Kumari Palany & Co

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How to claim car insurance after an accident?

Posted on: 06/Jul/2018 10:33:11 AM
The most prominent thing about accidents is that we will know the extent of the physical and financial damage only as time passes after the accident. So, it is best advised to cover the vehicle with car insurance in order to prevent/face/avoid this risk. It is a fact that most car insurance claims are made after accidents. In case of a major accident, the car insurance will provide rescue to cover the costs incurred due to damages caused by the accident.

Here are the procedural steps to be taken in order to make a car insurance claim after an accident:

  • Immediately after the accident, try to keep/retain your composure do not get panicky or emotional.
  • First, check the type and extent of injuries - for example, whether there is a need to call for an ambulance.
  • Please note the registration number of the other vehicle may be a 2, 3, or another 4-wheeler or even may be a 6-wheeler (bus/lorry). Also, some other details such as the number-plate, colour, make, and the model of the vehicle.
  • Next, get the names, contact numbers, and addresses of the witnesses who were at the site of the accident. They may help in establishing who/what caused the accident.
  • Next, call the police. Also, remember to file an FIR to claim 3rd party liability.
  • Next, after making a thorough assessment of the situation, call the insurance company, especially in case the 3rd party insurance is likely to be claimed/ For a very minor nature of damage to the person or vehicle, better to forgo making the claim.

Things that should not be done

  • Avoid any argument or quarrel with the other party involved.
  • Please avoid making any statement to the insurance company or the police.
  • Avoid making any hasty/harsh decisions.

Procedure to file the insurance claim

Note the time stipulation give by the company in case of an accident before which the claims should be made. There are 2 types of claims:

3rd Party claim when injury or damage caused to the vehicle.

Own damage claim when yours is the only vehicle damaged in the accident, you can still make a claim.

Be clear about noting the important details such as - the number plate, make and model of the other vehicle involved in the accident.

Procedure for the claim in case of an accident for both cases

Remember to inform the insurance company as immediately as possible after the accident. Especially, take note of the stipulated time.

You may need to take the damaged vehicle to the garage kept by the insurance company in order to estimate the extent of damage and the cost of repair.

You may have to submit the list of documents asked by the insurance company to consider the claim.

The list of documents that need to be submitted at the time of making a claim

  • Copy of the insurance policy
  • Completely filled the claim form
  • Copy of the driving license
  • FIR
  • Registration copy for the vehicle
  • Medical receipts in case of any bodily injuries
  • Original estimate of the repairs