How to Claim Car Insurance For Own Damage

Learning How To Claim Car Insurance For Own Damage Step-by-Step

If you are wondering how to claim car insurance for own damage, do not fuss, as this process is pretty systematic.

After an accident, filing a claim with your car insurance provider requires a thorough grasp of the process.

The steps on how to claim insurance for car damage are listed below-

Step 1: Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance provider to inform them about the incident and provide details about the car's damages.

Be sure not to conceal any details from your insurance because doing so might make it more difficult to resolve disputes.

Step 2: Report an FIR to the Police

If necessary, a First Information Report (FIR) should be filed as soon as possible after the accident is reported to the police.

For example, when a theft, a car accident, or a fire occurs, an FIR is necessary.

On the other hand, you might not need to file an FIR if the damage is only tiny scrapes and dents. Also, you will need it if a third party is involved in the incident.

Step 3: Use Photographic Proof

Take as many photos as possible of the accident site and the damage.

To enable the own damage insurance provider to assess the extent of the material damages and appropriately pay the claim, make sure the images are clear and the injuries are discernible.

Step 4: Provide the Insurance Company with the Necessary Documents

The insurance company needs specific paperwork to process the claim, including a print of the insurance policy, the FIR, the owner’s license, the driver's copy of the car registration certificate, and all the other required documents.

Step 5: Fix Your Car

You may take your car to a shop to get it fixed. But instead, you might request that your insurance provider pay to fix the car.

If the insurer accepts your claim, you will either be paid back or made whole for your loss.

Step 6: Claim Settlement Process

In the event of a cashless claim settlement procedure, the repair expenses are deposited with the network garage upon receipt of the surveyor's final report.

If you choose the reimbursement settlement claim method, claims are resolved once you give your insurance repair amount receipts.

You should be aware that although your own damage insurance provider will contribute a necessary portion to the cost of repairing the automobile, you will still be responsible for paying a mandatory deductible.

Documents Required to Claim Car Insurance For Own Damage

One would need specific documentation to settle the reimbursement to submit a claim for the damaged cars.

These are the documents that you will need throughout the car insurance claim process for own damage-

• A Printout of the Insurance Contract.
• A Printout of the Police Department's FIR Report.
• Properly Completed and Signed Claim Form.
• A Duplicate of the Vehicle Registration Document.
• A Duplicate of the Current Driver's Licence.
• Information on the Repair Cost Estimates.
• Original Copies of the Medical Receipts are Required in Cases of Bodily Injury.
• Copy of the Original Receipt for Any Additional Costs Incurred.

Points to Remember While Raising Own Damage Car Insurance Claims

Listed below are several things to keep in mind while filing a claim with your car insurance-

• Notify your insurance provider without delay and at once. Usually, the period begins no later than 24 hours after the occurrence. There is a chance that the claim will not be granted if there is a delay.
  
  
• If necessary, let the police know. Make sure the FIR is filed at the neighbourhood police station if required.
  
  
• Determine the circumstances and make the appropriate claim. For example, if the dent is small and insignificant, you can use the No Claim Bonus (NCB) instead of filing a claim.
  
  
• When submitting the claim form, make sure you have the correct information. For example, avoid providing false contact information or credentials that might compromise your claim.
  
  
• Observe legal requirements and law department processes in the event of an accident. Moreover, gather all the papers required to lodge a claim.
  
• To prevent unanticipated problems, try to postpone agreeing to a resolution with the third party immediately. Do not engage in conflict with the third party either. To minimize any needless misunderstanding, try to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

Conclusion

If your insured automobile suffers loss or damage due to an accident, you may make your own damage claim. Your insurance company will cover the accident-related repairs and medical costs, but you must prove that the accident-related loss or damage occurred. 

Lastly, personal automobile damage insurance has a higher cost than a standard auto insurer, and this premium depends on the vehicle's IDV.

While renewing your car insurance, you should pay extra attention because it is critical to consider the car's age. In addition, to prevent paying for expensive auto repairs, it is also crucial to renew comprehensive insurance on time.

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes. The securities/investments quoted here are not recommendatory.