Gaurav Arora, Chief Commercial Lines & Motor (Underwriting & Claims)
Your car is no longer just a machine on wheels — it is a connected digital device. From smartphones and infotainment systems to navigation and payment apps, modern vehicles are increasingly plugged into the digital ecosystem, creating vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Addressing this emerging risk, ICICI Lombard has introduced India’s first motor cyber insurance cover. The Motor Cyber Cover protects customers against cyber incidents affecting the insured vehicle.“Today, our ecosystem is digitally connected, with a vast number of smartphones being used by both individuals and businesses. Vehicles, too, are increasingly connected to digital devices. Electric vehicles are inherently more software-driven, but even conventional fuel-powered cars now come equipped with advanced software and connectivity features, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks,” Gaurav Arora, Chief Commercial Lines & Motor (Underwriting & Claims) told businessline. The cover extends to losses resulting from hackers gaining access to financial data or digital assets through a connected vehicle. It also provides protection against incidents such as cyber-enabled vehicle immobilisation or lockouts —where attackers demand a ransom to restore access — as well as damage to vehicle software caused by hacking.“We saw a clear need to address this emerging risk and developed what we believe is an industry-first motor cyber insurance cover for customers using connected vehicles. The cover will be available as an optional rider for policyholders who wish to opt for it,” Arora said.The Motor Cyber Cover covers risks such as unauthorised access, hacking, digital compromise, cyber extortion, theft of funds and legal liabilities arising from cyber attacks through the vehicle and its connected devices. The cover also pays for ransom of digitally hacked vehicles making it inoperable. It also pays for restoring the access & reinstallation of software affected due to cyber incidents. Additionally, it also covers indemnification for direct financial loss arising out of unauthorised access of digital wallets. Published on August 7, 2026
