The detailed car insurance claim process in India typically involves the following steps:
Notify the Insurance Company: Immediately after the accident or damage, contact your insurer through their helpline, mobile app, website, or email to inform them about the incident, sharing details such as date, time, location, and nature of damage.
File a Police FIR: For major accidents, third-party damages, theft, or injury cases, file a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station and obtain a copy for submission to the insurer. In minor accidents with no third-party involvement, this may not be mandatory but check your insurer's requirements.
Document the Incident: Take clear photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and gather statements and contact details of any witnesses to strengthen your claim.
Submit Claim Documents: Fill out the claim form and submit it along with necessary documents such as the FIR copy, driving license, vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy copy, repair estimates, and medical bills if applicable.
Vehicle Survey: The insurance company will appoint a surveyor to inspect your car and assess the damage. The surveyor provides a damage assessment report to the insurer.
Choose Repair Option:
Cashless Claim: If using a network garage approved by the insurer, repairs are done with direct payment by the insurer.
Reimbursement Claim: You pay the repair bills upfront at any garage and later submit the bills to the insurer for reimbursement.
Claim Settlement: After verification, the insurer settles the claim either by directly paying the garage (cashless) or reimbursing you for repair costs.
Vehicle Delivery: Once repairs are done and approved, you receive your vehicle back.
Follow Up: Track your claim status online or through customer support and respond promptly to any queries from your insurer for faster processing.
Important tips: File the claim as soon as possible (usually within 48 to 72 hours), provide accurate and complete documents, avoid moving the vehicle in hazardous positions before survey, and maintain contact with your insurer throughout the process to ensure smooth settlement.