How to File a Car Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

Car insurance is essential for safeguarding your vehicle against damages from accidents, natural disasters, or theft. Knowing how to file a motor insurance claim is crucial for a hassle-free process when you need financial support.

Impact Feature

Updated At : 03:03 PM Sep 17, 2024 IST

Having car insurance is necessary to protect the vehicle against damages caused by unexpected accidents or natural disasters and loss due to theft. Understanding how to submit a motor insurance claim is essential for ensuring a smooth process when you require financial assistance.

This detailed guide will walk you through the steps of filing a claim for comprehensive or third-party insurance.

Understanding Car Insurance Claims

A car insurance claim is a process in which a policyholder asks for compensation from the insurance provider for damages caused to the insured car due to accidents, natural or man-made disasters, fire, theft, etc. Today, all insurance companies provide a convenient car insurance online platform for submitting claims through their website or mobile app. This cuts down on unnecessary paperwork.

Typеs of Car͏ Insurance Claims

The following are various types of car insurance claims.

1. Cashless Claims

The insurance provider offers a cashless claim process, allowing you to get your car repaired at any of their network garages without having to make any out-of-pocket payments. The insurance company settles repair costs directly with the workshop. Here's the process:

File Your Claim: Initiate your claim using the insurer’s website or mobile app.
Pick-Up Service: Many insurance providers offer car pick-up service where your vehicle will be collected within a short time and sent to the insurer’s network garage for the repair work.
Immediate Repairs: Some insurers also offer quick repairs at affiliated garages.
Delivery: Once the repair work is completed, the insurance company makes payment directly to the network garage, after which you can receive your vehicle. In some cases, the mechanic’s shop will deliver your vehicle right at your doorstep

2. Reimbursement Claims

In a reimbursement claim, you choose a garage, pay for the repairs, and then submit receipts to the insurance company for a refund. Here is the procedure:

͏Inform the Insurer: Notify your insurance company regarding the damage.
Fix Your Car: Choose a garage to repair your vehicle.
Provide Receipts: Submit repair invoices through the insurer's website or mobile app.
Get Reimbursement: The insurance company reimburses the expenses as specified in the policy.

͏Stеps ͏to Filе͏ a Car Insurance Claim

The following are the steps to follow when making your insurance claim

Stеp 1: Inform Your Insurance Company

Immediately notify your insurer when an incident happens. You have the option to do this offline or through car insurance online services. You can contact the claims helpline, visit the claims section on the insurer's website, or use their mobile app.

Step 2: Inform the Authorities

In case of major damages to your car or involving a third party, file a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station. Slight damages might not necessitate an FIR, but it is advisable to consult with your insurer.

Step 3: Collect Evidence

Capture the damage by taking pictures and recording videos. This proof will back your claim during the verification process.

Step 4: Provide Necessary Documents

Submit the required paperwork to your insurance company. Commonly, these include:

Driving license of the driver
Copy of the insurance policy certificate
Registration Certificate (RC) for the insured vehicle
Proof of the policyholder's identity
FIR (in case of being filed)
Bills and receipts of repair, when making reimbursement claim.

Step 5: Car Inspection.

Your insurance company will dispatch a surveyor to assess the damage and confirm the claim. That expert’s report will determine the legitimacy of your claim.

Step 6: Have Your Vehicle Repaired

Based on your policy, you have the option to get your vehicle repaired at a network garage with a cashless settlement or at a workshop of your choice and then claim for reimbursement.

Step 7: Track Your Claim

The majority of insurers offer instant updates on the status of claims through SMS, WhatsApp alerts, and their mobile app.

Car Insurance Claims ͏for Diffеrеnt͏ Situations

The claim process varies depending on the type of claims made.

1. Accident Claims

Inform your Insurance Provider: Make sure you inform your insurance company about the accident.
Lodge an FIR: In case of significant damages, lodge a FIR.
Document the Damage: Record the damage by taking pictures and videos.
Submit Documents: Provide the required documents to your insurance provider.
Inspection and Repair: Permit the inspection of the vehicle by the surveyor before proceeding with repairs.

2. Thеft Claims

Lodge a First Information Report: Inform the local police about the theft.
Inform your Insurance Company: Report the theft to your insurer.
Submit Documents: Provide the FIR, registration certificate, and other necessary documents to the insurance company.
Non-Traceable Certificate: Provide a Non-Traceable Certificate (NTC) from the authorities if the vehicle is not located.
Settle the Claim: The insurer will resolve the claim according to the terms of the policy.

3. Third-Party Claims

Lodge a First Information Report: The third party should lodge an FIR.
Share Insurance Details: Provide your insurance details to the third party.
Notify the Insurer: Inform your insurer about the incident.
Legal Proceedings: In the event that you receive a legal notice, notify your insurer immediately.
Settlement: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) will determine the compensation.

4. Own Damage Claims

Inform the Insurer: Notify your insurance provider about the damage.
Submit Documents: Submit necessary papers such as the driver's license, insurance policy certificate, and repair invoices.
Inspection and Repair: The surveyor will examine the vehicle, then you can continue with necessary repairs.

Avoiding Denial of Claims

Insurance companies can deny claims for several reasons. In order to prevent rejections, adhere to these guidelines:

Verify that all information provided to the insurer is accurate and not misrepresented.
Comprehend the coverage and exclusions specified in your policy.
Inform your insurance company promptly after an incident occurs.
Ensure that the driver possesses a valid driving license
Do not attempt repairs before informing your insurance company to avoid any issues.
Make sure to submit your claims on time according to the specified period by your insurer.
Refrain from giving false information or creating fabricated evidence.

Ro͏lе of thе Surveyor

Surveyors, also known as Loss Assessors, have an important role in the claims process. They examine, measure, and confirm the amount of loss, offering a professional and impartial assessment. They ensure the claiming process is transparent and follows the insurer's guidelines.

Conclusion

Submitting a car insurance claim can be simple if you adhere to the right steps and provide accurate details. Whether you are submitting a cashless claim, reimbursement claim, or a third-party insurance claim, familiarising yourself with the process and having the required documents ready will guarantee a seamless and trouble-free experience.

Make sure to carefully review your policy document, understand your coverage and exclusions, and steer clear of common mistakes that may result in claim rejections. By following these steps, you can confidently manoeuvre through the car insurance claims process and receive the compensation you deserve

Disclaimеr: Thе abovе information is for illustrativе purposе only. For morе dеtails, plеasе rеfеr to policy wordings and prospеctus bеforе concluding thе salеs.

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