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Many vehicle owners are unsure about what to do when they need to use their insurance. This blog explains the process in simple words.
The whole journey of insurance starts with buying it, renewal, and finally the motor insurance claim. A claim is the process through which you seek financial assistance from your insurer for losses caused by accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, or third-party liabilities.
In this guide, we will explain the motor insurance claim process, required documents, and important tips to make the experience hassle-free.
- 1.Inform your insurer
- 2.Register the claim
- 3.Upload the required documents, and
- 4.Track its status through the insurer's website or mobile app
What does Motor Insurance Mean?
Motor insurance acts as a financial safety net that protects both you and your vehicle from unforeseen risks.
Motor insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection against losses related to your vehicle. In exchange for a premium, the insurance company covers expenses arising from accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, and third-party liabilities.
When Should You File a Motor Insurance Claim?
Motor insurance can cover cars, bikes, scooters, electric vehicles, trucks, buses, taxis, and other commercial vehicles. Here are some common situations where you can file a claim when your vehicle is:
- Damaged in an accident
- Stolen
- Damaged due to fire, floods, storms, landslides, or other natural disasters.
- Harmed during riots, strikes, or vandalism.
- Liable for third-party injury, death, or property damage due to an accident involving your vehicle.
- Declared a total loss because the repair cost is very high.
Documents Required for Motor Insurance Claim
Here is the list of documents that you will need for a motor insurance claim online:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Insurance Policy Copy | Confirms that the vehicle is insured. |
| Registration Certificate | Verifies vehicle ownership and registration details. |
| Driving Licence | Confirms that the driver had a valid licence. |
| Duly Filled Claim Form | Provides details about the accident or loss. |
| Photographs for Damage | Helps the insurer assess the extent of damage. |
| Repair Estimates or Bills | Required to calculate the claim amount. |
| FIR Copy (if applicable) | Needed in cases of theft, major accidents, or third-party injuries. |
| Identity Proof | Confirms the policyholder's identity. |
How to Submit a Motor Insurance Claim Online?
The process for a motor insurance claim is simple and can be completed in a few steps.
Step 1: Inform Your Insurance Company
Report the accident, theft, or damage to your insurer as soon as possible. You can do this through the insurer's website, mobile app, helpline number, or email.
Step 2: Register the Claim
Log in to the insurer's portal and provide details such as the policy number, vehicle number, date of the incident, and a brief description of what happened. Once submitted, you will receive a claim reference number.
Step 3: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the necessary documents, such as the insurance policy, RC, driving licence, photographs of the damage, and FIR copy (if required).
Step 4: Vehicle Inspection
The insurance company may arrange a surveyor to inspect the damaged vehicle. Some insurers also offer self-inspection through their mobile app.
Step 5: Get the Vehicle Repaired
For a cashless claim, take the vehicle to an approved network garage. For a reimbursement claim, you can choose any garage and pay the repair cost upfront.
Step 6: Claim Settlement
After verification, the insurer settles the claim according to the policy terms. In a cashless claim, the insurer pays the garage directly. In a reimbursement claim, the approved amount is credited to your bank account.
Motor Insurance Claim Settlement Ratio
By taking reference from this list, you can decide which car insurance company is suitable for you:
| Public Car Insurance Company Name | Motor Claim Settlement Ratio | Network Garages |
|---|---|---|
| New India Assurance | 92.43% | 3000+ |
| United India Insurance | 81.63% | 3100+ |
| National Insurance | 84.03% | 3100+ |
| Oriental Insurance | 88.05% | 3000+ |
| Private Car Insurance Company Name | Motor Claim Settlement Ratio | Network Garages |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 88.22% | 7700+ |
| Universal SOMPO Car Insurance | 90.72% | 3500+ |
| Future Generali | 94.29% | 3500+ |
| Raheja QBE | 92.63% | 1300+ |
| Go Digit Car Insurance | 90.72% | 10,000+ |
| IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 89.09% | 4300+ |
| Liberty General Insurance | 90.10% | 4500+ |
| SBI General Insurance | 90.15% | 16000+ |
| ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. | 85.45% | 12000+ |
| Royal Sundaram General Insurance | 91.56% | 3300+ |
Note: The above-mentioned CSR (Claim Settlement Ratio) is published in the 8th edition of General Insight by IBAI (Insurance Broker Association of India).
How to Track Your Motor Insurance Claim Status Online?
After submitting a motor insurance claim, you can easily track its progress online. Here are some means to track it:
- Through the Insurer's Website Visit the insurer's website and go to the claim status section. Enter your claim reference number, policy number, or registered mobile number to view the latest updates.
