HOW TO FILE A CLAIM IN CAR INSURANCE

So, you have bought your first ever car, and to ensure maximum safety, you have also bought car insurance. So, what next? You must be busy planning your first road trip in your new car. Or, maybe you are to take your better half on a long romantic drive or a date night.

But wait! God Forbid if your car meets with an accident, do you know how to file a car insurance claim? If not, then this blog is meant for you! Scroll down and go through this elaborate guide to know all about car insurance claim procedure in detail.

 

Filing a car insurance claim – What does it actually mean?

When you purchase a comprehensive or third-party car insurance policy, it helps you in bringing down your financial liabilities in case of a car accident. However, it is necessary that you inform your insurer when such a mishap takes place. When you intimate the details of the accident to the insurance company, the process involved is called filing a car insurance claim.

The car insurance claim process requires you to provide as much information as possible. Also, you have to furnish all the relevant documents. If your claim falls in line with the Terms and Conditions of the car insurance policy, the insurer will compensate for the losses and damage.

 

Documents required for motor insurance claim process

• Copy of car insurance policy
• Duly filled claim form
• Copy of FIR
• Copy of driving license and RC
• Original repair bills in case of reimbursement facility
• Medical receipts in case there are some physical injuries as well.

 

Types of car insurance claim

• Reimbursement claim:

In case you cannot take your car to any of the network garages, you can simply take the car to any garage of your choice and get the car repaired by paying money yourself. Later, you can get the amount reimbursed by your insurer. You will have to submit your original repair bills if you wish to opt for a reimbursement claim.

• Cashless claim:

When you go for a cashless claim, you do not have to make any upfront payment. All you are required to do is to bring your car to any of the network garages offered by your insurance company. The insurer will directly settle the expenses by making the payment to the garage.

 

Step-by-step car insurance claim procedure

1. You need to get in touch with your insurance company

Once you are in your senses (both literally and metaphorically!) after the accident, you need to inform the insurance company about the mishap without any further delay. For this, you can either use their mobile app or visit the official website.

2. Next, share all the details with the insurer

You need to collect as much information as you can and share the same with the insurance company. For instance, you will have to share the vehicle number, contact details, etc., of the other party who also got involved with you in the accident. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you can get their contact details as well.

3. It is advisable to register a police complaint about the accident

Registering a police complaint is not compulsory. However, we suggest you file a complaint at the nearest police station. This proves to be highly beneficial in accident cases where you cannot decide as to whose fault it is actually. Share relevant details with the police such as accident spot, time of the accident, vehicle number, eye-witnesses, etc. Make sure you keep a copy of the FIR with yourself.

4. File your car insurance claim

Filing the claim is super easy. You can either do it manually or simply fill the claim form online as well. You need to fill in a claim form provided by your insurance company. Also, you will have to submit all the documents that we have enlisted above.

5. Take your car to the garage to get it fixed:

After filing your claim and getting the approval of the insurance company, you can take your car to any garage (in case of reimbursement claim) or in a network garage (in case of a cashless claim).

The insurance claim process for car accidents is similar in the case of third-party claims, car theft claims, or own damage claims.

 

FAQs

 

Q1: I was drunk while the car accident took place? Will my accident claim be considered?

Ans: If your medical reports indicate that you were drunk driving during the accident, the car insurance company will reject your claim.

 

Q2: I am the second owner of my car, and the insurance still bears the name of the first owner. Can I file a claim for car insurance?

Ans: No, your claim won’t be accepted. As soon as you purchase as car, it is necessary that you get the ownership and car insurance transferred in your name.

 

Q3: Can the insurance company reject my claim if I do not inform them about the accident within the given time frame?

Ans: Yes, the insurer has the right to reject your claim if you have not informed them about the accident within the given timeline.

 

Q4:  Which is more profitable – reimbursement claim or cashless claim?

Ans: Both have their own sets of perks and shortcomings. In case of a reimbursement claim, you have the freedom to get your car fixed in any garage of your choice. But first, you have to pay the expenses from your own pocket. In case of a cashless claim, you need to take yours in any of the network garages mentioned in the insurance policy. However, you need not pay a single penny, and the insurance company itself will settle the expenditure on your behalf.