Accidents happen. They can damage your car and lead to financial loss. From natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and fires, to theft and accidents, having own-damage car insurance can help you cover the costs. Depending on the insurer and the type of coverage you have opted for, insurance can help cover the cost of repairs. However, car insurance claim process can appear complicated. It would help if you follow the steps correctly and understand car insurance claim rules. In this blog post, we will discuss how to claim car insurance.
Understanding own-damage car insurance
As the name suggests, own-damage car insurance is a type of insurance that covers the damage to one’s vehicle. The causes could vary from accidents, natural disasters, fire, theft, or vandalism. This insurance protects one financially when one’s car is damaged, regardless of who is at fault.
However, this insurance only covers one’s vehicle and helps the owner pay for repair costs. It is important to note that own-damage insurance is optional. Third-party insurance—which protects car owners from liabilities from accidents involving their cars—is mandatory in India. To safeguard your finances in the event of an accident, having own-damage cover is recommended in addition to third-party insurance.
Learning how to claim car insurance for own-damage: A step-by-step guide
Claiming car insurance is not complicated if you are diligent about the process. However, claiming for insurance can be a nightmare if you don’t follow the steps correctly. Follow the steps below to claim car insurance for own-damage without any hassle.
Step 1: Notify your insurance company
The first step in filing a claim for own-damage car insurance is to report it to your insurance company. It is crucial to report the incident as soon as possible as most insurance companies insist on a specific period after an accident to file for the claim. Any delay could result in claim rejection or other issues. Therefore, notify your insurance company through the insurer’s preferred communication channels like mobile app, customer care, or e-mail.
Step 2: File an FIR with the police
Depending on the gravity of the accident, it is necessary to file a First Information Report (FIR) besides notifying your insurer. For instance, if your car gets stolen or gets involved in a major accident involving a third party, you must file an FIR as soon as possible. However, if the damage only involves scratches and dents, an FIR may be unnecessary. Since the FIR is the official record of the incident, it can come in handy in the insurance claim process.
Step 3: Furnish photographic proof
While filing the insurance claim, you need to furnish solid proof of damage. Proof of damage captured in a photograph or video will give more credence to your insurance claim. Therefore, document as much evidence as possible and capture the vehicle’s condition, the surroundings, and any third-party involvement. These photos/videos are strong proof and can help support your claim when the insurance company assesses the damage.
Step 4: Provide the insurance company with necessary documents
Few mandatory documents are required to claim insurance on damaged cars. Documents include a printed copy of the insurance policy, a copy of the FIR report, a thoroughly filled claim form, a copy of the car’s Registration Certificate (RC), a copy of the car owner’s driving license, and the estimated repair cost. In case of physical injuries, original copies of medical bills must be submitted. Also, provide original receipts of any other expenses related to the accident.
Note: Documents required may vary depending on your insurer, so check with your insurance company before submitting the documents.
Step 5: Fix your car
Once the claim is initiated, the insurance company will evaluate the damage by sending a surveyor to inspect the vehicle. Based on the evaluation, the insurer will settle claims for the damage. You can get the car repaired at a network garage where the insurance company will pay claims, or take it to your preferred garage and apply for a reimbursement settlement claim.
Step 6: Claim settlement process
After the inspection and approval, the insurer will directly settle the bill with the network garage if you opt for a cashless claim. But if you opted for reimbursement claims, you will be reimbursed after you submit the repair receipts.
It is important to note that the insurance covers a significant portion of the repair cost, but you must pay a mandatory deductible.
Documents required to claim car insurance for own-damage
Like most insurance claims, one must provide a few documents to successfully claim insurance on the damaged cars. Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need:
- A printed copy of the insurance policy.Â
- Physical copy of the FIR report filed with the police.Â
- A correctly filled and signed claim form.
- A physical copy of the car’s Registration Certificate (RC).
- A copy of the owner’s driving license.Â
- Estimated cost of the repair.
- Original copy of the medical receipts, if any.
- Original receipt of other expenses incurred.Â
Note: Ensure all the documents listed above are submitted with accurate information and without misrepresentation.
Five best car insurance policies in India
- ICICI Lombard Car Insurance: The ICICI Lombard Car Insurance Policy is a popular car insurance that offers comprehensive coverage with quick claim settlement. They have access to over 4,600 cashless garages and provide 24/7 roadside assistance, according to the firm’s website.
- HDFC ERGO Car Insurance: HDFC ERGO Car Insurance is a leading car insurance company in India. It offers personal accident cover up to ₹15 lakh, a vast network of cashless garages, and hassle-free claims.
- Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance: Bajaj Allianz Car Insurance is another reputed car insurance company that offers affordable premiums and cashless repair services.Â
- Car Insurance from Reliance General Insurance: Reliance General Insurance Company offers a Car Insurance product which offers useful add-ons and long-term savings plans.Â
- National Car Insurance: National Car Insurance, from India’s oldest general insurer National Insurance Company, is popular for its easy claim process and reliable service. It offers Zero Depreciation, No Claim Bonus, and Roadside Assistance.
Factors to consider when choosing car insurance:
- Market research: Compare different insurers and plans to find coverage best suited for you.
- Premium cost: The insurance market is competitive. Compare prices from different insurers to ensure that you get the best one in your budget.
- Network garages: Consider the number of cashless garages in the insurer’s network as more garages mean better convenience.
- Insurer’s reputation: With so many insurance providers available on the market, it can be difficult to select the best one. Do your research, read reviews, and check the claim settlement ratio.
- Customer service: You will have to communicate with the insurer’s customer service to process your insurance claim. Ensure that the insurance provider you choose offers excellent customer service.
Points to remember while raising own-damage car insurance claims
Here are some key points to remember while raising own-damage car insurance claims:
- Inform your insurer immediately after the damage occurs.
- File an FIR if the damage is due to theft, accident, or vandalism.
- Take photos and videos of the damage caused as proof.
- Submit all required documents like policy papers, FIR copy, repair bills, and ID proof.
- Use only network garages if you want cashless claims.
- Do not delay filing the claim, as delays could lead to rejection.
- Be honest about the incident to avoid claim denial.
- Understand deductibles as you may need to pay part of the repair cost.
Conclusion
Understanding the car insurance claim process is essential to ensure you receive financial support if your vehicle gets damaged. By following the right process, you can avoid unnecessary delays and complications. To sum up, claiming insurance for car damage
involves informing your insurer immediately, gathering evidence, filing an FIR, and submitting all required documents. In addition, choosing a reliable insurer with a hassle-free claim process also plays a key role. With proper awareness and timely action, you can smoothly navigate your car insurance claim and get your vehicle back on the road without much delay.
