As cars go digitally connected, ICICI Lombard launches motor cyber cover

Gaurav Arora, Chief Commercial Lines & Motor (Underwriting & Claims)

A modern car is far more than just metal on wheels; it has become a networked digital gadget. With smartphones, infotainment, navigation, and payment apps, today’s vehicles are tightly linked to the digital world, opening them up to cyber risks. To meet this new challenge, ICICI Lombard launched India’s inaugural motor cyber insurance policy.  

Key Takeaways

• ICICI Lombard launched India’s first motor cyber insurance policy, the Motor Cyber Cover.
• The policy protects vehicle owners from cyber events affecting increasingly connected, software-driven cars.
• Chief Commercial Lines & Motor executive Gaurav Arora said even traditional petrol and diesel cars now carry sophisticated connectivity features.
• The launch responds to growing digital integration in modern vehicles, from infotainment to payment apps.

 The Motor Cyber Cover shields policy‑holders from cyber events that affect their insured vehicle.

“Our world is now digitally intertwined, with countless smartphones in the hands of individuals and enterprises. Cars are likewise getting more connected to digital gadgets. While electric models are naturally software‑centric, even traditional petrol or diesel cars now ship with sophisticated software and connectivity options, leaving them exposed to cyber attacks,” said Gaurav Arora, Chief Commercial Lines & Motor (Underwriting & Claims) in an interview with businessline. 

The policy covers losses when hackers infiltrate financial data or digital assets via a linked vehicle. It also guards against scenarios where cyber‑criminals immobilise or lock the vehicle and demand a ransom to regain access, as well as any harm to the vehicle’s software caused by intrusion.

“Recognising the growing threat, we crafted what we believe is the sector’s first motor cyber insurance offering for owners of connected cars. It will be offered as an optional add‑on for those who want it,” Arora added.

The Motor Cyber Cover addresses risks including unauthorised entry, hacking, digital compromise, cyber extortion, fund theft, and legal liabilities stemming from cyber attacks that originate from the vehicle or its connected devices. 

The cover also reimburses ransom payments when a vehicle is rendered unusable by a digital breach, funds the restoration of access and reinstallation of compromised software, and provides compensation for direct monetary loss arising from illicit access to digital wallets.  

Published on August 7, 2026