Steps to Take After a Car Accident: Navigating the Insurance Process

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No matter how cautious you are, accidents while driving can occur to anyone at any time. A minor fender-bender or a severe accident with another car on the road are examples of what can happen. It is vital to be prepared with knowledge about what to do following a car accident, regardless of how serious the incident was. Read this blog to learn what to do in India if you are in a car accident.

Types of car insurance claims

There are two main types of car insurance claims. They are;

1. Cashless claim settlement

Cashless claim settlement lets you get your car repaired without paying out of pocket at the time of service. When you take your car to a network garage, the insurer directly settles the repair bill with the garage.

You don’t need to pay; you can seek reimbursement later. This process saves you time and reduces hassle. You simply need to inform the insurer, get approval, and the insurer handles the rest. Cashless claim settlement makes the repair process smooth and worry-free, ensuring your car is back on the road quickly.

2. Reimbursement claim settlement

A reimbursement claim settlement involves the insurer paying you back for expenses you covered upfront. First, you pay for repairs or medical bills following an accident. Then, you submit the receipts and a claim form to your insurer. They review the documents to ensure everything is covered under your policy. Once approved, the insurer reimburses you for the eligible expenses.

This process helps you manage immediate costs while ensuring you get the financial support promised by your insurance policy. Always keep detailed records and receipts to streamline the reimbursement claim settlement process.

How do you file a cashless car insurance claim?

Here is the step-by-step process to file a cashless car insurance claim:

1. Inform the insurer

Notify the insurer of your claim following the accident or incident as soon as possible by submitting a Claim Intimation Form with the policy details or by calling the toll-free number 1800-266-4545.

2. Claim reference number

Once you register the claim, the customer support executive will offer you a claim reference number.

3. Submit the documents

The next step is to submit all the essential documents, such as an RC copy, Policy FIR copy, Driving licence, etc., per the plan’s terms and conditions.

4. Inspecting the damaged car

The insurer will schedule a vehicle inspection within 24 hours of receiving the claim (or less if the claim is lodged on a business day). If the accident is reported for the claim on a Sunday or any other public holiday, the inspection will occur the following working day. Within 50 kilometres of the damaged location, it provides a towing service.

5. Repairs and cashless settlement

After the damaged car is fixed at the network garage, the company will transmit the repair costs directly to the workshop.

6. Pay deductibles and take your car

You can drive your automobile back home after covering your liability for the required deductible and, if chosen, the voluntary deductible.

How to claim reimbursement car insurance?

If in case you are not ready to repair your damaged car at a network garage, follow the below steps to file a reimbursement claim:

1. Connect insurer

After the accident, notify the insurer immediately by filing a Claim Intimation Form with the policy details or by contacting the toll-free number 1800-266-4545.

2. Get claim reference number

Once you register your car insurance claim for reimbursement, ensure to take the claim reference number from the customer support executive.

3. Submit the required documents

Please send in the claim form, repair bills, and all necessary paperwork, such as an RC copy, policy FIR copy, driving license, etc.

4. Arrangement of surveyor and towing service

The company will dispatch a surveyor to the scene of the accident or disaster to check the damages sustained. After inspection, you must take the damaged car to a garage for repairs.

5. Car repairs and bill payment

Pay the repair fee and have your car fixed at any local mechanic. To receive the total compensation, gather all the bills and send them to the insurance company.

6. Reimbursement

Within seven days of receiving the necessary documentation in compliance with the terms and circumstances, the insurer will refund you after calculating deductibles.

List of documents needed for filing a car insurance claim

Below is the list of essential documents you must keep handy while filing a claim for car insurance. They are;

• Copy of RC
• Original papers of car insurance
• ID proof of the policyholder
• Driving license of the driver
• Copy of FIR
• Duly filled claim form

The insurance company staff can request other documents upon car inspection.

Common car insurance claim rejection reasons

Here are the reasons why your car insurance claim gets rejected:

• The policy expired as a result of non-renewal.
• Incorrect data was entered on the claim form.
• Notification of the accident gets delayed.
• Operating a car without a valid license and registration certificate (RC).
• The driver’s intoxication or negligent driving caused the accident.
• The car was fixed in self-authorisation mode, that is, without notifying the insurer.

The bottom line

Dealing with the physical and emotional pain that vehicle accidents can cause can be challenging. Nonetheless, being aware of what to do following a car accident can help reduce your tension at the scene and enable you to perform the required actions.