STEPS TO ENSURE YOUR CAR INSURANCE CLAIM IS SECURE

A car insurance claim is a process where the insured declares the insurance company to compensate for any damage against the policy taken. It could be due to accident, theft, fire, or natural & manmade calamities. An insurance claim can be filed online or you can also submit all documents to insurance company office for an offline claim. Ideally, to avoid unnecessary paperwork, fastening of the process and hassle-free experience, online claims are preferrable.

Types of car insurance claims

When you get your car repaired at any insurance company network garages, the repair costs are directly paid to the garage by the insurance company itself. This type of car insurance claim is the cashless claims. Under cashless claims, you are also offered a pick-up and drop facility by many insurance companies with a minimum turnaround repair time. There is also an options of instant claim settlements for minor damages to the car like a broken mirror or a dent.

The other kind of car insurance claim is Reimbursement. Here, you choose your own garage for damage repairs to your car. Once the repair work is done, all you need to do is submit receipts of the repair cost to your insurance company. As the insurance company receives all the details it will reimburse the cost as agreed in the car insurance policy.

Steps to car insurance claim

The process of raising an insurance claim is rather simpler. It is truly seamless and straightforward.

Step 1 - Firstly, submit your claim online or offline

Step 2 - Next your car shall be picked up for repairs

Step 3 - Then, once the repairs are completed, you get your car repaired and healed

Step 4 – All the costs are borne by the insurance company so you have complete security

Keep in mind, the documents needed for car insurance claim include;

• Your driving licence proof
• Copy of your insurance policy
• RC - Registration certificate of the insured car
• Your identification proofs
• FIR - First information report copy
• Fire brigade report copy
• Cancelled cheque
• Original purchase invoice in case of return to invoice add-on cover
• Any other document as requested by the insurance company

Claim rejection

Though we have a security of claims on an insurance policy, there are chances your claim gets rejected. Remember, an insurance company reserves the right to accept or reject a claim. So, it is highly advisable to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting your claim rejected.

• Incorrect or misrepresentation of any information
• Claims raised against damage that is not covered in the insurance policy
• Getting your car repaired before or without informing the insurance company
• If claim is raised after the car insurance policy has expired
• Not disclosing information like any modifications made to the insured car
• In case of driving the insured car without a valid driving licence
• If the insurance of your second-hand car is still under the previous car owner
• In case the insured car owner or driver uses the car for any other purposes than those stated in the insurance policy
• False or fraudulent claim made with untruthful information
• Driving of the insured car under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substances
• Damages to your car other than accident or theft like due to carelessness of starting the engine of a water-logged car
• Claims raised for anything not as per the terms and conditions of the insurance policy

 

You need to follow the right rules and regulations in regards to claims for insurance. It is important to have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of the insurance policy as well. Remember in situations like, repair fee being higher than the depreciated value of the car, only insured declared value gets reimbursed. Such facets should be known and acknowledged for while opting for claims.

Tips to avoid claims rejection

Getting a claim rejected can be a stressful experience as you will have to bear any cost of damages to the car. It is important to follow all the rules and regulations to get clear claims procedure and avoid any claims rejection. Here are few tips to help you avoid insurance claims rejection;

• Always drive with a valid driving licence
• Always follow traffic rules and regulations
• Never drink and drive
• Read the insurance policy terms and conditions carefully
• Understand the claim process properly
• Make sure to know all the coverage and exclusion of insurance policy

 

Conclusion

Car insurance claims is a very secure process, provided you state honest and complete information. It is essential to make full disclosure of all details and facts to your car to avoid any claims rejection and to ensure your compensation process is smooth. Any misleading or misrepresented information is a big no-no when it comes to car insurance claims. Always remember to have distinct and accurate understanding of the policy terms and execution of the claims following all the necessary rules and regulations. Always ensure your car insurance claim is secure!

 

FAQs – Frequently asked questions.

Let's take a look at some frequent queries on steps to ensure your car insurance claim is secure;

 

Q1. Is it okay to not inform the insurance company at the time of repairing my car?

Ans. No, to ensure your claim does not get rejected, it is important to let the insurance company know of any repairs being done to your insured car.

Q2. Is there a compensation if my car is totalled’ due to an accident?

Ans. Yes, in case the insured car is totalled’ or in total loss due to an accident, you shall receive the sum assured or the insured declared value -IDV as compensation against your insurance policy.

Q3. Does comprehensive car insurance policy cover engine damage due to flooding?

Ans. No, the basic comprehensive cover does not provide for engine repair. However, you can choose the engine protect add-on cover to enhance your security.

Q4. Is it wise to file a claim for minor scratches on car?

Ans. No, for minor repairs like scratches or negligible dent, it is not advisable to file a claim. In case you do claim, you shall lose the No Claim Bonus discount while renewing the policy. Remember, it is wise to file a claim only if the repair cost is greater than the No Claim Bonus -NCB.

Q5. Does filing a car insurance claim upsurge the renewal premium?

Ans. No, the renewal premium of car is based on the age, location, model, and variant and number of claims raised. When you raise a claim during the policy period there is cancellation of the NCB discount. So, if you raise several claims during the policy period, the renewal premium can increase.

Q6. Is it okay to claim car insurance more than once in a year?

Ans. Yes, car insurance more than once in year is allowed however it is not advisable as repeated claims reduces the NCB as well as increases the renewal premium amount.

Q7. Can a car insurance claim be cancelled?

Ans. Yes, a car insurance claim can be cancelled, however it is subject to rules and regulations of the insurance company as well as the policy.

Q8. Is it advisable to raise a claim before car insurance policy renewal?

Ans. No, it is wise to submit a claim only when it is necessary. Raising claims for minor damages can be affect your NCB. Only claim for damages that are substantial.

Q9. Does a car insured become secure the moment it leaves the car showroom?

Ans.Yes, once you purchase car insurance along with the car, it is covered and comes under the protection of insurance. It is mandatory in India that a motor vehicle must be insured with the Third-party liability policy before being driven on public roads.

Q10. Is it necessary to file a First Information Report -FIR after an accident?

Ans.Yes, as part of the claim settlement documents you need to submit an FIR report copy to verify that your car has been stolen or damaged due to an accident, including third-party accidents.