How to Claim Motor Insurance After an Accident in India: Documents, Process & Tips

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2024-25 an average of 546 people lost their lives every day in traffic accidents, alongside thousands of non-fatal injuries. Because the unexpected can happen, it is vital to know how to file a motor insurance claim to ensure financial coverage for your vehicle’s damage and other covered losses under your policy.

Let’s explore what you should do after an accident, the types of motor insurance claims available, different claim methods, required documents, and a step-by-step guide on how to successfully file your claim.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Road Accident?

Before learning how to file a motor claim, you should know the essential steps required immediately after an accident.

Ensure Safety

After an accident, check whether you or others are injured. Call an ambulance and seek medical treatment, in case of serious injuries. If the accident results in severe vehicle damage, serious bodily injury, or death, you may be required to file an FIR at the nearest police station.

Take Photos Or Videos

Though not always necessary, it can be helpful to take pictures or videos of the vehicle damage , the accident scene, or injuries to you or a third party as supporting evidence. You must note down the vehicle details of the other person involved in the accident as these details may need to be provided in your motor insurance claim form.

Notify Your Insurer

After collecting all available evidence and filing an FIR, where applicable, you should inform your motor insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible or within the timeline specified in your policy. Visit the insurer’s website or app to file the claim, fill out the necessary forms and attach all required documents. Once your claim is approved or the insurer authorises repairs, as applicable, visit an authorised garage or workshop and get your vehicle repaired.

Different Types of Motor Insurance Claims

The following are the types of motor insurance claims you can file based on the type of coverage you have.

Own Vehicle Damage Claims

As the name suggests, this claim is filed when your own vehicle is damaged due to an accident, fire, vandalism or theft. Your insurer will compensate for the repair or replacement of your vehicle’s damaged parts, subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should inform your insurer about the incident, file an FIR where applicable, such as in cases of theft, or severe accident or where legally required, and wait for the surveyor to assess the damage.

Your claim amount depends on the depreciation applicable or deductible clause mentioned in your insurance policy if you don’t have a zero depreciation cover.

Third-Party Liability Claims

All vehicle owners must have a third-party liability insurance plan as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This claim is filed when your vehicle causes physical injury, death or property damage to a third party. Your insurer will compensate for the damages in accordance with the applicable legal process, including awards made by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). by directly transferring the funds to the third party or a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).

Personal Accident (PA) Claims

If the vehicle owner passes away or suffers from permanent total disability, subject to the policy terms, due to the accident, the insurer will provide a fixed lump sum amount to the insured or the nominee. The nominee or the insured will have to submit medical certificates, disability reports or death certificates along with the FIR, if applicable, and the claim form.

Comprehensive Claims

A comprehensive claim is meant to cover damages to the insured vehicle and, where applicable, third-party liabilities, depending on the policy coverage and the circumstances of the accident. Compensation for the repair of both parties' vehicles and medical treatment is provided by the insurance company in accordance with the policy terms and applicable law.

What Are the Methods of Motor Insurance Claims?

The following are the claim settlement methods in motor insurance and the differences between them.

How to Claim Motor Insurance After an Accident?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to claim motor insurance after an accident.

1. Secure Evidence and File a Report

After the accident, you must ensure the safety of all parties involved. In case of serious injuries, call an ambulance and seek medical attention. Take pictures or videos, showing vehicle damage, road conditions, and the registration number of the vehicles involved in the accident.

You should collect information about the other driver, such as their contact details, Registration Certificate, and driving licence details. In case of serious property damage or physical injury, file an FIR at the police station.

2. Inform Your Insurance Company

You must inform your motor insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Visit the insurance provider’s website or app to file a claim and fill out the claim form with all details such as your policy number, details of the accident, and the location of the vehicle. Once the claim is submitted, the insurer will appoint and send an authorised surveyor to assess the vehicle damage and determine the claim liability. Wait until the survey and inspection are completed before starting any repair of the vehicle to ensure it does not impact your claim settlement.

