It is necessary for every car owner to purchase car insurance. Car insurance provides financial protection to the policyholder in case of unforeseen situations like accidents, theft, etc.

But what should policyholders do if they meet with an accident or their car gets stolen? In such cases, they need to make a car insurance claim. Once the claim is approved, the policyholder will receive the cover amount. Therefore, it is essential to understand the car insurance claim process. One of the most important factors that affect the claim process is the documents. In order to ensure the claim is approved, the policyholder needs to submit the correct documents.

Types of Car Insurance Claims

Primarily, there are three types of car insurance claims-

• Own Damage Car Insurance Claim

This claim is made when the insured vehicle gets damaged in an accident. The policyholder needs to inform the police quickly about the accident. He/she should also notify the general insurance company. After that, the policyholder needs to follow the own damage claim process.

• Third-Party Car Insurance Claim

In case the policyholder causes any damage to a third party due to an accident, then he/she is required to make a third-party car insurance claim. If the insured person has caused any damage, then he/she needs to notify the police and the insurance company.

• Theft Claim

Policyholders can make a theft claim if their car gets stolen. The car owner needs to inform the police, the insurance company, and the RTO in such a situation.

Documents Necessary for Car Insurance Claim

Whether you make a third-party or theft claim, you need to submit the necessary documents. The documents might vary based on the car insurance claim you make. 

Here are some of the important documents you will require-

Third-Party Claims

• Claim form
• Copy of the police FIR
• Copy of driver’s license and registration certificate
• Stamp required for original documents of the company-registered vehicle

Accident Claims

• Claim form
• Insurance policy’s copy
• Registration certificate’s copy
• FIR copy
• Driving license
• Tax receipts
• Original payment receipts and bills

Theft Claims

• Insurance plan’s copy
• FIR copy
• Theft declaration from the RTO
• Tax payment receipts
• Warranty cards and booklets
• Duplicate keys
• Official notice to the RTO about theft
• Claim Discharge Voucher with signature over a revenue stamp

Car Insurance Claim Process

You need to follow a few steps in order to make a car insurance claim–

• Inform Your Insurer

The first step you need to take is to notify your insurer about the incident. You need to provide information about the damages.

• File an FIR

You should file an FIR in case of accident, theft, or third-party damage.

• Assessment

Once you file a claim, the insurance company will assign a surveyor to assess the damages. The surveyor will send an assessment report to the insurer. Your claim will be settled based on this assessment report.

• Submit the Necessary Documents

This is one of the most important steps when making a car insurance claim. It is essential to submit the required documents to get your claim approved.

Submit the Necessary Documents to Get Car Insurance Claim Approved

The claim process will be smoother if you have the necessary documents. Furthermore, it is recommended to contact the insurer quickly to report the incident.

Larry Watson