- Through the Mobile App Many insurers offer mobile apps where you can log in and check the status of your claim in real time.
- Through Customer Support If you cannot track the claim online, contact the insurer's customer care team. Share your claim reference number to get an update.
- No claim during the policy year: Your NCB increases at renewal.
- Own-damage claim filed: Your NCB is usually reset to zero.
- Third-party claim only: NCB generally remains unaffected.
Cashless vs Reimbursement Claim Process
When filing a motor insurance claim, you can choose between a cashless claim and a reimbursement claim. The difference between the two motor vehicle insurance claim processes is as follows:
| Feature | Cashless Claim | Reimbursement Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Garage Type | Must use a network garage approved by the insurer | Can use any garage of your choice |
| Repair Payment | The insurer pays the approved repair cost directly to the garage | The policyholder pays the repair bill first |
| Document Submission | Fewer documents are usually required | Repair bills and payment receipts must be submitted |
| Out-of-Pocket Expense | Only deductibles and non-covered expenses are paid by the policyholder | The full repair cost is paid initially by the policyholder |
| Claim Settlement | Settled directly between the insurer and the garage | Reimbursement is credited after claim approval |
| Convenience | More convenient and hassle-free | Suitable when a network garage is not available |
How Long Does a Motor Insurance Claim Take?
The exact motor insurance claim timeline depends on the vehicle and type. Here is the estimated data for the same:
| Type of Claim | Typical Timeframe (Approximately) |
|---|---|
| Cashless Claim | 1 to 7 Days |
| Reimbursement Claim | 15 to 30 Days |
| Total Loss or Theft Claim | 30 to 45+ Days |
Disclaimer: The timelines mentioned above are indicative and can vary based on the insurance company, claim complexity, vehicle inspection, and document verification.
Common Reasons for Motor Insurance Claim Rejection
Here are some of the common reasons for motor insurance claim rejection:
- The insurance policy had expired before the incident.
- The insurer was not informed about the accident on time.
- Incorrect or false information was provided during the claim process.
- The driver did not have a valid driving licence.
- The vehicle was being used for a purpose not covered by the policy.
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.
- Required documents were not submitted.
- The damage was caused by reasons excluded under the policy.
Tips for Faster Motor Insurance Claim Settlement
A few simple steps can speed up your motor insurance claim. Here is the list for the same:
- Inform the insurance company immediately after the incident.
- Take clear photos and videos of the vehicle damage.
- Keep your policy number and vehicle details handy.
- Submit all required documents without delay.
- Provide accurate information about the incident.
- Cooperate with the surveyor during vehicle inspection.
- Choose a network garage for cashless repairs whenever possible.
- Keep copies of bills, receipts, and claim-related documents.
- Respond quickly if the insurer asks for additional information.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Delayed or Rejected?
First, understand the reason given by the insurance company and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
- Ask for the exact reason for the delay or rejection by the insurer.
- Check if any documents or information are missing.
- Raise a complaint through the insurer's grievance redressal system.
- Keep records of all emails, claim documents, and communication with the insurer.
- Escalate the matter to the insurance company's higher authorities.
- Approach the Insurance Ombudsman.
Conclusion
A motor insurance claim helps you get financial support when your vehicle suffers damage, theft, or other covered losses. Knowing the claim process, keeping the required documents ready, and reporting the incident on time can make the process easier.
Whether you choose a cashless or reimbursement claim, following the correct steps can help avoid delays and ensure a smooth claim settlement experience.
FAQs
A motor insurance claim is a request made to the insurance company for financial assistance when your vehicle suffers damage, theft, or other losses covered under the policy.
The Motor Insurance Claim Settlement Ratio shows the percentage of claims an insurer settles compared to the total claims received during a financial year. A higher ratio generally indicates better claim settlement performance.
You can file a Motor Insurance Claim Online through your insurer's website or mobile app. Simply register the claim, upload the required documents, and track the claim status using the reference number provided by the insurer.
Yes, an FIR is usually not required for minor damage claims. However, it is generally mandatory in cases of vehicle theft, major accidents, or third-party injuries.
The settlement time depends on the type of claim and document verification. Cashless claims are usually settled faster than reimbursement or theft claims.
Yes, filing an own-damage claim can result in the loss of your No Claim Bonus. However, if no claim is made during the policy year, the NCB continues to increase.
Yes, a claim can be rejected if the policy has expired, documents are missing, incorrect information is provided, or the loss falls under policy exclusions.
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