How to file a car insurance claim? Well, it is one of the frequently asked questions by many people. A car insurance helps to compensate damages or losses incurred during the car accident. The losses are compensated by car insurance company on filing claim. One should know the process of car insurance claim before opting for car insurance. Here is a complete guide explaining Types of Car Insurance Claims and process of filing an insurance claim.
Let’s assume that you had a car accident and your car is badly damage and you suffer with a huge loss. But fortunately, you have purchased car insurance and as promised your insurance company will compensate against this loss. Now in order to get compensated you need to inform insurance company. This process is known as “CAR INSURNACE CLAIM”.
Types of Car Insurance Claims
There are two types of car insurance claim process. The details are given below.
Car Insurance Cashless Claims
The first type of car insurance claim is a cashless claim. In this claim, you have the compulsion to use network car garages for vehicle repair. In this claim, car insurance provider settles the claim with the garage on behalf of the policyholder. You need not pay any money. The entire process is cashless.
Car Insurance Reimbursement Claims
The second type of car insurance claim is reimbursement claim. In this claim, you can use any garage for vehicle repair. In this claim, you need to settle the claim to workshop or garage. At a later stage, you need to file a claim based on terms and condition. However, you need to submit the bill and repair receipt with the policy provider.
Car Theft Claim
If your car is stolen or theft you need to file car theft claim with insurance company. You are also required to file formal FIR with police. You need to file FIR copy, car documents and registration certificate at the time for filing claim. Few insurance company also ask for the car keys.
You need to wait till police issues non traceable certificate. It will take reasonable time by police to issue the said certificate. You need to produce this certificate at insurer for claim settlement in case of car theft. The insurer will pay current market value of the car. You must check that your policy cover car theft or not.
Also Read – How to Choose Car Insurance Policy – Key factors and Riders
How to file Car Insurance Cashless Claims?
Follow the steps given below to file a cashless claim of car insurance.
- Register the cashless claim by calling the insurance service provider using toll-free number or via website, email or mobile app.
- Once the claim is registered, you will receive a claim registration number along with surveyor details via SMS or E-mail. You can use this claim settlement for future communications/references.
- You need to take the damaged vehicle to the nearer authorized network garages of the insurance provider.
A network garage is the garage that is affiliated with your car insurance company. Your insurance company will directly deal with affiliated garage.
- You need to submit all required documents to the surveyor. The document details are given in the next section.
- Once a survey is completed, car insurer confirms their liability.
- After approval car repairs take place.
How to file Car Insurance Reimbursement Claims?
Follow the steps given below to file car insurance reimbursement claims.
- Register the claim by calling the insurance provider on its toll-free number or using the website or by email.
- Once the claim is registered, you will receive a claim registration number along with surveyor details via SMS or E-mail. You can use this claim settlement for future communications/references.
- You need to take damage vehicle to any car garage for repairs.
- You need to submit all the required documents with the surveyor.
- Once the survey is completed, you need to get your car repaired. Once it is repaired you need to settle the bill.
- The bill along with a repair receipt you need to submit to the car insurance company for the reimbursement process.
Documents Required
You require following documents for filing a claim.
- Claim form signed by the insured
- Original policy copy
- The copy of RC of the vehicle
- Copy of the driving license
- Photocopies of the PAN card
- The original FIR copy in case of theft
Do & Don’ts for Car Insurance Claim
- FIR is mandatory in case of a fatal accident & car theft. So, in case of an accident causing property damage or life, you need to contact the police station and raise FIR.
- Go through policy document and verify that you have a normal policy or zero debt policy. Zero debt car insurance provides complete coverage. Zero debt policy is provided only for new cars (up to 3-5 years from date of purchase).
- Be honest and prompt to raise policy claim. Don’t delay claim. It may lead to rejection.
- Maintain the original/copy of repair bills and receipts till you get a final settlement.
- Know your car insurance coverage and exclusion.
- Keep a copy of your insurance policy in your car all the time.
You should check for claim settlement ratio, car insurance premium, financial stability and after sales service before buying a car insurance. If you have any questions related to car insurance claim process, please post it in the comment section given below.
