Mahindra Thar Delivery Mishap in Delhi: Will Insurance Cover a New Car Accident Right After Purchase?
A shocking incident in Delhi has raised a crucial question for new car buyers—what happens if a vehicle gets damaged immediately after delivery? Recently, a brand-new Mahindra Thar met with an unusual accident inside a showroom, leaving the car wrecked and the buyer injured.
The Incident: A Traditional Ritual Turns Into Disaster
In India, it is common for car owners to perform small rituals when taking delivery of a new vehicle. One such tradition involves crushing lemons under the car’s wheels as a symbol of good luck.
In this case, a woman attempting the ritual lost control of the vehicle. The SUV suddenly accelerated, crashed through the showroom’s glass wall, and fell down from the display area. The Mahindra Thar was completely damaged, while the woman sustained injuries and had to be rushed to a private hospital.
The shocking mishap left customers and staff in panic, but it also raised a bigger financial question—who bears the loss when such accidents happen during or right after delivery?
Who Is Responsible for Car Damage: Dealer or Buyer?
Experts explain that responsibility depends on the timing of the accident:
Damage Before Delivery
If the car is damaged while still in the custody of the dealer or during transport before being officially handed over, the dealership or manufacturer is responsible. In such cases, customers are either provided a replacement vehicle or compensated through the dealer’s insurance.
Damage After Delivery
Once the keys are handed over and the buyer takes possession, any damage caused thereafter becomes the buyer’s responsibility. If an accident occurs—even minutes after delivery—it is treated as an insurance case under the customer’s motor policy.
Will the Woman Get an Insurance Claim?
In this Delhi case, the car had already been handed over to the buyer, and she was in full control of the vehicle at the time of the accident. Since the mishap occurred due to driver error, the dealer or manufacturer cannot be held liable.
The woman will only be able to claim compensation if her motor insurance policy was activated before driving the car out of the showroom. Generally, most dealerships ensure insurance is issued and active at the time of delivery. However, if the policy was not active, the entire financial burden will fall on the buyer.
Key Takeaways for New Car Buyers
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Always Confirm Insurance Activation
Before driving your new car, ensure your insurance policy is active. Without it, you risk massive financial loss in case of accidents. -
Perform Rituals Safely
While traditional practices such as crushing lemons are common, they should be performed in a safe space outside the showroom, not in enclosed display areas. -
Test Drive Carefully
At the time of delivery, drive the car slowly and carefully in a designated parking or open area. -
Understand Legal Responsibility
Once the dealer hands over the keys, the car is legally your responsibility. Any damage from that point forward is considered your liability.
Conclusion
The Delhi Mahindra Thar accident is a reminder that even a small mistake during car delivery can result in huge financial losses. Buyers should double-check insurance coverage, avoid risky rituals inside showrooms, and handle the vehicle with extra caution in the initial moments after receiving the keys.
In short, once you take delivery, your new car’s safety—and the cost of any damage—is entirely in your hands
