FOR HOW MANY TIMES ONE CAN CLAIM FOR A CAR INSURANCE POLICY IN INDIA

Being a car owner with a solid insurance plan gives you the financial backing in case of an accident or damage to the car. Getting the financial compensation from the insurance provider in such a case is called a claim. Here is a question that ponders your mind: how many times can one claim a car insurance policy in India?

Let's have a detailed look at it.

How many claims are permitted for car insurance in a year?

Usually, there are no limitations on the number of claims one can make under the car insurance policy in an entire year. However, there are several factors attached to it. Like, in such a case, the car insurance claim affects the no claim bonus and may also increase the premium as and when you renew the car insurance policy.

Remember, in the case of a Zero Depreciation cover for the car insurance plan; there is a specific set number of claims you can make in an entire year. The number of claims permitted under this cover varies with different insurance providers.

 

"Not having a contingency plan or never performing risk analysis and mitigation activities is like not having an insurance plan for yourself." ― Pooja Agnihotri

 

How many car insurance claims are considered too many?

Car insurance claims majorly depend on the type of claim and the extent of damage to the car. However, it is recommended not to raise a claim if the damages are minor, like a dent on the bumper or a broken mirror. It is advisable to file a claim against the car insurance only if the damages are severe and require a considerable amount of repair or car parts replacement.

 

What is the impact of multiple car insurance claims on your car insurance policy?

Though there are no limits on the number of claims, you should be watchful when filing a claim in the car insurance policy. Multiple car insurance claims can impact your car insurance policy with;

 

• No claim bonus: No claim bonus or NCB is the discount on the premium you earn for making no claims during the insurance policy period. The percentage of discount increases with every claim-free year. The discount can go up to fifty percent if you file zero claims for five successive years. So, if you do make a claim, you will miss out on the NCB benefits. It is advisable to make a car insurance claim only if the repair cost is greater than the NCB discount.

 

• Premium amount increase: If you file multiple claims in the car insurance policy, the insurer may increase the premium when you renew the insurance policy. As multiple claims mean that you pose a greater risk to the insurance provider, and to cover that, the insurer might increase the insurance policy's premium.

• Deductible component: It is wise not to file a claim if the repair cost is lower or slightly greater than the deductible in your car insurance policy. So, in such a case, even if you file a claim, you will receive insufficient compensation due to the deductible component factor.
• Zero depreciation cover limit: If you have purchased a Zero depreciation cover for the car insurance policy, the insurance provider will not consider the depreciation rate at the time of settling claims. Still, there may be a limit on the number of claims you can make under this cover.

 

‘’If there is anyone dependent on your income, like your parents, children, or relatives, for instance, then you need life insurance’’. - Suze Orman

 

In the financial year 2019, the insurance claims ratio of private multi-line insurers across India was 75 percent, while that of public multi-line insurers stood at 102 percent. The claims ratio differential has increased significantly in the country. The claims ratio is the percentage of insurance claims costs that a company incurs concerning the premiums earned in a financial year. An ideal claims ratio is considered to be between 75 and 90 percent. If the value is greater than expected, there is a potential for fraud regarding the claim. At the same time, a lower ratio can indicate unconnected products or difficulty for insurance policy holders in getting their claims settled rightfully.

 

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

 

Let’s look at some frequent queries on how many times one can claim for a car insurance policy;

Q1. Can the car insurance provider cancel the car insurance policy for making too many claims?

No. Normally, a car insurance provider cannot cancel insurance policy for making multiple claims. However, the insurer may increase the premium when the policy is up for getting renewed.

 

Q2. Can I raise an insurance claim if my car gets a dented bumper?

Officially, yes you can raise an insurance claim for the car insurance policy in case of a dented bumper or even a broken mirror. However, it is advisable that you avoid filing claims for minor damages as in such case you shall miss the NCB- No claim bonus discount. Filing a claim if the repair costs are greater than the NCB is ideal.

 

Q3. What documents are generally needed to file a car insurance claim?

Though each insurance provider gives a set of documents needed for the claims procedure of a car insurance policy, the general documents like original car insurance policy, driver’s license, filled claim form, and the repair charges bill. There is also an option of filing car insurance claim online these days, for most insurance providers.

 

Q4. Is it sensible to file claims in small amounts?

It is advisable to not claim for minor damages. Before filing a claim, you should broadly assess factors like actual amount of loss or damage to the car, the number of applicable deductibles and the no claim bonus applicable to the car insurance policy.