
According to an article published on 23rd July 2025 in The Hindu, 26,770 people died in road accidents on National Highways in the first six months of 2025. This huge number of accidents highlights the importance of having proper vehicle insurance, as it provides financial support and assistance with accidental claims.
Car Accident Death Insurance Claim provides financial support to the family of the policyholder in case of death due to a road accident. It helps in managing expenses during difficult times and ensures the family receives the insured amount without facing financial stress.
Let’s understand the process of filing a car accident death insurance claim in detail.
Easy Steps to Apply for a Car Accident Death Insurance Claim
Here are the steps to apply for a car accident insurance claim related to death:
1 Third Party Death Claim (MACT Route)
This claim applies when a third party (pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle user) dies due to the insured car’s accident.
Here are some easy steps to follow to apply for a third-party car accident insurance claim:
- Step 1. File an FIR immediately at the nearest police station.
- Step 2. Collect accident documents such as FIR copy, post-mortem report, death certificate, and charge sheet.
- Step 3. The legal heirs file a claim before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
- Step 4. Submit the details of the insured vehicle, including a copy of the insurance policy.
- Step 5. Attend MACT hearings as required until the case is decided.
- Step 6. Once approved, the insurance company pays compensation as ordered by MACT to the deceased’s legal heirs.
2 Owner Driver Personal Accident Claim (Insurance Route)
This claim applies when the vehicle owner-cum-driver dies in an accident and has a Personal Accident (PA) cover in the car insurance policy . Here are some easy steps to follow:
- Step 1. Inform the insurance company immediately about the accident.
- Step 2. Submit required documents, including: Death certificate FIR and post-mortem report Valid driving licence of the owner-driver Insurance policy copy
- Step 3. Nominee or legal heir files the claim with the insurer.
- Step 4. The insurance company verifies documents and policy coverage.
- Step 5. The claim amount is paid directly to the nominee once approved.
Points to Consider While Filing a Car Accident Insurance Claim
- These steps are mainly for third-party death claims (when the person who died was not the owner-driver).
- If the person who died was the owner-driver with Personal Accident (PA) Cover, then a separate PA claim is made directly with the insurance company.
4 Effective Tips to Ensure a Smooth Car Accident Insurance Claim
Here are some of the tips to ensure a smooth car accident death insurance claim:
- 1. Inform the insurance company as early as possible after the accident.
- 2. Save digital copies of all important documents for quick access.
- 3. Keep your insurance policy active by renewing it on time every year.
- 4. If possible, click photos or videos of the accident location and vehicle damage. These can work as supporting proof.
Conclusion
Losing someone in a road accident is painful, and handling paperwork during that time can feel confusing. But when you know the right steps, filing a car accident death insurance claim becomes easier and helps the family get financial support.
Just remember to report the accident on time, inform the insurer quickly, and keep all documents ready. Staying insured and driving safely are the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
FAQs
It is a claim filed by the family or nominee to receive financial support if the policyholder dies in a car accident.
A legal heir or nominee, such as a spouse, parents, or children, can file the claim.
First, file an FIR at the police station, then inform the insurer immediately and submit the required documents to start the claim process.
For third-party claims, you usually file the case at MACT (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal), and having a lawyer helps. For Personal Accident cover, you claim directly with the insurer without a court process.
It depends on documents, investigation, and tribunal hearings. Personal Accident claims may take weeks, while third-party cases can take longer.
Yes, FIR and police reports are usually necessary as proof of the accident.
