New GST on Vehicle Insurance Premiums

Updated: Jun 3, 2026 12 min read Vineet Goyal
Quick Summary
  • Vehicle insurance premiums now include an 18% GST for both private and commercial vehicles.
  • The GST applies to all types of vehicle insurance, including third-party, comprehensive, and add-ons like zero depreciation.
  • Businesses using commercial vehicles can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the GST if the vehicle is used exclusively for business.
  • Private car insurance does not qualify for ITC, but commercial vehicles for business use and fleet operators can claim it.
  • When buying or renewing insurance, invoices will show the base price plus 18% GST, and they must include the GSTIN to claim ITC.

Buying a vehicle is not complete without insurance. Whether it’s for your personal car or a fleet of commercial vehicles, insurance premiums now include  Goods and Services Tax (GST) . This blog breaks down the vehicle insurance gst rate, how it’s calculated, and what it means for your expenses.

The Government of India is updating GST rates effective after 22 Sep 2025. Below are the expected new GST rates for motor insurance services (no compensation cess).

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GST on Motor Vehicle Insurance Premium in India

Motor vehicle insurance premiums are taxable under GST. In most cases, private motor insurance, comprehensive motor insurance, and most add-on covers continue at 18% GST. However, third-party insurance of goods carriage is a specific exception and is now taxed at 5% GST with ITC from 22 Sep 2025.

New GST Rate for Motor Vehicle Insurance

Type of Insurance

Third-party motor insurance for private vehicles

New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Type of Insurance

Comprehensive vehicle insurance

New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Type of Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance - general / comprehensive

New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Type of Insurance

Third-party insurance of goods carriage

New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)

5%

Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)

12%

Type of Insurance

Add-on covers such as engine protect, tyre protect, zero dep, roadside assistance

New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)

Generally 18%

Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)

Generally 18%

Notes: The 12% slab is discontinued under the rationalised schedule; motor insurance remains at the standard 18%. Rate applies on the premium (including add-ons) as the taxable value per policy terms.

GST on Motor Vehicle Insurance Premium

For a normal motor insurance premium taxed at 18% GST:

  • Insurance premium: Rs 10,000
  • GST @ 18%: Rs 1,800
  • Total payable: Rs 11,800

For third-party insurance of goods carriage taxed at 5% GST:

  • Insurance premium: Rs 10,000
  • GST @ 5%: Rs 500
  • Total payable: Rs 10,500

So the amount of GST depends on the type of vehicle and the kind of policy, not just on whether it is called motor insurance.

GST on Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance should be stated carefully:

  • Commercial vehicle insurance is not automatically 18% in every case
  • Third-party insurance of goods carriage is now 5%
  • Other commercial motor insurance products, including many comprehensive policies, generally remain at 18%

Can You Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)?

ITC on motor insurance is not available just because the vehicle is used for business. It depends on the type of vehicle and the applicable GST restrictions.

A better version of the table is:

Scenario

Private car insurance for routine business use

Can Claim ITC?

No

Scenario

Insurance of goods vehicles used for transportation of goods

Can Claim ITC?

Yes

Scenario

Insurance for fleet / cab operators used for passenger transport

Can Claim ITC?

Yes

Scenario

Insurance for passenger vehicles used for further supply / dealer use in eligible cases

Can Claim ITC?

Yes

Scenario

Insurance for employee cars not covered by a specific exception

Can Claim ITC?

No

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

What is the GST on motor vehicle insurance premiums?

In most cases, motor vehicle insurance premiums attract 18% GST. However, third-party insurance of goods carriage is a specific exception and is taxed at 5% GST from 22 Sep 2025.

Is GST the same for third-party and comprehensive insurance?

Not always. For most private vehicle policies, both are generally at 18% GST. But third-party insurance of goods carriage is now taxed at 5% GST, so the answer is no longer a blanket yes.

What is the GST on commercial vehicle insurance?

Yes. GST on commercial vehicle insurance is 18%, and ITC can be claimed if used for business.

Can businesses claim ITC on motor insurance?

You must be GST-registered, use the vehicle for business, and ensure the invoice has your GSTIN.

Do add-on covers attract GST?

Yes. Add-on covers that form part of the motor insurance policy premium are generally taxed along with the policy. In most ordinary motor insurance cases, that is generally 18% GST.
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Vineet Goyal

Chartered Accountant

I am a chartered accountant with over 14 years of experience. I understand income tax, GST, and balancing financial records. I analyze financial statements and tax codes effectively. However, I also have a passion for writing, which is different from working with numbers. Recently, I started writing articles and blog posts. My goal is to make finance easier for everyday people to understand.

MRN: 411502 Delhi