How to Claim Car Insurance After an Accident in India?

A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. In fact, road accident fatalities in India have been rising 2.3% in recent years, as reported by The Hindu, adding to the growing concerns over road safety.

In this situation, understanding the car accident insurance claim process is essential to secure fair compensation quickly and prevent any financial or legal liability in the event of an unfortunate incident on the road.

Whether you are dealing with minor damages or serious injuries, knowing your rights and the correct steps can make the entire claims process smoother.

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How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are wondering how to file a car insurance claim after an accident, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file a claim for accidental car damage under comprehensive car insurance after an unforeseen accident:

Step 1: Take Medical Attention and File an FIR

Before initiating your car accident insurance claim, ensure you move to a safe area and get proper medical attention in case you or any third party has suffered any injuries. Additionally, in case the accident resulted in any severe vehicle damage or fatalities, it is essential to file a First Information Report (FIR) with your local police.

Step 2: Record the Evidence

With a smartphone by your side, you can take pictures to record the evidence of such an accident, be it your car or a third person, as it is critical to accumulate the evidence of the accident that took place and claim compensation for it.

Further, you must also note the vehicle details of such other person, as it will be required to be mentioned in your insurance claim.

Step 3: Notify the Insurance Company

Once you have taken proper medical precautions, filed an FIR, and recorded the evidence, the next most essential step is informing your insurer. For instance, at Bajaj General Insurance, you can reach us via our toll-free number 1800-209-5858 or email us at careforyou@bajajgeneral.com.

Fill out the claim form on the website and submit the necessary documents. Then, take your car to an authorised workshop for a damage estimate.

Step 4: Vehicle Inspection

The insurance company will send a surveyor to assess the damage to your vehicle. In fact, according to the guidelines of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI), your insurer shouldn’t take more than 72 hours to appoint a surveyor.

The surveyor will prepare a report, which will be shared with both you and the insurer. Based on this report, your car will be sent to a network garage for repairs.

Step 5: Repair of the Car and Claim Settlement

If all documents are in order, your car will be repaired at the insurer’s network garage. Meanwhile, the car accident claim process in India generally takes place in two ways: a cashless claim and a reimbursement claim. In case you have opted for a cashless claim, you do not have to make any upfront payment, as the insurer will directly settle the bills with the service centre.

However, if you choose the reimbursement claims, you will first pay for the repairs at the garage. Afterwards, the insurance company will reimburse the repair costs to your account, according to the policy terms and conditions.

Note: The insurance company will only reimburse the amount if you promptly submit the repair bills and invoices after your car has been released from the garage. Be sure to submit all documentation without delay, as delayed submissions may hinder the reimbursement process.

Required Documents for Car Accident Insurance Claims

The section below showcases the list of common documents required during a car accident insurance claim.

1. Proof of Insurance (policy document or cover note)

2. Engine number & chassis number

3. Accident details (location, date, time)

4. Km reading of the car

5. Duly filled claim form

6. FIR copy (in case of third-party damage, death, or bodily injury)

7. RC copy of the vehicle

8. Driving license copy

Additional Documents Required During a Car Accident  Insurance Claim by Type

Have a look at the list of documents you have to submit based on your claim types.

What Should You Do During a Car Accident Insurance Claim: Dos and Don’ts

Now that you know what is the process to file a car insurance claim and the list of required documents, have a quick guide on the dos and don’ts.

Do’s

1. Move to a safe location, switch on hazard lights, and set up a warning triangle.

2. Take 20-30 clear photos of all vehicle damages, surrounding road conditions, and license plates.

3. Collect the other driver's contact, RC, and driving license details.

4. Call your insurance company's 24/7 helpline, usually within 24–48 hours, to ensure the claim is valid.

5. Wait for your insurance company's surveyor to inspect your car's damage and take it to the authorised network garage for cashless claims.

Don’ts

1. Never leave the accident spot, as it can be legally classified as a hit-and-run.

2. Avoid on-the-spot financial settlements with the other party, as doing so is illegal and invalidates your claim.

3. Do not drive your car if it is leaking fluids, as consequential engine damage is typically not covered.

4. Never allow a garage to begin dismantling or repairing your vehicle before your surveyor approves the claim.

Final Words

Filing a car accident insurance claim on time can help you reduce financial burdens and recover faster after an unexpected incident.

From documenting damages to understanding policy coverage, every step plays a vital role in securing fair compensation. Moreover, if you choose a trusted insurer, your claim settlement process will be simpler and stress-free.

Purchase reliable car insurance from Bajaj General Insurance now to give your car a wide range of coverage, along with enjoying an easy claim and renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the car insurance claim settlement time?

Car insurance claims are typically settled within 7 to 10 working days after the insurer receives all required documentation. However, the exact turnaround time and rules can vary based on your type of claim and the severity of the damage.

Will my premium increase after the car accident insurance claim?

Yes, after the car accident, your car insurance premium will likely increase when your policy renews. This is because the insurers view you as a higher risk after a claim.

What should I do if my car accident insurance claim is rejected?

If your car insurance claim is rejected, request a written denial letter detailing the exact reason, review your policy to check for coverage, and file an official appeal or grievance with your insurer's Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO). Additionally, you can also launch a complaint at the IRDAI website if you find the reason for the claim denial is unfair.

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