Whether you buy car insurance online or offline, it's a pivotal aspect of retaining a vehicle. It allows you to stay financially ready to face any events like natural disasters, fire, accidents, and more, where your vehicle may be involved. While we hope to not witness these situations, it is essential to understand how car insurance claims work and the methods involved in the process of third-party insurance claims. The protection offered by car insurance can be categorised into two types – third-party and own damage. Comprehensive insurance claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the car insurance claim policy.
Types of Car Insurance Claims
Car insurance claims can be broadly categorised into two categories based on the insurance coverage you are claiming. Here is a list of them:
- Third-Party Insurance Claims
- Own Damage Insurance Claims
When you're involved in an accident that causes damage or injury to someone’s property or person, you may need to make third-party insurance claims. In similar cases, your insurance company will handle the legal and monetary aspects of the claim on your behalf. This includes compensation for the other party's medical costs, vehicle restoration, or all legal charges incurred. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under own damage insurance.
Own damage claims cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, fire, or natural disaster. To be suitable to make this claim, you need to have Own Damage insurance that comes with a comprehensive insurance plan.
Making Car Insurance Claims – Steps to Follow
Knowing how to make a car insurance claim is important. Here is a step-by-step guide that helps to understand how comprehensive insurance claims can be made in a structured process:-
- Notify the Insurance Company
- Gather Necessary Information
- Submit a Claim Form
To start making a car insurance claim, inform your insurance company as soon as possible. Utmost insurance providers have a specific time frame within which claims must be reported. Failing to notify the insurer instantly may cause a rejection of your claim.
When starting a claim, you may be required to give primary information like policy number, mishap details, etc. All this data should be well-prepared.
Your insurance company will give you a claim form to fill out. This form will allow you to give essential details about the incident and the extent of the damage or injuries involved. Be thorough and accurate when completing the form.
When Making Third-Party Insurance Claims
- Exchange Information
- Provide Witness Statements
- Cooperate with the Insurance Company
Exchange contact and insurance details with the other party involved in the incident. This includes their name, contact number, insurance company, and policy number.
Request witnesses to support their own damage insurance claim if possible.
Follow instructions given by the insurance company and give as much information as possible to make the claim settlement procedure easy.
When Making Own Damage Insurance Claims
Follow these steps when making your own damage insurance claims for car insurance
- Get Your Vehicle Assessed
- Obtain Repair Estimates
- Maintain Documentation
Communicate to your insurance company to arrange for an assessment of the damage. They may ask a representative to check your vehicle or direct you to an authorised centre.
Get repair gauges from approved carports or workshops. Yield these gauges to your car insurance provider for audit and endorsement before continuing with the repairs.
Keep all receipts, solicitations, and communication related to the repairs. These archives will be vital when submitting your claim for damage payment.
When Making Comprehensive Insurance Claims
- Inform your insurance company
- Register an FIR
- Take photos and videos
- Submit documents
- Get your car inspected
- Wait for the claim settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I buy car insurance online?
- Do I need to write a car insurance claim letter?
- How much time will my car insurance claim processing take?
To purchase car insurance online, visit the websites of different insurance suppliers. Fill in the required subtle elements, compare cites, and select the approach that suits your needs. Make the instalment online to total the purchase.
In most cases, a claim form handed in by your insurance company suffices. Still, in certain situations, similar to complex claims or disputes, a written claim letter for car insurance may be needed. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the car insurance policy.
The time taken to handle a car insurance claim can shift depending on a few components, including the complexity of the claim and the responsiveness of the included parties. To get an assessed time based on your case, you may counsel your insurance supplier straightforwardly. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forward beneath the car insurance arrangement.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.