how to claim car insurance after accident in India

how to claim car insurance after accident in India

How to Claim Car Insurance After Accident in India — Step-by-Step Guide

Accidents can be stressful, but claiming your car insurance doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a minor bumper-bender or a major collision, knowing the right procedure and paperwork can save you time, money, and headaches. In this guide, we walk you through every step of filing a car insurance claim in India — from the moment the accident happens to the final settlement.

Why Filing a Claim Promptly Matters

Timely filing:

• Ensures smooth approval: Insurers often have deadlines (24–48 hours) for first notification of loss (FNOL).
• Preserves evidence: Early FIRs and photos help establish liability.
• Reduces repair delays: Faster inspections and estimate approvals mean quicker repairs.

Overview of the Claim Process

1. Immediate Actions at the Accident Site
2. Inform Your Insurer (FNOL)
3. File an FIR (if required)
4. Vehicle Inspection & Estimate
5. Submit Claim Documents
6. Claim Adjudication
7. Repair & Cashless Facility (if applicable)
8. Final Settlement & Deductible Payment

Step 1: Immediate Actions at the Accident Site

1. Ensure safety — Move to a safe spot, switch on hazard lights, and check for injuries. 2. Call for help — Dial 112 (emergency) or local police if there are injuries. 3. Document everything — Click clear photos of damage, surrounding scene, and other vehicles involved.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurer (First Notification of Loss)

Within 24 hours (or as per your policy):

• Call the insurer’s 24×7 claim helpline — number on your policy document or insurance card.
• Provide policy number, date & time of accident, brief description, and your contact details.
• Receive your claim reference number — note it down for follow-ups.

Step 3: File an FIR (If Required)

Legally, you must register an FIR in cases of:

• Third-party damage or injury.
• Hit-and-run incidents.
• Personal injury to you or others.

Non-FIR scenarios (self-damage only) may allow you to submit a non-FIR declaration signed at the local police station — check your insurer’s guidelines.

Step 4: Vehicle Inspection & Estimate

Once you lodge FNOL, your insurer will:

• Arrange surveyor visit within 2–3 days.
• Inspect vehicle, note damages, and prepare repair estimate.
• Send estimate to you and the network garage (for cashless).

Step 5: Submit Claim Documents

Standard documents you’ll need:

• Claim form (filled & signed)
• Copy of FIR or non-FIR declaration
• Policy copy & vehicle RC
• Driver’s license & PAN card (KYC)
• Repair estimate / survey report
• Photos of damaged vehicle
• Any injury-related medical bills (if applicable)

Submit these at your insurer’s branch or via their online portal/app — most insurers now support digital uploads.

Step 6: Claim Adjudication

After submission:

1. Insurer verifies documents & estimate.
2. Any discrepancies are communicated for corrections.
3. Approved amount is confirmed with you.

Typical turnaround: 7–10 working days for self-damage claims; 15–30 days for third-party/loss-of-use claims.

Step 7: Repair & Cashless Facility

Cashless repair:

• Take vehicle to network garage approved by insurer.
• Garage initiates repair; bill is settled directly between insurer & garage.

Reimbursement repair:

• You pay repair bills upfront.
• Submit original bills & payment receipts to insurer.
• Insurer reimburses approved amount to your bank account.

Step 8: Final Settlement & Deductible Payment

Own Damage (OD) deductible: Depending on your policy, you may have chosen a voluntary deductible (e.g., ₹1,000). This amount you pay out of pocket when claiming.
Third-Party (TP) claims: Insurer settles directly with third party; you’re not liable for TP portion.

Expert Tips to Speed Up Your Claim

• Keep digital copies: Store scanned copies of your policy & KYC docs in your phone.
• Use insurer’s app: Many processes can be completed online — from FNOL to document upload.
• Follow up regularly: Use your claim reference to track status via helpline/app.
• Opt for cashless: It eliminates upfront payment stress.
• Maintain repair records: Attach detailed bills if you choose reimbursement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delay in FNOL — may lead to rejection.
• Incomplete documentation — missing KYC proofs or RC copy.
• Non-FIR situations not handled properly — always get non-FIR declaration.
• Unauthorized garage repairs — stick to network garages for cashless.
• Poor-quality photos — unclear images can slow down survey.

Conclusion

Filing a car insurance claim after an accident in India is straightforward if you follow each step meticulously and keep all documents handy. From prompt FIR/Non-FIR filing to choosing the right repair facility, every action ensures a smooth claim experience. Remember, a well-documented claim and timely follow-ups are key to quick settlement and minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

15 FAQs on Car Insurance Claim After Accident in India

1. Q: Within how many hours should I notify my insurer after an accident?
   A: Ideally within 24 hours of the incident to avoid any claim rejection.
2. Q: Do I always need to file an FIR?
   A: FIR is mandatory for third-party damage or injury. For self-damage, you can obtain a non-FIR declaration.
3. Q: What is FNOL?
   A: First Notification of Loss — the initial intimation to the insurer about your accident.
4. Q: Can I choose any garage for repairs?
   A: For cashless claims, use network garages. For reimbursement, any RTO-approved garage is allowed.
5. Q: What documents are compulsory for a claim?
   A: Claim form, policy copy, RC copy, FIR/non-FIR, KYC proofs, repair estimate, photos.
6. Q: How long does claim settlement take?
   A: Self-damage: ~7–10 working days; Third-party: ~15–30 days.
7. Q: What is own-damage (OD) deductible?
   A: Voluntary amount you agree to pay from your pocket at claim time to reduce your premium.
8. Q: Can I track my claim online?
   A: Yes, most insurers offer tracking via mobile apps or websites using your claim reference.
9. Q: Is payout direct to garage or to me?
   A: In cashless, insurer pays garage. In reimbursement, insurer transfers approved amount to your bank.
10. Q: Will my no-claim bonus be affected?
    A: Yes, claiming OD typically reduces your no-claim bonus percentage.
11. Q: Can I claim own damage only?
    A: Yes, if third-party is not involved and you have an OD cover in your policy.
12. Q: What if the survey estimate is lower than garage estimate?
    A: You must get insurer’s approval or negotiate with the network garage before repairs.
13. Q: Do I need passport-size photos?
    A: Generally no, but carry KYC proofs with your passport-size photograph on them.
14. Q: Will claims be rejected for missing photos?
    A: Yes, unclear or missing accident photos can delay or reject your claim.
15. Q: Can I file a claim after 48 hours?
    A: It depends on insurer’s policy — some allow up to 72 hours with valid reason.