When it comes to your financial documents, managing and ensuring they are in order, can be a challenge. This is especially applicable to important papers, such as your driving license, identity proofs, and insurance policies. To address this issue, the Government of India introduced DigiLocker. It is a secure digital platform that lets you store, access, and share official documents online.
Whether you want to show the traffic authority your driving license or let the network hospital know about your insurance plan, DigiLocker has made the process easier. Let’s explore more about DigiLocker, how it works, the benefits it can provide, and more.
Let’s begin with understanding what DigiLocker is.
What is DigiLocker?
It is a digital document storage service launched by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) under the Digital India programme. It serves as a secure cloud-based document wallet or a kind of ‘digital locker’, where Indian citizens can store and access important documents anytime, anywhere.
As per Rule 9A of the Information Technology Rules, 2016, documents in DigiLocker are considered legally valid and at par with original physical copies. This makes it a reliable platform for storing documents, such as Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, insurance policies, and more, in a safe manner.
Now that you know what DigiLocker is, let’s explore its workings.
How Does DigiLocker Work?
DigiLocker works in a simple manner. You download the app on your smartphone, create an account, and choose the documents you need to store on the app. When these documents have to be displayed or shared, you can simply open the app and access them to do the needful.
Here’s the procedure in detail:
Download the DigiLocker app or visit https://www.digilocker.gov.in/.
Register using your mobile number or Aadhaar number.
Link your Aadhaar to verify your identity.
Choose the documents you need to store in DigiLocker from amongst the various categories on display.
You will be sent an OTP (One-Time Password) to verify your identity for each document you are looking to store.
Once verified, the documents will arrive in a digital format in your DigiLocker account.
You can access issued documents (such as PAN, driving license, or insurance policies) directly from government databases, into your digital locker. For this to happen, the issuer should be integrated with DigiLocker. For instance, if you want to upload your insurance policy, your insurer should be partnered with DigiLocker.
DigiLocker is easy and safe to use. It uses advanced encryption to keep documents safe. Furthermore, once the documents are in the DigiLocker app, you can easily share documents with government agencies, banks, or insurance companies with just a click.
Benefits of Using DigiLocker
There are many advantages to using DigiLocker that make document handling easier for users:
With the DigiLocker app, users can access their documents at any time from their phone, tablet, or laptop. Whether you are at home or travelling somewhere, your files are always with you.
Documents in DigiLocker are legally recognised and treated the same as original paper documents by government bodies, banks, and other institutions.
The platform uses encryption and secure login methods to keep your documents safe from fraud or misuse. Moreover, it is a free service provided by the government.
With DigiLocker, you no longer need to carry bulky files or worry about misplacing papers. DigiLocker supports India’s move towards a digital-first future.
You can instantly share your documents with requesting agencies (such as schools, banks, or insurers) via the DigiLocker app. This will not only save your time, but also the energy often spent searching, gathering, and carrying this kind of paperwork.
Eco-Friendly and Efficient
By going digital, DigiLocker reduces the need for printing and storing physical copies. This can help the environment as well as your desk stay clutter-free.
To understand the benefits of DigiLocker in a better way, let’s see how it can ease your insurance journey.
How Does DigiLocker Make Your Insurance Journey Easier?
If you are a policyholder, the DigiLocker app on your phone can be a boon to you in many ways.
Stores All Kinds of Policies in One Place
With this digital locker, you can store all types of insurance policies, such as life, health, motor, or travel, in one digital folder. No need to search through multiple emails or paper files.
Provides Quick Access During Claims
In emergencies like accidents or hospitalisations, time is crucial. DigiLocker lets you access and share your policy in an instant and speeds up the claims process.
Reduces Risk of Document Loss
Losing a physical insurance document can delay your claim. But the digital copy of your insurance policy in DigiLocker is stored safely and cannot be misplaced.
Makes Document Sharing Simpler
To share your insurance policy with your provider or hospital, you can just select the document and access it directly from DigiLocker.
To enjoy the above benefits, you must first ensure your policy is stored in the DigiLocker app.
How to Add and Download Your Insurance Policy in DigiLocker?
If you are wondering how to add and download your insurance policy in DigiLocker, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the DigiLocker app or website.
Step 2. Log in and go to the ‘Banking and Insurance’ section.
Step 3. Choose your insurance provider from the list of integrated issuers.
Step 4. Choose the type of policy – life insurance, motor insurance, health insurance, etc.
Step 5. Enter policy details such as your policy number or registered mobile number.
Step 6. Once authenticated, your policy will appear and be saved in your digital locker.
Step 7. Once your policy has been added, you can always come back to it on DigiLocker and download it:
Navigate to ‘Categories’
Select ‘Industry and Private Sector’
Select the name of your choice of insurer
Choose the product
In Policy Type, select ‘Policy Copy’
Enter your policy number
Select ‘Get Document’
The policy will then be downloaded.
With DigiLocker, managing documents has become easier than ever. From storing to sharing and verifying, the DigiLocker app makes every step easier. As a policyholder, knowing how to download your insurance policy in DigiLocker can allow you to enjoy convenience, security, and peace of mind. It is truly a smart and safe way to take control of your insurance journey in a digital world.