Do’s and Don’ts That You Must Remember While Claiming Car Insurance
As a car owner, your car insurance policy can be beneficial for you in different ways. First, it is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act to have valid car insurance to legally drive your car on Indian roads. Second, it provides financial assistance for the cost of damages that can be incurred during an accident. To claim this financial compensation from your insurer, you need to file a claim. However, many policyholders have their claims rejected for different reasons. It is better to have the knowledge of filing a proper claim. Continue reading to know about the dos and don’ts when filing a claim for car insurance. *
What is a claim?
In simple terms, a claim is the process of formally requesting your insurer for financially compensating for the damages caused to the car. Who gets the compensation depends on the type of insurance policy. If you own third party car insurance, only the third-party will be compensated for the damages caused to their vehicle or property. If you own comprehensive car insurance, both you and the third-party will be compensated by the insurer. *
What are the dos and don’ts?
The following are the dos and don’ts when filing a claim:
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Immediately file an FIR (first information report) after the accident has taken place as it is required by the insurer when processing your claim | Do not run away from the spot where the accident has taken place as this could invite legal action against you. If there is a third-party involved, make sure they also remain with you |
| Inform your insurer about the accident after it has taken place. This is the first formal step of initiating your claim process. | Do not waste any time in informing your insurer about the accident after it has taken place. Inform them within 24-48 hours to ensure your claim request is accepted* |
| Take photos and videos of the damage caused to your car. If there is damage caused to any third-party vehicle or property, get photos and videos of those damages as well | Do not accept any settlement requests offered by the third-party on the spot. Not only is it unlawful, but you could also end up with a lower compensation amount than the actual amount |
| Read through your insurance document properly to check what is covered and what is not under the policy* | Do not provide false details while filing the claim to gain a higher compensation amount. If the information provided is found to be fraudulent during verification, your insurer could reject your claim* |
| Send all the required documents properly so as to not delay your claim process | Do not agree to any claim offer without getting the offer thoroughly reviewed by a legal expert |
Conclusion
Do keep in mind the dos and don’ts mentioned above before filing a car insurance claim. If you wish to purchase car insurance, you can use the car insurance premium calculator to check how much your policy would cost.
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
*Standard T&C apply
