How to Claim Car Insurance After Meeting With an Accident in India?

When you have been in an accident, it will shake you up and leave you in a state of discomfort and shock. To make things more difficult, there will be a stress of taking care of the finances for your health and in case there has been any injury or damage to the third party involved. Moreso, in case of the demise of the third party. While all of the aforementioned details can be strenuous, it is important to note that your mental health comes first and if you plan things right, you will have the right support in case an unfortunate mishap happens on the road. The first thing you must do to make sure is to take comprehensive car insurance. Before you choose the insurer to take the policy from, make sure you read about the insurer and their claim processes. 

This article is going to serve as a guide to help you understand the car insurance claim process after an accident, dos and don’t after an accident, documents required to file a claim and some frequently asked questions.

Types of Car Insurance

Before we dive into the process of claim filing, it is important to note that you may be filing for a claim either for a third party, or for yourself. It is hence important to understand the different types of car insurance available in the market to make an informed choice about the insurance you should take. There are three types of car insurance available in India:

• Third Party Liability Car Insurance: This insurance is mandatory as per law and one must have this insurance as soon as they buy a vehicle. A third party car insurance covers the policyholder (vehicle owner) for any legal or financial liability arising due to an accident. Whether a third party gets injured or death of a third party happens during the accident or when a property or vehicle of the third party gets damaged by you accidently, your insurer covers the price for that. Read more about third party car insurance in detail.
• Stand Alone Own Damage Car Insurance (SAOD): This insurance is specifically designed for car owners as it covers the cost for damage or loss of their car. In case your car has been damaged due to fire, natural or man made disaster, vandalism, burglary etc or it has been stolen, your insurer bears the cost of the repair or replacement of the parts of your car. In case of the car getting stolen, they bear the cost of the replacement. To read more on stand alone own damage car insurance visit our detailed page.
• Comprehensive Car Insurance: A comprehensive car insurance is the most sought after car insurance in India right now since it gives you the benefits of both third party as well as stand alone own damage car insurance. This cover not only protects you from any legal or financial liability occurring due to an accident involving a third party, but also protects you from issues pertaining to your car. Read more about comprehensive car insurance here.

Note: taking a personal accident cover is mandatory by law in case of all three insurance types.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim?

Raising a claim for car insurance is simple but, first it is important to know the conditions under which a claim can be raised depending on your claim type:

• Hospitalisation expenses for third-party
• Third-Party Demise
• Third-Party Property/ Vehicle Damage
• Loss or damage endured by your car due to an accident 
• Loss or damage to your car due to man made or natural disaster, fire or vandalism
• Hospitalisation expenses for you

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to claim car insurance in India:

Step 1 - File an FIR

The first step is to file an FIR at the nearest police station from the location of the accident or theft/ damage. Make sure you gather enough evidence from the scene and provide it as proof. Click pictures and take videos of your as well as the third party’s property/ vehicle or of the accident area. Do collect a copy of the FIR charge sheet for future reference.

Step 2 - Notify Your Insurer

Inform your insurer immediately about the accident. Share all possible details and proof immediately to initiate the claim process faster. Your insurer will then appoint a  surveyor who will evaluate your claim status and accident scene. The details of the accident will then be shared with MACT - Motor Accident Claims Tribunal who will then decide whether or not to give you the claim amount and the amount you should be receiving.

Step 3 - Claim Status

You will then be informed about the claim status and your claim will be settled.

Documents Needed for Car Accident Insurance Claim

Below documents must be presented to file your car insurance claim:

1. Duly signed claim form
2. Valid driving licence
3. Copy of car insurance policy document
4. Vehicle registration certificate
5. Copy of FIR and police report
6. Original repair invoices (if applicable)
7. Address proof of policyholder and/ or third party

Some other documents may also be required based on your insurer. 

What You Should Do After A Car Accident?

When you are in a car accident, here are the things to keep in mind:

• Stay Calm: Do not panic, that is the worst thing to do right after an accident. Make sure you keep yourself calm and composed as this immediately impacts your health. 
• Assess Injuries: Immediately after picking yourself up, assess your injuries and the injuries of your car’s passengers. If the accident involves a third party, make sure to check on them as well.
• Call The Police: Call the police immediately to make sure you are legally covered.
• Call For Medical Help: If required, immediately call for medical help.
• Evaluate Damage: Make sure to evaluate the impact or damage caused to your car. In case of third party damage, ensure you have also evaluated the damage to their vehicle.
• Take Proof: Click pictures and take videos of the damage to your car, third party and their vehicle, location and any injury caused to you and gather information. Having proof makes your claim process simpler.
• File An FIR: Once the health parameters are taken care of, make sure to file an FIR

Conclusion

In addition to all the things mentioned-above, try to remain calm and composed during the process of filing a motor insurance claim as the overall process can sometimes become tiring. Moreover, try to avoid raising a claim, in case the damage to the car is minimal and can easily be borne from your pocket so that you can take the advantage of NCB benefits provided by different insurers in the future.

FAQs

Q. Can I claim insurance after car scratches in an accident?

Ans. Yes, you can claim insurance after car scratches in an accident under comprehensive or own damage insurance if it is for your car. If it is for a third party’s car, then the claim will be given under third party car insurance.

Q. How many days after the accident can we claim for car insurance?

Ans. You must claim for a car accident within 7 days of the accident. It is important to note that most companies have a window of 48 to 72 hours depending on insurer to insurer.

Q. Is FIR mandatory for car insurance claims after an accident?

Ans.  Yes, having an FIR is mandatory after an accident to file for a claim. Your claim will otherwise get rejected and no insurance coverage will be provided to you.

Q. Can I claim car insurance for repair after an accident?

Ans. Yes, you can claim car insurance for repair after an accident. You can also claim for your non accident repair claims under comprehensive or stand alone own damage car insurance.

Q. How many times can we claim car insurance?

Ans. While there is no limit to the amount of time you can make car insurance claim, it is advisable to keep a clean track record to not have an impact on your next premiums, and lead to no claim bonus loss, lower claim settlements, policy cancellations, deductibles introduction, underwriting concerns and cashless garage choice

Disclaimer: This article is issued in general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.