only (OD)
Covers damage to your own vehicle
Requires a valid TP policy
Can be purchased anytime as long as TP is active
3️⃣ Comprehensive Policy (OD + TP)
Most preferred
Maximum protection
Can be purchased anytime
4️⃣ OD + Add-ons
Zero Depreciation
Engine Protection
Roadside Assistance
Return to Invoice
5️⃣ TP With Add-ons (as allowed by insurer)
🔹 Common Myths vs. Reality
❌ Myth 1: “You must buy Comprehensive only after 3 years.”
✔ Truth: You can choose TP, OD, or Comprehensive. No restriction.
❌ Myth 2: “If you buy only TP in 4th year, you cannot buy OD later.”
✔ Truth: You can buy OD anytime as long as TP is active.
❌ Myth 3: “TP cannot be bought separately after 3 years.”
✔ Truth: You can buy TP alone anytime. It is a legal requirement.
🔹 Why Does This Confusion Happen?
Many insurance advisors get confused because:
Some companies disable OD-only for older vehicles
Some insurers force packaging (TP + OD) to maintain loss ratio
Online portals sometimes show limited options
These are company-level decisions, NOT IRDAI rules.
🔹 Which Policy Should You Choose After 3 Years?
This depends on your needs:
✔ Choose Comprehensive, if:
You want complete protection
You drive regularly
Your car’s value is still strong
✔ Choose TP Only, if:
Your car is very old
You only need legal compliance
You rarely drive the vehicle
✔ Choose OD Only, if:
You already have an active TP
You want own-damage coverage at a lower cost
🔹 Final Advice From Anuja Solutions
After 3 years, you have full freedom to choose the policy that suits your budget and protection level.
No rule forces you into a particular type of policy.
At Anuja Solutions, we guide you honestly based on your:
Vehicle age
Driving habits
Claim history
Budget
Coverage requirements
If you are confused about insurance renewal, claims, or choosing the right workshop after an accident, Anuja Solutions provides customer-first guidance and claim coordination across Assam.
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📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Policy?
Anuja Solutions – Car Care | Motor Insurance | Claim Support
📱 9458316059
🌍 India
We help you compare all companies and choose the perfect policy with complete clarity.