How to Claim Motor Insurance and What Documents Are Required?

To file a motor insurance claim, a policyholder primarily needs to submit the claim form, original policy document, the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC), and a valid driving licence. Additionally, the policyholder must provide an FIR (in cases of theft or third-party injury) and a detailed estimate of repairs from the garage.

So, if you are wondering how to claim motor insurance, its types, and what kinds of documents you need to submit, read on. 

How to Claim Motor Insurance Policy?

Depending on what type of policy you own, the claim varies. For example, if you own a third-party motor insurance, the insurer covers the damages caused to a third party's property or injury. In contrast, if you own a standalone own damage motor insurance policy, the insurer covers only for the damages that occur to your vehicle.

Here is how to file motor accident claim:

Step 1: Inform your insurer as soon as an accident takes place.

Step 2: Collect all kinds of evidence, such as the extent of damage, time, and location.

Step 3: Bring the vehicle to a network garage if you are willing to avail cashless benefits. For a reimbursement claim, you can take the vehicle to any other garage.

Step 4: Based on the extent of the damage, the repairing charges will be determined.

Step 5: Submit the claim form along with the evidence and the garage invoice to the insurer.

Step 6: The insurer will verify the documents, evidence and set up an inspection.

Step 7: After the inspection, the insurer will approve the claim request.

Step 8: In case of a cashless benefit, the insurer will settle the repair invoice directly with the garage. On the other hand, in the case of reimbursement, the insurer will reimburse the policyholder the claim amount to their bank account.

Also Read: How to Clean Black Plastic Trim Using Car Plastic Restorer?

What are the Types of Motor Insurance Claims, and How to Claim?

Motor insurance policies generally allow you to raise claims under three common categories:

1. Third-Party Liability Claims

What does it cover?

- Applies when your vehicle causes injury to another person or damages someone else’s property.

How to file:

1. Report the accident to the police immediately

2. Gather details of the third party (vehicle number, contact information, etc.)

3. Inform your insurer about the incident

2. Own Damage Claims

What does it cover?

- Raised when your insured vehicle suffers damage due to an accident or covered risks.

How to file:

1. Notify both the police (if required) and your insurer

2. Do not move the vehicle before inspection (unless necessary)

3. Use a network garage for cashless repairs, if available

4. Otherwise, submit documents for reimbursement

3. Theft Claims

What does it cover?

- File a report if your vehicle is stolen.

How to file:

1. Lodge an FIR with the police

2. Inform the insurer promptly

3. Report the theft to the RTO

4. Provide required documents and keys (if requested)

Understanding these claim types helps ensure faster and smoother claim processing.

Also Read: Road Tax in Odisha: Rates & Steps to Make Payment Online

How to Track Motor Insurance Claim Status?

You have followed the steps to make a claim, and now you are wondering how long it will take to settle. To track your motor insurance claim status, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your account using your mobile number and verify with an OTP.

Step 2: You will get the claim details, starting from the documents you have submitted, the date of inspection, and the estimated date of claim settlement.

Step 3: If the inspection is complete and waiting for the surveyor’s approval, you will find the updated status. If your claim has already been approved, in that case, you will know how long it will take to receive the claim amount. 

If you are looking for a vehicle insurance provider that offers the widest coverage and ensures a high claim settlement ratio, choose Bajaj General Insurance.  

List of Documents Required for Motor Insurance Claim

Whether it is a minor or a more serious collision, accidents are stressful. In such scenarios, the last thing you want to deal with is a rejected insurance claim due to missing paperwork. Although the digital revolution has made instant claims a reality, the legal backbone of any claim settlement still lies in specific documentation.

The following are the documents and details you should be ready with while filing a motor insurance claim:

1. Proof of insurance (policy document or cover note) which mentions your policy number

2. Engine number and chassis number

3. Accident details like location, date and time of the accident

4. Km. reading of the car

5. Duly filled claim form

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

7. RC copy of the vehicle

8. Driving license copy

You will additionally need to submit the following documents to the garage/dealer based on the nature of the incident.

