Documents required for car insurance claim process

Check the list of documents that you need to raise a car insurance claim process.
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Documents required for car insurance claim process
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3 mins
20-July-2023

When it comes to making a car insurance claim process, it is essential to have all the necessary documents in place. The right documents not only ensure smooth processing and quick settlement of your claim but also prevent any unnecessary delays or rejections.

What is a car insurance claim?

A car insurance claim is a process where you request your insurance company to provide financial coverage of repair or replacement cost. The insurer will compensate or reimburse for the expenses incurred for repairing damages or replacing damaged parts of your car in the event of an accident.

Steps to follow for claiming car insurance after an accident

Here are the steps to follow if you need to claim car insurance after an accident:

Step 1: Inform your insurance company

The first step after an accident is to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. You can do this by calling the customer care helpline of your insurance provider or by visiting their website. Provide details such as the date and time of the accident, the location, and the extent of the damage.

Step 2: File a claim

Next, you need to file a claim with your insurance company. This can generally be done by submitting a claim form along with some important documents such as a copy of the FIR, driving license, car registration papers, etc.

Step 3: Get the car surveyed

Once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will appoint a surveyor to inspect your car and evaluate the damage. The surveyor will provide an estimate for the repairs and submit to the insurance company.

Step 4: Repair the car

Once the insurance company approves the claim, you can get your car repaired at a network garage or at a garage of your choice. If you opt for a network garage, the insurance company will pay the repair cost directly to the garage, except for your policy deductible.

Step 5: Claim reimbursement

If you choose to get your car repaired at a garage of your choice, you need to pay for the repair expenses yourself. You can then claim reimbursement from the insurance company by submitting the original bills and receipts.

Types of car insurance claim process

There are three types of car insurance claim processes in India:

Cashless claim:

In a cashless claim, you can get your car repaired at a network garage authorised by your insurance company without paying any cash except for the policy deductible. The garage will contact the insurance company on your behalf, and the insurance company will pay them directly.

Reimbursement claim:

In a reimbursement claim, you have to pay for the repair expenses upfront and then claim reimbursement from the insurance company. You need to submit the original bills and receipts for the reimbursement.

Third-party claim:

In a third-party claim, you raise a claim against a third party whose actions caused damage to your car. This can happen if someone else was at fault in the accident, and you can claim compensation from their insurance company.

How do I claim cashless car insurance in India?

To claim cashless car insurance in India, you need to follow a few simple steps:

Step 1: Inform your insurance company

Contact your insurance company about the incident and inform the date, time, location, and extent of damage.

Step 2: Take your car to a network garage

Once you have informed your insurance company, you need to take your car to the nearest network garage authorised by your insurance company.

Step 3: Get your car repaired

The network garage will contact the insurance company on your behalf and carry out the repairs. The insurer will pay the garage directly, except for the policy deductible.

Here’s a list of documents required for a car insurance claim.

Insurance policy document

The first and most critical document required for a car insurance claim is your insurance policy document. This document contains all the essential details of your policy like the policy number, period of validity, type of coverage, premium paid, etc. It is essential to always keep a copy of your policy document handy.

Driving licence

You need driving licence for filing a car insurance claim as it is proof of your identity and legal authority to drive. You need to have a valid driving licence to avail of the insurance benefits.

RC book of the vehicle

The Registration Certificate (RC) is the legal proof that you own the vehicle. You get the RC after registering your vehicle at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It contains all the vital details of your car, such as the engine number, chassis number, registration number, etc. You need the RC for filing for a car insurance claim.

First Information Report (FIR)

In case of a road accident, you need to file an FIR with the police station nearest to the accident spot. The FIR is an essential document as it serves as proof of the occurrence of the incident. It is necessary, especially when filing a claim for damages caused by sabotage, theft, or riot.

Insurance claim form

An insurance claim form is the official document used to file a claim with your insurance provider. You need to fill out the form with all your personal, vehicle, and incident-related details. You can download the claim form from the insurance provider's website or obtained from any of their offices.

Repair bills and invoices

You need to provide all the necessary invoices and bills generated by the workshop or garage where the car gets repaired. These documents act as proof of expenses incurred for the repairs and aid the insurance company in assessing the repair claim.

Photographs of the damages

To help the insurer assess the extent of the damages caused, you need to submit clear photographs of the vehicle's damages taken from all angles. Photographs also serve as additional evidence of the incident and help expedite the claims process.

Points to remember while raising a car insurance claim

Here some important points to remember when making a car insurance claim.

  • Report the damage immediately to determine the extent of damage and ensures that your claim gets processed in a timely manner.
  • Collect all the necessary Information such as your insurance policy number, the accident location, and contact information of the driver. Also, make, and model of the involved cars, and the police report.
  • Take photographs of the damages
  • Do not delay in filing the claim.
  • Notify the insurer about the estimated repair cost
  • Keep all documents organised.

To sum up, having all the required documents for filing the claim can help ensure a smooth claim settlement process. Keep copies of the vital documents related to your car insurance policy in a safe and easily accessible place. This ensures that you have all the crucial information handy, when required. Check with insurance company for the documents required in each claim, as it may vary based on the nature of the damages/requirements. It is vital that you inform the insurance provider immediately after any incident occurs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim car insurance after an accident?

To claim car insurance after an accident, you need to inform your insurance company immediately and provide them with all necessary details like location, vehicle number, and policy number. The insurer will guide you through the process, and you will need to submit the necessary documents like the claim form, police report, and any other required documents to initiate the claim process.

What if I lose my car insurance policy documents?

In case you lose your car insurance policy documents, you can reach out to your insurer and request a duplicate copy of the policy. You may need to provide some identification proof and policy details to retrieve the policy documents.

How to avoid car insurance claims rejections?

To avoid claim rejection, ensure that you provide all necessary information and documents to your insurance provider. Also, be truthful while providing information about the accident or damages. Avoid submitting false claims or misleading information, as this can lead to claim rejection. Additionally, do timely car maintenance, and pay premiums on time. Finally, review your policy documents thoroughly to understand the inclusions and exclusions of your car insurance policy, and follow all policy guidelines and instructions provided by the insurer.

How do I claim my four-wheeler insurance?

To claim your four-wheeler insurance, you need to inform your insurance company about the accident. File a claim by submitting the necessary documents, get your car evaluated by the surveyor appointed by the insurance company. Finally, get your car repaired at a network garage or at a garage of your choice.

What is the process of car insurance claim?

The process of car insurance claim involves the following:

  • Inform your insurance company about the incident.
  • File a claim with your insurance company by submitting the necessary documents such as a copy of the FIR, driving license, car registration papers, etc.
  • Insurer will appoint a surveyor to inspect the car and evaluate the damage.
  • The surveyor will prepare an estimate for the repairs and submit it to the insurance company.
  • If the claim gets approved, get your car repaired at a network garage or at a garage of your choice.
  • Submit the original bills and receipts to claim reimbursement if you opted for a non-network garage.
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