How to Claim Car Insurance After an Accident in India?

Car insurance is a legal mandate to drive a car in India. Having one not only provides compliance of legal requirements, but also financial protection from damages and accidents. When you are buying a car insurance policy, there are two types of plans to choose from – a third-party policy or a comprehensive plan. A third-party policy is the one that provides protection from legal liabilities that may arise in the event of accident or damage injuring a person outside the contract of insurance, i.e. a third person which is why it is also known as liability-only plan. However, it has certain limitations as it does not offer coverage for own-damage to your vehicle. For that, you can opt for a comprehensive policy. This policy protects you against any repair costs that might be required in the event of an accident or damage. A comprehensive policy has three components - third party cover, own-damage cover and personal accident cover that together make up a comprehensive plan. * Standard T&C Apply

Steps you Need to Take to Raise an Insurance Claim

With the help of a car insurance policy, damages to your car as well for third person can be covered under the insurance claim.

1. Intimation to the insurance company

Informing the insurance company is the first step that you need to take in the event of an accident. Since the timelines are set to submit your claim, it is critical to inform about such event to the insurer. Failing this, the insurance company can reject your application too.

2. File an FIR

FIR or first information report is a legal report that needs to be filed reporting the accident with the governing police jurisdiction. The FIR stands as a legal document that takes a note of the events like theft, accidents, fires, etc. In cases of accidents where a third-party is injured, it is essential to file such FIR for any compensation to be paid to such third person.

3. Record the evidence

With a smartphone by your side, you can take pictures to record the evidence of such accident; be it to your car or such third person as it is critical to accumulate the evidence of the accident that took place and claim compensation for it. Further, you must also note the vehicle details of such other person as it will be required to be mentioned in your insurance claim.

4. Submission of documents

Once you have filed an FIR and accumulated necessary evidences concerning the accident and its damages, you need to submit them along with other documents like copy of your insurance policy, copy of driver’s license, copy of registration and PUC certificate of your car to the insurance company. Once all these documents are submitted with your claim form, only then the insurance company proceeds with estimating the pay-out based on damage. These are simple steps to make a claim from your insurance company. Although each insurance company has specific steps that need to be followed, they are more or less similar to the above-mentioned ones. Among the two types, it is bare minimum requirement to purchase third party car insurance, online or offline. So, take advantage of the benefits offered by the insurance cover and get yourself a suitable insurance policy today!  Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

Types of Car Insurance Claims

There are two different types of car insurance claims that you should know about, cashless and reimbursement claims.

Cashless Claim

1. Insurers offer you with the facility of cashless claims at network garages associated with them
2. If you take your vehicle to one of the network garages for repair work, you don't have to pay the bill. Your insurer will directly settle the final amount with the garage

Reimbursement Claim

1. In case you take your vehicle to a garage that is not affiliated with your insurer, you will have to opt for reimbursement claim
2. For this, you will have to pay for the repair expenses from your own pocket and later file a claim for the same with your insurer
3. It is advised to maintain all original receipts, bills, invoices, etc. for the claim process. The insurance provider will then validate the submitted bills and process your claim accordingly

How to File a Car Insurance Claim for Accidental Damage?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file a claim for car accidental damage under comprehensive car insurance after an unforeseen accident:

1. Notify the Insurance Company

The first step is to inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. You can reach them via their toll-free number or email. Fill out the claim form and submit the necessary documents. Then, take your car to an authorized workshop for a damage estimate. Claim forms are available on the insurer's website or at their offices.

2. Vehicle Inspection

The insurance company will send a surveyor to assess the damage to your vehicle. The surveyor will prepare a report, which will be shared with both you and the insurer. Based on this report, your car will be sent to a network garage for repairs.

3. Submit the Required Documents

Once the repair work is completed, provide the surveyor with the signed repair invoice and payment receipt, along with any other required documents. These will be sent to the insurance company to verify the claim.

4. Cashless Claim

If all documents are in order, your car will be repaired at the insurer’s network garage. The insurance company will directly settle the claim with the garage through a cashless claim settlement. Reimbursement Claim: If you opted for a reimbursement claim, you will first pay for the repairs at the garage. Afterward, the insurance company will reimburse the repair costs to your account, according to the policy terms and conditions. Note: The insurance company will only reimburse the amount if you promptly submit the repair bills and invoices after your car has been released from the garage. Be sure to submit all documentation without delay, as delayed submissions may hinder the reimbursement process.

Car Insurance Accidental Claim Process for Third-Party

The process for filing a third-party claim under car insurance differs from other types of claims. Here's the step-by-step procedure:

1. Inform Your Insurer First

If you receive a legal notice from a third party requesting a claim, do not communicate with them directly until you have informed your insurance company. Avoid making any financial commitments or agreeing to out-of-court settlements without consulting your insurer.

2. Submit the Legal Notice

Provide your insurer with a copy of the legal notice you have received from the third party.

3. Submit Required Documents

Along with the notice, you will need to submit additional documents, such as the vehicle's RC book, your driving license, and a copy of the FIR (First Information Report) related to the accident.

4. Document Verification and Accident Assessment

The insurer will verify the submitted documents and assess the circumstances of the accident. If the insurer finds everything in order, they will assign a lawyer to handle the case on your behalf.

5. Payment of Damages

If the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal rules that you need to pay damages to the third party, your insurer will directly settle the amount with the third party. The claim amount for third-party damages is determined based on factors such as the age, profession, and income of the third party.

Required Documents for Car Accident Insurance Claims

Common Documents:

1. Proof of Insurance (policy document or cover note)
2. Engine number & chassis number
3. Accident details (location, date, time)
4. Km reading of the car
5. Duly filled claim form
6. FIR copy (in case of third-party damage, death, or bodily injury)
7. RC copy of the vehicle
8. Driving license copy

Additional Documents by Claim Type:

Claim Type	Additional Documents
Accident Claims	- Police Panchanama/FIR - Tax Receipt - Repair estimate - Original repair invoice/payment receipt - Claims Discharge Cum Satisfaction Voucher (Revenue Stamp) - Vehicle inspection address (if not taken to nearest garage)
Theft Claims	- Tax Payment Receipt - Previous insurance details (policy number, insurer, period) - Sets of keys/Service Booklet/Warranty Card - Form 28, 29, and 30 - Letter of Subrogation - Claim Discharge Voucher (Revenue Stamp)
Third-Party Claims	- Duly signed claim form - Police FIR copy - Driving license copy - Policy copy - RC copy of the vehicle - Stamp (for company registered vehicles)