Accidents, theft, or even minor fender-benders can be stressful, but if you have a valid motor insurance policy, you’re financially protected against many unforeseen events. However, to fully benefit from your policy, knowing how to file a car insurance claim correctly is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the types of claims and the step-by-step process to claim car insurance in India. Whether you’ve opted for a basic plan or the best motor insurance policy, the claims process remains more or less the same, with slight variations depending on the insurer.
Introduction
Car insurance is mandatory under Indian law and a wise financial decision. It covers third-party liabilities and protects you against damage, theft, natural disasters, and more in the case of a comprehensive policy.
But owning a motor insurance policy is just the first step. When the need arises, knowing how to file a claim efficiently can save time, money, and hassle.
Types of Car Insurance Claims
There are different car insurance claims, each depending on the nature of the incident and your policy coverage.
Cashless Claim
In a cashless claim, the insurance company settles the bill directly with a network garage. You don’t have to pay anything upfront, except for deductibles or non-covered items.
- Best suited for: Policyholders who want minimal paperwork and faster service.
Reimbursement Claim
Under this, you pay for the repairs first and later claim reimbursement from your insurer by submitting bills and documents.
- Best suited for: Repairs done at non-network garages or in areas where network garages aren’t available.
Third-Party Claim
This type of claim applies when your vehicle causes damage to another person, their property, or their vehicle. In such cases, your insurance will cover the third-party liabilities.
- Best suited for: Accidents involving another person or vehicle where you’re at fault.
Step-by-Step Process to File a Car Insurance Claim
Here’s how to file a car insurance claim in India, broken down into simple steps:
1. Inform the Insurer Immediately
The first step is to notify your insurance provider as soon as the incident occurs, whether it’s an accident, theft, or natural disaster damage.
- Most insurers have a 24/7 helpline or a mobile app.
- Delaying the intimation may result in claim rejection.
2. File an FIR (if required)
For major accidents, theft, or third-party liability claims, an FIR (First Information Report) at the nearest police station is mandatory.
- Required in cases involving injury, death, or criminal activity.
- A copy of the FIR must be submitted to the insurer.
3. Submit Required Documents
You will need to gather and submit the following documents:
- Copy of your motor insurance policy
- Duly filled claim form
- Copy of RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle
- The driving license of the person driving the vehicle
- FIR copy (if applicable)
- Repair bills and payment receipts (for reimbursement claims)
- Photos of the damaged vehicle (if possible)
4. Get the Vehicle Surveyed
The insurance company will assign a surveyor to inspect the vehicle and assess the extent of the damage. This step is crucial for the approval of your claim.
- Don’t move or repair the vehicle before the survey.
- In case of minor damage, digital/remote surveys may be allowed.
5. Send the Car for Repairs
Once the surveyor gives the go-ahead:
- You can take your vehicle to a network garage for cashless repairs.
- Or to a non-network garage, where you pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.
Always retain all original invoices and bills for claim processing.
6. Claim Settlement by the Insurer
After repairs and submission of all required paperwork:
- For cashless claims, the insurer settles the bill directly with the garage.
- The insurer will transfer the approved amount to your bank account for reimbursement claims.
The time taken for claim settlement may vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the nature of the damage and documentation.
What Is No Claim Bonus in Car Insurance?
If you do not file a claim during the policy year, you become eligible for a No-Claim Bonus (NCB) during renewal. NCB is a discount on the premium that increases with each claim-free year, ranging from 20% to 50%.
However, filing a claim resets the NCB to zero, unless you’ve opted for an NCB protection add-on in your motor insurance policy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to claim car insurance in India ensures you’re prepared during an emergency. The process may seem intimidating initially, but it’s pretty straightforward when broken down into clear steps. Be honest, stay timely, and submit the correct documents—these simple rules can make your claims experience smooth and stress-free.
Also, when renewing or buying the best motor insurance policy, evaluate features like claim settlement ratio, cashless garage network, and customer support responsiveness.
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