Documents Required to File a Motor Insurance Claim

The congestion on Indian roads is surging and is at an all-time high. The traffic jams and the urgency people show after the jam opens up, leads to accidents, which causes damages to vehicles & injuries to people. Besides the traffic snarl-up, people, especially youngsters speed up their vehicles and race around on the highways, which leads to dreadful accidents causing life-threatening injuries and severe vehicle damages. The damages caused to third parties (people/property) and your own vehicle(s) might put you under a huge financial burden. While we urge you to be careful when driving. We further advise you to purchase a comprehensive motor insurance online  that can take care of your finances, in case you confront an unfortunate incident. Once you buy a motor insurance policy along with appropriate add-on covers, you should thoroughly understand the motor insurance claim settlement process. Also, you should make a checklist of all the documents you might need in case you need to file a motor insurance claim. Alternatively, you can simply refer to the list we're sharing here, so that you don't feel lost while making a claim.

Types of Car Insurance Claims

Car insurance policies typically cover three main types of claims:

1. Third-Party Liability Claims

1. What is it? These claims arise when your vehicle causes damage to another person's property or injuries to a third party.
2. How to file:

• Report the incident to the police.
• Collect information about the other party involved, including vehicle details and contact information.
• Inform your insurer about the accident.

2. Own Damage Claims

1. What is it? These claims are filed when your own vehicle is damaged in an accident or due to other covered perils.
2. How to file:

• Inform the police and your insurer about the incident.
• Avoid moving the vehicle until a surveyor inspects it.
• If you have a cashless facility, the insurer will directly pay the repair costs to the network garage.
• Otherwise, you'll need to submit necessary documents for reimbursement.

3. Theft Claims

1. What is it? These claims are filed when your vehicle is stolen.
2. How to file:

• Report the theft to the police and RTO.
• Inform your insurer and provide all necessary documents.
• Submit the car keys to the insurer if requested.

Check You Claim Status: Motor Insurance Claim Status

List of Documents to File a Motor Insurance Claim

Following are the documents and details you should be ready with while filing a motor insurance claim:

1. Proof of insurance (policy document or cover note) which mentions your policy number
2. engine number and chassis number
3. Accident details like location, date and time of the accident
4. Km. reading of the car
5. Duly filled claim form
6. FIR copy (in case of third party property damage / death / bodily injury)
7. RC copy of the vehicle
8. Driving license copy

You will additionally need to submit the following documents to the garage/dealer based on the nature of incident.

Accident Claims

1. Police Panchanama/FIR
2. Tax Receipt
3. Estimate for repairs from the repairer where the vehicle is to be repaired
4. Original repair invoice, payment receipt (for cashless claim settlement - only repair invoice)
5. Claims Discharge Cum Satisfaction Voucher signed across a Revenue Stamp
6. Vehicle inspection address, if you have not taken the vehicle to the nearest garage

Theft Claims

1. Tax Payment Receipt
2. Previous insurance details - policy number, insuring Office/Company, period of insurance
3. The sets of keys/Service Booklet/Warranty Card
4. Form 28, 29 and 30
5. Letter of Subrogation
6. Claim Discharge Voucher signed across a Revenue Stamp

Third Party Claims

1. Duly signed claim form
2. Police FIR copy
3. Driving license copy
4. Policy copy
5. RC copy of the vehicle
6. Stamp required in case of company registered vehicle's original documents

You can also use the Motor OTS feature of our Insurance Wallet app to file and settle claim instantly for your car insurance or two wheeler insurance policy just by clicking and uploading pictures of the damage done to your vehicle using your mobile.

The General Claim Process

1. Report the Incident: Immediately inform the police and your insurer about the accident, theft, or damage.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect photographs of the accident scene, damaged vehicle, and any injuries. Note down witness details.
3. File a Claim Form: Complete the claim form provided by your insurer, including policy details and incident information.
4. Submit Documents: Provide the required documents as per the claim type (third-party liability, own damage, or theft).
5. Cooperate with the Surveyor: The insurer will send a surveyor to assess the damage. Provide necessary information and access to the vehicle.
6. Claim Approval and Settlement: Once the claim is verified, the insurer will approve it and guide you through the repair or reimbursement process.

By understanding these claim types and the general process, you can efficiently handle insurance claims in case of unfortunate incidents.