Accident Claims

1. Police Panchanama/FIR

2. Tax Receipt

3. Estimate for repairs from the repairer where the vehicle is to be repaired

4. Original repair invoice, payment receipt (for cashless claim settlement - only repair invoice)

5. Claims Discharge Cum Satisfaction Voucher signed across a Revenue Stamp

6. Vehicle inspection address, if you have not taken the vehicle to the nearest garage

Theft Claims

1. Tax Payment Receipt

2. Previous insurance details - policy number, insuring Office/Company, period of insurance

3. The sets of keys/Service Booklet/Warranty Card

4. Forms 28, 29 and 30

5. Letter of Subrogation

6. Claim Discharge Voucher signed across a Revenue Stamp

Third Party Claims

1. Duly signed claim form

2. Police FIR copy

3. Driving license copy

4. Policy copy

5. RC copy of the vehicle

6. A stamp is required in case of the company-registered vehicle's original documents

You can also use the Motor OTS feature of our Insurance Wallet app to file and settle a claim instantly for your car insurance or two-wheeler insurance policy just by clicking and uploading pictures of the damage done to your vehicle using your mobile.

How has Automation Made Motor Insurance Claims in 2026 Simple?

There was a time when claim settlement used to be a stressful and time-consuming task. But now, automation has made the whole system extremely easy and fast. According to a report published in 2024 by The Times of India, the new age technology has the potential to reduce the underwriting time by up to 70% boost the accuracy of claims by up to 90%.

In another report, McKinsey & Company has stated that AI-powered services can enhance customer satisfaction by 15% to 20%. 

Here is how it has contributed:

1. Policyholders can request a claim without physically visiting the insurance office. They can simply do it using their phone via SMS or the insurer.

2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) have made data processing faster and more accurate.

3. Today, the document doesn't always have to be paper. Digital evidence is now a cornerstone of the claim process.

4. Insurers accept RC and DL copies available in Government-verified digital lockers.

5. Spot photos and videos have made taking a 360-degree video of the accident spot and the damage easy.

6. Instead of courier services, policyholders can scan and upload their bills through the insurer's AI-integrated app for instant verification.

Also Read: Petrol Pump Safety Rules to Follow in India

How to Claim Motor Insurance with Bajaj General Insurance?

Step 1: Visit the Bajaj General Insurance website and navigate to the motor insurance claim page.

Step 2: Register your claim by filling in your mobile number and verifying the OTP.

Step 3: Submit the claim form along with your vehicle registration certificate, driving licence, policy document, and an FIR.

Step 4: After reviewing your request, the insurer will appoint a surveyor.

Step 5: As per the surveyor’s report, your claim amount will be determined.

Final Words

Since filing a motor insurance claim is a procedural necessity following an unfortunate event, it is mandatory to inform the insurer as soon as possible. Delaying in informing the insurer could lead to a claim delay or rejection. Always remember, the goal of the insurer is not to deny your claim, but to validate it.

Now that you know how to claim motor insurance, what are its various types and necessary documents? It will be easier for you to make an informed decision when the time comes. Insurers recommend maintaining an organised digital folder containing your RC, License, and Policy at all times for a smooth claim settlement.

Are you looking for an insurer that offers quick and hassle-free claim settlement? Choose Bajaj General Insurance for a customer-centric, simplified claim experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to submit an FIR for every minor scratch or dent?

No, usually for minor scratches or dents, FIR is not necessary. IN such cases, a filled-out claim form along with visual evidence is sufficient.

What if I lost my original insurance policy?

If you own a digital motor insurance policy, if you lose your original policy document, you can simply download a duplicate copy from your insurer’s website. In that case, you need to log in using your registered mobile number. A digital copy is fully valid at the time of filing a claim.

Is a Learner's License valid for a Motor insurance claim?

Yes, a claim can be filed if the learner’s licence holder was accompanied by someone holding a valid driving licence and if the vehicle had “L” plates displayed.

Can I file a claim if the accident happened in a different state?

Yes, motor insurance offers pan-India coverage. However, it is important to consult your insurer as soon as the accident takes place, so that they can assign a surveyor from the nearest local branch.

What is a "No Trace Report"?

“No Trace Report” is a legal document issued by the police certifying that a stolen vehicle could not be located despite their best efforts. When it comes to making a total loss theft claim, submitting the NTR is mandatory.

Why does the insurer ask for the original keys in a theft claim?

To ensure the theft was not caused by the vehicle owner's negligence, such as leaving the keys inside the car or misplacing the keys, the insurer asks the policyholders for the keys.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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