The pollution under control (PUC) certificate is an essential document you must have while driving two-wheelers. This certificate has the vehicle's registration number and other vital information such as emission test reading, date of emission test, etc. Its primary function is to confirm that the bike's internal combustion engine (ICE) meets the required carbon emission levels.
When you renew your comprehensive bike insurance, you need to produce this certificate to get your bike insured. However, do you need it while filing a bike insurance claim? Read on to find out.
What Does the Rule Say?
As per rules set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), while insurers can't insure a bike or renew comprehensive bike insurance unless it has a valid PUC certificate, there's no rule that you need to have a PUC certificate for filing a claim. In other words, the insurer can't reject your claim because you don't have a valid PUC certificate. It clarified the same in a circular issued in August 2020.
That said, you shouldn't drive a bike without a valid PUC certificate, as it's a punishable offence under the prevailing regulations. Therefore, it's advisable to get your PUC certificate renewed before its expiry is advisable.
Why is PUC Certificate Made Mandatory for Bike Insurance Renewal?
Of late, there's a growing awareness about climate change and carbon emissions worldwide. Global economies are actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint to protect the environment. Note that carbon emissions have a cascading effect on the environment. At the same time, they are a health hazard and severely impact the lives of people surrounded by poor air quality.
To curb rising pollution levels, the Supreme Court of India accepted the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPC) recommendation to ensure the compulsory linking of the PUC certificate while renewing bike insurance. In response, IRDAI 2018 asked all general insurers to follow the Supreme Court's directive while renewing bike insurance.
How Does the PUC Certificate Help in Policy Renewal?
Whether you renew bike insurance online or offline, a valid PUC certificate helps in policy renewal quickly. If you don't have one, it can delay the process, and your insurance policy may lapse. Riding without a valid insurance plan can result in a penalty. Renewing your policy on time with a valid PUC certificate helps you abide by the law and shows your concern for the environment.
What Does the PUC Certificate Have and How to Obtain One?
The PUC certificate has the following details:
· Your vehicle’s registration number
· Date of PUC test
· Reading of the PUC test
· PUC certificate number
· The validity date of the certificate
The validity of the PUC certificate is six months from the issue date. You need to renew it every six months. There are two ways to obtain a PUC certificate - online and offline.
· Obtaining a PUC Certificate Online
To obtain a PUC certificate online
o Visit https://puc.parivahan.gov.in/puc/ and click on “PUC certificate”.
o Enter your bike’s registration number, chassis number (the last five characters), and the captcha and click on “Get details”.
o Next, you’ll need to pay the applicable fee online, which will redirect you to an authorised centre for a pollution check. You will also get a unique identification number, date and time of the test.
o Visit the center on the said date and time for pollution check.
o Post the check, you will receive the PUC certificate.
· Obtaining a PUC Certificate Offline
To get a PUC certificate offline:
o Visit the nearest authorised PUC testing centre with your bike.
o Get the pollution check done
o Once your bike passes the PUC test, you will get the PUC certificate upon paying the applicable fees
Permissible Carbon Levels for Two-wheelers
The table below shows the permissible levels for two-wheeler PUC certificates:
Bike Type |
Carbon Monoxide in % |
Hydrocarbon in PPM |
BS VI two-wheeler (CNG / LPG) |
0.5 |
500 |
BS VI two-wheeler (Petrol) |
0.5 |
500 |
The price of issuing a PUC certificate can vary from Rs 60 to Rs 100. Cost can differ depending on the bike type and across states. The penalty for not obtaining a PUC certificate is Rs 1,000 for first-time offenders and Rs 2,000 for repeat offences.
In conclusion
As evident, a PUC certificate is not necessary for claiming bike insurance but is required for insurance renewal. Set reminders to ensure you renew this certificate on time without fail. Timely renewal of your PUC certificate and bike insurance not only ensures you meet regulatory requirements but also guarantees continued coverage.