Car insurance is not a normal product that you buy from the counter. It isn’t a regular service like banking as well where you transact often. Insurance is a unique product/service where the ‘transaction’ comes into the picture when there is a claim raised by the policyholder. This claim is scrutinized and either accepted or rejected by the insurance provider. This is an overview of how the claim process works in a normal scenario. Much of it is dependent upon the type of car insurance policy you hold and its coverage.
You need to follow a step-by-step process in order to successfully complete the claim settlement process. Read ahead to know the steps to follow while dealing with car insurance claim process under a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy.
Step 1 – Inform The Insurer
The claim process begins by informing your insurance company about your car accident. The same can be done via a phone call, mobile App or through email. You shall be allotted a claim number that you can use as a reference for further communication with the insurance company.
Step 2 – Collecting Evidence
You need to click photos and record videos of the accident area. Such photos and videos come in handy as they act as proof that the accident had taken place. It also records the damage caused to your vehicle. If there is another person involved in the accident, that person’s details also need to be noted down.
Step 3 – Towing The Car To Garage
If the car cannot be driven to the garage then it needs to be towed there. Most car insurance companies assist you while towing your car to the garage. The car can be taken to your preferred garage or a garage specified by the insurance company.
Step 4 – First Information Report
You need to register a First Information Report [FIR] in case of car theft. It is also better to visit the nearest police station and register an FIR in case of major accidents. The FIR lends credibility to your claim application.
Step 5 – Coordinating With The Surveyor
The insurance company will assign a surveyor to assess the damage to your car. The surveyor makes a report that determines whether your claim will be accepted or rejected by the insurance company. You need to coordinate well by honestly answering the questions asked. The surveyor can either come directly on the accident spot within minutes or visit the garage to inspect the damaged vehicle.
Step 6 – Documentation
You will have to send the necessary documents to the insurance company in order to proceed with your claim request. These documents include a copy of your car’s Insurance policy, Registration Certificate, FIR if applicable, and your bank details.
Step 7 – Settling The Claim
Upon successful inspection and approval, the insurance company shall move towards car insurance claim settlement. There are two ways of settling claims, cashless or reimbursement. If the garage where your car was repaired is a part of the insurance company’s network of garages, the claim will be settled between them. You just have to pay a nominal amount. If the car was repaired at a garage which is not a part of the insurance company’s network, you have to pay for the repairs and then get a major part of it reimbursed from the insurance company.
Staying Patient
It is important to stay patient throughout each step mentioned above. There is no point hurrying unnecessarily. You need to cooperate with various individuals to get your claim settled successfully and staying patient will help you to do that in an effective manner.