The purpose of automobile insurance coverage is to safeguard your finances in the event of unforeseen circumstances like theft, accidents, or natural disasters. And after you successfully file a claim for car insurance, you realize the true worth of insurance. The claim procedure is perplexing to many policyholders, which frequently results in delays or denials.

This comprehensive guide explains the car insurance claim process step by step, including how to do so, what kinds of claims are available, what paperwork is needed, and best practices to guarantee a speedy settlement.

What is a car insurance claim?

A formal request for monetary compensation submitted by the policyholder to the insurance provider following a covered occurrence, such as an accident or vehicle theft, is known as a car insurance claim.

Following the filing of the claim, the insurer confirms the incident and, if it is accepted, pays either:

• The beneficiary, or
• In the event of cashless claims, the authorized garage

What are the different types of car insurance claims?

It's critical to comprehend the kinds of auto insurance claims since each one calls for a different strategy. Knowing which claim category your incident falls under not only helps speed up the settlement process but also ensures you follow the correct how to make a claim. In general, there are three primary categories of auto insurance claims, each of which is intended to handle a certain form of liability, loss, or damage.

Cashless Car Insurance Claim

With a cashless car insurance claim, you can have your automobile fixed at any of the insurer's approved network garages without having to pay for it up front. Once the damage has been confirmed, the insurer pays the garage directly. This makes the procedure quicker, more convenient and less stressful for the policyholder.

Ideal for: Damage and accidents that occur close to a network garage.

Reimbursement for Car Insurance

In order to file a reimbursement claim, the policyholder must first cover all repair costs out of pocket and then send the insurer the necessary paperwork, bills, and receipts. After validating the claim, the insurer reimburses the approved amount as per the policy terms. This option gives flexibility to choose any garage, including those outside the insurer’s network.

Ideal for: Non-network garages that perform repairs.

Claim for Third-Party Insurance

A third-party insurance claim is raised when your vehicle causes injury, death or property damage to another individual. In these situations, the insurance assumes the liability on your behalf, guaranteeing your legal financial security. These claims are not settled immediately by the insurer but are handled and decided by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) based on evidence and damage assessment.

Note: Damage to your own car is not covered by this kind of claim.

How to file a car insurance claim?

It can be intimidating to file a car insurance claim, particularly in stressful circumstances like accidents or unanticipated damage. Knowing the precise procedures can help you maintain composure, make the appropriate decisions, get emergency services after an accident and steer clear of typical blunders that could cause your claim to be delayed.

You may guarantee an easier, quicker, and more effective claim settlement by adhering to a methodical, planned approach. The process normally comprises prompt intimation, adequate documentation, inspection, repair permissions and ultimate settlement, all of which work together to protect you financially when you need it the most.

Step 1: Compile Crucial Details Regarding the Event

Make sure to gather all pertinent information about the occurrence before filing a claim:

• Make a note of the event's date, time, and precise location.
• Determine the kind and degree of damage done to your car.
• Capture images or video proof of the car and the incident scene.
• If additional vehicles or individuals are involved, document their details as well.

Giving the insurer accurate and comprehensive information at this point speeds up their assessment of the problem and reduces the possibility of inconsistencies during verification.

Step 2: Notify the insurance provider right away

Inform your insurance company as soon as you can. Early notification for car insurance claims lowers the chances of claim rejection. To inform the insurance provider connect via a:

• Customer service hotline
• Mobile application
• Insurer’s website

In the process of filing a car insurance claim, early notification is crucial, particularly in situations involving theft or significant damage.

Step 3: File a FIR (If Required)

When making a claim, a copy of the FIR must be provided in the following situations:

• Automobile theft
• Serious incidents
• Death or injury to third parties
• Natural disasters or fires

Step 4: File the Car Insurance Claim

You can file a car insurance claim online or offline by providing:

• Policy number
• The incident's date, time, and location
• Brief summary of harm or loss

Most insurers now offer digital claim filing for faster and convenient processing.

Step 5: A surveyor inspects the vehicle

The insurer designates a surveyor to evaluate the damage following claim registration. The surveyor:

• Inspects the vehicle
• Captures images
• Calculates the approximate cost of repairs

If the insurer hasn't given the go-ahead, don't fix the car before the inspection.

Step 6: Repair Approval and Garage Selection

• Bring the car to a network garage for cashless claims.
• For reimbursement claims, choose any garage but retain all bills.

The insurance accepts the repair estimate before work begins.

Step 7: Repair and Claim Settlement

Once repairs are completed: - In Cashless claim, the garage is paid immediately by the insurer - Make a reimbursement claim by submitting your invoices.

The insurer settles the claim in accordance with the provisions of the policy after verification.

Documents Required for Car Insurance Claim

The documents may vary depending on the claim type and insurer but generally include:

• Car insurance policy copy
• Driving Licence (D.L.)
• Registration Certificate (RC)
• FIR copy (if applicable)
• Claim form
• Repair bills and receipts
• Photos of car damage

Note: Incomplete documentation can delay car insurance claim approval.

What is the usual time involved in a car insurance claim settlement?

The car insurance claim settlement time might vary depending on the insurance providers. However, the majority of insurers resolve disputes within:

• Cashless Claims: 3-7 working days
• Reimbursement Claims : 7-14 working days

Inaccurate information or missing documents are typically the cause of delays.

What are the common reasons for car insurance claim rejection?

It's easier to avoid mistakes when you know what causes rejection, if the damage is caused to the car following the following reasons:

• Expired insurance policy
• Driving without a valid license
• Driving under the influence
• Postponed notification of a claim
• Non-disclosure of previous damages
• Using the car for business without insurance

To avoid facing cancellation of the car insurance, always carefully read the terms of your policy.

How to Make Your Auto Insurance Claim Process Easy?

The car insurance process is not complex, but to ensure that you get a claim, you need to take care of some things, and they are:

• Inform the insurance provider promptly after the incident.
• Take clear pictures of any damage.
• Do not make unapproved fixes.
• Save all of your original receipts and bills.
• Give precise details.

The likelihood of a successful settlement of an auto insurance claim increases when these tips are followed.

Conclusion

If you follow the correct procedures, filing a car insurance claim doesn't have to be difficult. Being knowledgeable guarantees a speedier settlement and less trouble, from prompt notification and documentation to selecting the appropriate claim type. To stay safe, keep your policy up to date and your documentation close to hand.

Other car services on park+ : Valet Services, FASTag, Car Insurance, E-Challan