How Do I File My Auto Insurance Claim After an Accident?

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Getting into an accident can be a stressful experience. It is important to stay calm and think about how to get out of the situation. One of the most important steps to take is to understand how to file a car insurance claim so that you can cover the costs of the accident.

Shriram General Insurance Claim Tips

Information for the Insurer

Inform your car insurance company about the accident and its severity as soon as you can. Many insurers have a cut-off time for reporting an accident and if you don't tell them within that time frame, your claim may be denied.

FIR Filing

Filing an FIR at a police station is essential in order to have a record of the accident and to assist the insurance company in settling any claims for physical injuries or damage to the car.

The police will visit the accident site to determine whether the accident was a result of a mechanical issue and gather details of the driver, passengers and any witnesses at the scene.

Video Evidence

A car accident can be traumatic, it is important to remain calm and try to take pictures of the accident, damages to the vehicle and any bodily injuries.

This will be beneficial when filing an insurance claim, as the photos and witness contact information can be used to validate the claim.

Required Documents Submission

After filing the FIR and obtaining a copy of it, you can begin the settlement process by submitting the essential documents to the insurance provider.Be certain to provide copies of important documents such as the car registration certificate, FIR, driving license, insurance and any other documents required by the insurer. Get the Repairs Done Once the surveyor has completed their evaluation, you must get your car fixed and begin the car insurance claim procedure. There are two ways to settle the claim. If you would like a cashless settlement, you can take your car to one of the network garages and the insurer will pay the bill directly to the garage.

If you prefer to be reimbursed, you will have to initially cover the repair cost, then submit the original bills and receipts to the insurance company to receive compensation.

It is recommended that you take the time to carefully read your car insurance policy documents to comprehend the terms of coverage and what is and isn't included, as the process of filing a claim can be tricky to understand, particularly if you are a first-time claimant.

When Filing a Car Insurance Claim, Here's What You Need to Know

Be mindful of the following when filing a car insurance claim:

Immediately check yourself and the car for any major bodily injuries or damage sustained.
Depending on the level of damage or injury, call for medical assistance or any other necessary support.
Make sure to file the claim as soon as possible, as putting it off can result in a denial of your car insurance claim.
Try to note the vehicle number in case of an accident caused by a collision with another vehicle.
When filing a claim, avoid entering misleading or wrong information, as it will immediately result in claim denial.
If there is any harm done to an outsider, do not engage in physical or verbal aggression.
Alert the police right away and make sure all paperwork is accessible to file a car insurance claim to your insurer easier.

Final Note

Keep your composure and remain calm when filing a car insurance claim, as the process can be tedious. Moreover, if the damage to your car is minor, it is advisable not to file a claim, as you will benefit from No Claim Bonus (NCB) advantages in the future.

Key Highlights

Many insurers have a cut-off time for reporting an accident and if you don't tell them within that time frame, your claim may be denied.
It is recommended that you take the time to carefully read your car insurance policy documents to comprehend the terms of coverage and what is and isn't included, as the process of filing a claim can be tricky to understand, particularly if you are a first-time claimant.
If there is any harm done to an outsider, do not engage in physical or verbal aggression.
Be certain to provide copies of important documents such as the car registration certificate, FIR, driving license, insurance, and any other documents required by the insurer during claim intimation.

FAQ’s

1. When can you file an insurance claim after an accident?

An insurer must file the claim within 24 hours of the accident to avoid denial.

2. What is covered under own damage?

Having a stand-alone own damage (OD) policy will cover the cost of repairing your car. However, a policy without the Third-Party (TP) policy only covers what you owe to a third-party.

3. Why are car insurance claims rejected?

If your vehicle is damaged without an accident or natural disaster, your claim could be denied, as insurance companies only cover damage caused by a specific event and will not cover repairs or wear and tear.