3. Choose a Repair Facility

Once the vehicle inspection is complete, you can begin repairs by using one of the following claim methods:

Cashless Claim

Get your vehicle repaired at one of your insurer's authorised network garages. The insurer will directly settle the approved repair costs with the garage, subject to applicable deductibles and policy terms.

Reimbursement Claim

If you choose a non-network garage, you must pay the repair costs upfront. After the repairs are completed, submit the original repair bills, payment receipts, and the completed claim form to your insurer for reimbursement.

4. Submit Essential Documents

To complete the claim settlement process, submit all necessary documents such as the claim form, a copy of the insurance policy, the Registration Certificate, driving licence, a copy of the FIR if applicable, and the repair bills.

Documents Required for a Motor Insurance Claim

The following are the mandatory and other documents required when filing a motor insurance claim.

Common Reasons Why Motor Insurance Claims Get Rejected

The following are the common reasons why motor insurance claims get rejected.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

If the policyholder is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, the insurance company may reject the claim, subject to the policy terms and applicable law. Since driving while intoxicated is a serious violation of traffic rules and insurance policy terms, it may lead to claim rejection.

No Valid Driving License

A claim can be rejected if the driver does not have a valid licence or at least a valid learner's permit at the time of the accident.

Delayed Claim Intimation

Policyholders must report the accident to the insurance provider immediately or within the timeline specified in the policy document. If you delay in informing the insurance company due to unjustifiable reasons, it may result in complete rejection of the claim.

Policy Not Transferred to the Current Owner

The issue of an insurance policy not being transferred often occurs with second-hand vehicles. If the Registration Certificate (RC) and the insurance policy have not been officially transferred to the current owner's name, the insurer may reject the claim.

Consequential Damages and Normal Wear and Tear

Most vehicle insurance policies do not cover normal wear and tear, such as tyre deterioration, fading paint, or mechanical wearout. Also, consequential damages, such as engine failure caused by driving through a flooded road, are generally excluded unless the policy includes an Engine Protection Add-on.

Uninformed Vehicle Modifications or Changes

Installing additional accessories or making modifications to your vehicle, such as engine upgrades or alloy wheels, without informing the insurer may make your policy liable to cancellation or affect claim eligibility, depending on the policy terms, and lead to claim rejection.

Improper Use of the Vehicle

If you use a private vehicle for commercial purposes, such as operating it as a taxi, it may violate policy terms and may result in claim rejection. Repairs Before Vehicle Inspection

Do not repair your vehicle before it has been inspected by the insurance company's authorised surveyor. If you begin vehicle repairs before the official inspection, it may prevent the insurer from assessing the damage and can lead to claim rejection.

Lapsed Insurance Policy

If the insurance policy has expired before the accident occurs, the vehicle is not covered. Any claim made under a lapsed policy will be rejected, as there is no active insurance coverage.

FAQs

How do I claim my motor insurance after an accident in India?

The first step to claim your motor insurance is to inform your insurer. Next, you must collect photographs and documents and then file a claim. The surveyor will then inspect the vehicle before any repairs are made.

What documents do I require when making a motor insurance claim?

You will generally be asked to provide the claim form and the insurance policy. You will also be required to provide the Registration Certificate(RC) rc, driving licence, the repair bills, and an FIR, if applicable.

How long does the motor insurance claim process take?

It varies from one insurer to another. However, cashless claims are mostly processed quicker than reimbursement claims.

What is the difference between cashless and reimbursement claim?

A cashless claim refers to a settlement method in which the insurance company pays the network garage directly. A reimbursement claim means that you pay for the repair costs upfront, and then the insurance company reimburses you, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

Why is my motor insurance claim rejected?

Claims are commonly rejected due to drunk driving, the absence of a valid driving licence, delayed reporting of the claim, policy lapse, or a violation of terms and conditions of the insurance policy.

Is it possible to get my vehicle repaired before the surveyor comes to assess it?

It is generally advisable not to do so. It is best to wait until the surveyor inspects the vehicle before starting repairs. Otherwise, your claim may be rejected.