Having an automobile insurance plan is mandatory and so many of you are feeling the policy is definitely an unnecessary expense. But when there is an accident and also you face damages, you understand the importance of an automobile insurance policy. For the reason that, such damages create a car insurance claim where the insurance company pays for the financial loss. Making a auto insurance claim is straightforward. It involves some easy steps and the insurer pays for the losses incurred. However, a lot of you are clueless with regards to car insurance claims. You don't know when does claims occur and how to claim car insurance. So, here's a complete help guide to auto insurance claims for your understanding.
When does claims occur?
A claim is said to occur when –
- You cause bodily injury to any third party
- A third party dies due to an accident involving your car
- You damage any third party property
- Your car suffers damages and needs repairs
- Your car is stolen
- Your car is damaged beyond repairs
In any one or more of the above-mentioned incidents, your car insurance plan becomes permitted to purchase the financial costs faced.
Making a claim
Here is really a step-by-step auto insurance claim procedure for your car insurance policy for that above-mentioned contingencies –
If your vehicle suffers any damage
- Inform the insurance coverage company.
This may be the initial step that you simply must take in case of a claim. If the insurance company isn't informed of the contingency and also you make any move yourself, making a claim afterwards would not be entertained through the company. So, as soon as you face any mishap, call the business's 24*7 helpline number and register your claim.
- Provide the details of the accident
Upon being intimated, the insurer may wish to be aware of information on the incident. Describe the details completely for the company to know the character of your claim. The company would also require the insurance policy number, license number of the person driving the vehicle and also the vehicle number plate. You should keep these records handy when informing the insurance company of the claim.
- Avail the claim reference number and go ahead and take car to the nearest garage.
After you describe the incident, the organization provides you having a claim reference number. The dpi ought to be noted and utilized in future claim follow-ups. The position of the nearest preferred garage would be also provided to you through the company. You need to go ahead and take car towards the nearest garage. In the event of severe damages once the car cannot be moved, the company may also request towing facilities to consider your vehicle towards the nearest garage.
- Wait for the surveyor
Once the vehicle reaches the garage, the insurer arranges for a surveyor visit. The surveyor comes, assesses the damages of the car, prepares claims estimate and submits it using the insurance company. Only after the surveyor's report is submitted and approved by the company, would your claim be approved.
- Fill the claim form
You would need to take care of some paperwork to obtain your claim approved. The insurance coverage claim form ought to be completed and submitted using the insurance company. Important documents like the RC Book of the car, your driving license and duplicate of the policy document would have to be submitted using the claim form.
- Repairs Begin
Once the insurer approves the claim based on the surveyor's report as well as your documents, repairs on your car begin. Once the repairs are completed, the bill is distributed towards the insurance provider. The insurance company settles the bills directly with the garage.
- Pay the remaining claim and take receiving the car
Some elements of the claim might be payable by you. For example, there's a compulsory excess that has to become borne by you. Similarly, the depreciation around the replaced parts would be your out-of-pocket expenses. Spend the money for remaining claim which is not payable through the insurance provider to stay the garage dues. Once the dues are settled, you are able to take delivery of the car.
For third party liability claims for car-owner
If any third party or property is harmed, the incident would be reported to the Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal . You would need to inform the insurance company and file a FIR using the police. The FIR is an important requirement in case of 3rd party claims. In case your car has additionally suffered any damages, you would have to stick to the above-mentioned process. For third party damages, the insurer would pay the claim based on the rulings of the tribunal.
Claim for stolen car
If the car is stolen, you need to inform the organization and file a FIR using the police. You would have to fill and submit the claim form along with copies from the RC Book, driving license, intimation delivered to RTO about the loss, policy document and the FIR. If the car is not located within 3 months of theft, law enforcement issue a 'Non-Traceable Report'. You present this certificate towards the insurer. You should also transfer the RC book from the car within the insurer's name and issue a letter of subrogation quitting all ownership rights towards the car. After receiving and analysing the documents, the insurer would settle the claim. In most of theft cases, the insurance company demands you to submit both original and duplicate keys to eliminate the potential of theft because of your negligence of leaving the key in the car.
Also have a look at the video below to know how you can sign up for auto insurance claims
Types of claims
Claims beneath your car insurance can be settled directly by the insurer or through reimbursement. Let's understand –
- Cashless claims – when the insurer directly settles the claim, it is called cashless claim. This is possible only when you receive your automobile repaired at a garage which is tied-up with the insurance provider.
- Reimbursement – for your automobile to any other garage which is not tied-up with the insurer, your claim would be settled through reimbursement. You would have to obtain the car repaired at the expense. Then, you have to submit the repair bills to the insurance provider. The organization assesses the debts and reimburses you for that expenses you incurred.
So, it was the entire guide to creating a successful car insurance claim. You should stick to the process for easy claim settlements. Moreover, consider exclusions. If one makes claims to have an excluded cost, the claim could be rejected. So, understand the coverage of the policy prior to you making claims.
