Finance - The process of initiating a car insurance claim typically starts with being involved in a road accident. This can occur when two vehicles collide or when a car collides with a stationary object due to the driver's negligence.
Regardless of the scenario, it is necessary to follow a specific procedure when filing a car insurance claim.
Being in an accident can elicit a range of emotions and may become even more stressful if physical injuries are sustained.
However, it is important to stay composed and consider the steps to navigate the situation effectively.
How to Claim Car Insurance
Understanding how to claim car insurance after an accident is crucial for covering the related expenses.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claim process. It is crucial to inform them promptly about the accident and provide details regarding its severity.
Be aware that insurers often have a specific time limit for reporting accidents, and failing to do so within the deadline may result in claim rejection.
File a First Information Report (FIR)
Visit the nearest police station and file an FIR for the accident. This document is essential for the insurance company to process claims related to bodily injuries and vehicle damages.
Police officials will assess the accident scene to determine if it occurred due to mechanical failure and gather information about the driver, witnesses, and passengers involved.
Collect evidence
Despite the stress of the accident, try to document the situation by taking photographs or videos as evidence. This evidence will support your case during the car insurance claim process.
Capture images of any bodily injuries and vehicle damages to validate your claim.
Additionally, it's beneficial to record the names and contact details of witnesses present at the scene.
Provide necessary documents to the insurance company
Once you have filed the FIR and obtained a copy, you should proceed by submitting the required documents to your insurance company.
These may include copies of important paperwork such as the car registration certificate, FIR, driving license, insurance policy, and any other documents specified by the insurer.
Request a surveyor from the insurer
After submitting the claim form, request the insurance company to assign a surveyor who will assess the damages to your car. The surveyor may also help you select an appropriate garage from the insurer's network for repairs.
Typically, the survey takes place within two to three days after you notify the insurer about the claim.
Arrange for car repairs
Once the surveyor has completed the assessment, proceed with getting your car repaired while following the car insurance claim policy guidelines. There are two settlement options available. If you prefer a cashless settlement, choose a network garage authorized by the insurer, and the insurance company will directly settle the repair costs with the garage.
Alternatively, if you opt for reimbursement, you will initially need to pay for the repairs and then submit the original bills and receipts to the insurance company to claim reimbursement.
Note
Please note that these steps provide a general guideline for claiming car insurance after an accident. It's advisable to review your specific policy terms and conditions and consult your insurance provider for precise instructions and requirements.