Sharman was driving down the road, enjoying his ride, when suddenly, disaster struck. His car has been damaged, leaving him feeling helpless and stranded. In such situations, having a comprehensive car insurance policy can be a lifesaver. But having an insurance policy is not enough; Sharman must know how to file a car insurance claim correctly to get the most out of it.
Filing a car insurance claim can seem daunting, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. However, with a bit of understanding of the process and following some simple guidelines, it can be a breeze.
This article will guide you through the dos and don’ts of filing a car insurance claim.
Things One Should Do While Filing a Claim
#1. File a police report.
In case of a car accident or theft, promptly inform the police and file an FIR. This document is crucial as it contains essential details of the incident. Most insurance companies require a copy during the claims process. Providing the FIR to your 4-wheeler insurance company can speed up the settlement process and prevent unnecessary delays.
#2. Collect evidence from the scene.
Gather photographic or video evidence at the scene of an accident. Every photo or video will help you greatly in the process of a car insurance claim. Furthermore, if there are any witnesses, make sure to take down their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
#3. Get in touch with your insurer.
Once you’ve collected the evidence, contact your insurer. Let them know of the mishap, and if you need help with the next steps, ask them, and they will guide you. You need to fill out the insurance form properly and submit the required documents, including:
#1. A copy of the RC of the car
#2. A copy of your driving license
#3. A copy of the FIR
#4. Insurance policy document
#4. Fill out the forms properly.
It’s crucial to be truthful while making written statements and to support them with relevant evidence. If there’s any doubt, reach out to the company instead of filling out the forms incorrectly. If you’re filing an accident claim online, ensure you have scanned all the supporting documents beforehand.
Things One Shouldn’t Do While Filing a Claim
#1. Never flee from the spot.
The worst thing people do during an accident is that they run away. Leaving the site of the accident can result in legal consequences, so stay put, even if you were at fault. If you or the other party are injured, calling for medical assistance is crucial.
#2. Don’t give any false information.
In accident investigations, individuals often withhold or conceal certain details related to the incident. However, not disclosing the complete truth can have serious consequences. It can result in the rejection of the accident claim due to insufficient information.
#3. Don’t settle with a third party.
If you find yourself in a situation where the other party proposes to settle with you by offering financial aid to cover damages, do not accept the offer. Accepting such an offer would be illegal, as it goes against the obligation to inform the appropriate authorities. Therefore take the legal path and file an FIR. This enables you to make a claim and receive appropriate compensation.
#4. Don’t forget about the timeline
An insurer sets a timeline within which you can make a claim. The timeline is set to prevent further damage due to the continued use of a damaged vehicle. However, the insurer may be willing to bend the rules in serious accidents where the car owner is severely injured and hospitalized.
So, if you are in such a situation, don’t hesitate to contact your insurer and explain the circumstances. They may make an exception to the timeline to support you during this difficult time.
An important tip: When filing a claim, do not make claims for minor repairs that you can do out of your pocket. As it can result in the loss of no claim bonus. No claim bonus is the reward the insurance company gives you when you claim free in a policy year. No claim bonus helps you get a discount on insurance premiums. Almost every insurance company gives you the benefit of NCB in car insurance.
The bottom line
Follow the dos and don’ts mentioned above and gear up with confidence and preparation to handle any situation that comes your way. With the right approach, you can ensure a hassle-free claim process without any objections from your insurance company.
Also, joining hands with a car insurer who can help you every step of the way is crucial for a smooth claiming process. So if you’re on the hunt for a trustworthy car insurer, look no further than Tata Capital! Our four-wheeler insurance policies offer a plethora of top-notch features like NCB in car insurance.
So don’t take any risks when it comes to your prized possession – check out our range of car insurance policies today and safeguard your four-wheeler from any unforeseen events.
Apply now!
04 April 2023
5 mins read
Previous Post
