How to File a Motor Insurance Claim Successfully?

Having comprehensive motor insurance from a reliable insurance company is the best way to ensure that you and your vehicle stay protected in case of any mishap, whether an accident, theft, vandalism, or any other damage. However, irrespective of the favourable terms and conditions of your insurance, if you, as the policyholder, do not file for the claim properly and promptly, the chances of getting a successful claim are comparatively low.

Filing for A Motor Insurance Claim Successfully

To understand how to file a motor insurance claim successfully, the first thing to know is that not all insurance companies are frauds. They are not rejecting claims on baseless grounds to avoid payment. In fact, in most claim rejection cases, the reasons are improper filing or false claims made by policyholders. To ensure that this does not happen to you, take the following steps:

Immediate Notification:

Remember to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about any damage to ensure that you follow a successful claim procedure. It includes all kinds of damage, whether due to an accident, vandalism, theft, natural disaster, or any other reason. Generally, insurance companies have pre-defined timelines for the same. These are communicated to you at the time of purchase and renewal of your policy, but if you cannot recall them, you can find them in your insurance policy.

Inform The Police (if applicable):

The next thing to remember is to inform the police. You do not have to notify the police in all cases, but if the damage is done due to theft, vandalism, or a third-party accident, you must file a First Information Report (FIR) with the police. Doing so is mandatory, as without a copy of the FIR, your insurance company will not proceed with the claim.

Gather Evidence:

To ensure you get the claim successfully, you must build a case in your favour, proving that the damages were not due to an avoidable mistake or your own doing. The damage should be unintentional, without the motive of defrauding the insurance company. To build your case, you must gather evidence by taking clear photos of the damage, including the vehicle, the accident scene, and other relevant details. You can also get statements from the people involved in the accidents or other witnesses.

Gather Documentation:

While filling out a claim is not very difficult, it involves certain formalities and documentation. Without proper and complete documentation, your claim will be rejected. Therefore, you should collect the necessary documents beforehand. While different insurance companies might ask for other documents, generally, the list includes your insurance policy certificate, driving license, car registration certificate, repair estimates, and an FIR copy when applicable.

Submit the Claim:

After gathering all the relevant documents, it is time to fill out the claim form. Each company has its own form. Generally, all of them have the same questions and queries. You can do it online on your insurance company’s website or mobile app, as most insurance companies are now active on these platforms. However, no matter how you file the claim, offline or online, provide all relevant information precisely and correctly, as any misleading or incorrect information might result in rejection.

Repair Your Vehicle:

Once all the formalities are done and your claim has been approved, it is time to repair your vehicle. However, remember not to take your vehicle to any mechanic. You are expected to take your vehicle to a preferred or approved garage. You should also get quotes from the garage, communicate them with your agent to keep them in the loop, and verify whether the repairs and process align with the approved claim.

Reimbursement (if applicable):

If you are filing a claim for reimbursement, you must submit the original bills and invoices to your insurance company. These act as proof of the repairs done to the vehicle, ensuring that you are not fraudulently claiming to the insurance company with baseless claims.

FAQs

• Can you claim insurance for car damage without filing an FIR?

Yes, if the damage is minor or self-inflicted. But an FIR is mandatory for claim approval for theft, third-party accidents, or vandalism.

• Can you file a motor insurance claim successfully online?

Absolutely. Most insurers allow online claims: just log in, fill out the form, upload photos and documents, and track updates through the app or website.

• Can you claim car insurance for your damages?

You can, but only if your policy includes own damage coverage. Third-party plans won’t cover personal vehicle repair or replacement costs.