The claim procedure is an important part of your car insurance policy. A car insurance claim is a request which a policyholder makes to his/her company for the reimbursement of the loss suffered by him/her due to accident or theft. Here, we will tell you everything about the car insurance claim.
Process of claiming car insurance
1. Intimate your Insurer
The first and the foremost step is to inform your insurer and give all the details about the mishap. Be comfortable with your insurer regarding details of the incident.
2. Register an FIR
File an FIR to your nearest police station, especially in case of fire explosion, accident, theft, and third-party loss.
3. Take pictures of the damaged car
Take clear photographs of the damaged car from all the angles. They will be considered as a proof that you need to give to your insurer for fast settlement of the claim.
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4. Assessment and Evaluation
An inspector will be assigned by your insurer to evaluate the damages. After checking, the inspector will send the report to your insurance company after which your claim will get settled.
5. Submit all the documents to your insurer
A list of documents needs to be submitted including FIR, a copy of your insurance policy, driving license of the driver, car registration certificate, etc.
6. Get your car repaired
Get your car repaired at a network garage of the insurer or you can take it to your home without paying bill. You will have to settle the bill after repair and file a reimbursement, in case of non-network garage.
Documents required to claim car insurance
In case of Accident Claim
- Filled claim with your signature
- Copy of your registration number (RC)
- Copy of your insurance policy
- Driving license of the driver
- Bill of car's repair cost
- Tax receipts
- Vehicle inspection garage
- Copy of the FIR
- Original repair bills
In case of thefts
- Police FIR copy
- Copy of insurance policy document
- Tax payment receipts
- Original car registration book
- Theft declaration from the RTO
- Material like keys, warranty cars
- Forms like 28, 29, 30 and 35
- Claim discharge voucher
- Official intimation from the RTO about theft and discontinuation of vehicle
In case of Third Party Claims
- Copy of FIR
- Copy of RC and DL
- Duly signed and filled claim form
Reasons when your car insurance claim can be rejected
1. Not informing your insurance company
This is the most common mistake that insurance holder do. You might have heard that people get the car repaired and then informing the insurer. However, you should always inform the insurer before getting it repaired. It helps the company to track the repair and makes easy to assess the damage and approve your claim.
2. Providing incorrect information
At the time of purchasing policy, if you have provided incorrect information to reduce premium amount and if your company finds it, your claim will be rejected. Therefore, never provide incorrect information.
3. Driving without license or with an Invalid license
Actions like driving with an invalid license, without driver's license or under intoxication are illegal in India. Hence, the insurance company can reject your claim.
4. Delaying to report the accident
Generally, the insurance company expect you to raise claim immediately after the incident. If you delay in reporting, your claim can be denied.
5. Using your private vehicle for commercial purpose
If you are using your private car for commercial purpose on a regular basis, there is a high chance that your claim get rejected in the case of an accident.
6. Modifying your car
If you make any changes during your policy period, you need to inform your insurer before it's renewed. The company will include these changes with additional premium if you told earlier. If you do not declare these changes, there's a good chance that your claim will get cancelled.
7. Not paying the premium of premium of your policy
The fixed amount of premium should be paid before the due date to approve your claim. By paying the premium on time, you can avoid any unnecessary rejections and insurer is able to process your claim.
Therefore, insurance companies do not reject your claims if you are claiming it for correct reasons. Be safe and careful while claiming.
