Claims, Renewal & Policy Service

Follow these steps to make a cashless claim:

• Inform your insurer immediately after the accident

• Take the car to a network garage/ Get it towed if need be

• Share policy details and accident information, and submit required documents

• The insurer approves the claim based on the surveyor’s inspection

• Repairs are done. The insurer settles the bill directly with the garage.

Yes, a cashless claim can still work even if the accident occurs outside your home city. The key condition is that you must take your vehicle to the insurer’s authorised network garage in that location. Most insurers have a wide network across India, making outstation claims relatively smooth and hassle-free.

Cashless claims are usually restricted to network garages only. If you choose a non-network garage, you’ll first need to pay the bill upfront and then file a reimbursement claim.

Generally, only the following documents are required; however, additional documents may be requested based on the nature of the accident.

• Car insurance policy copy

• Duly filled claim form

• Driving licence copy

• Vehicle RC copy

FIR (if applicable). 

Cashless claim approval typically takes 2–3 working days. Minor repairs are often approved quickly, while major accident claims may require a more detailed assessment before approval. Claim settlement depends on:

• Extent of vehicle damage

• Availability of surveyor inspection

• Paperwork 

Garage’s estimate submission.

Not always. Cashless claims do not mean zero payment. While the insurer will settle the approved amount, you may have to pay for the following:

• Deductibles (compulsory/ voluntary)

• Depreciation (unless you have the zero dep add-on)

• Non-covered parts/ services

• Consumables (if not included in policy).

Yes, it is definitely possible. A claim is registered as “cashless” at the time of admission with a preauthorisation and a pre-approval of the claim amount. However, if the same is rejected at the time of the final cashless claim, it can be paid out-of-pocket and later claimed as a “reimbursement” by providing the necessary documentation.

If the surveyor’s inspection is delayed, repairs may also get delayed because garages usually wait for assessment approval. You should immediately inform your insurer’s customer support and follow up. In urgent cases, insurers may allow spot recording or online inspections to speed up the process and reduce inconvenience.

Yes, you can make a claim as long as your policy is valid. If the accident occurred during the active policy period, even if the policy expires during repairs, your claim will be processed. What matters is the accident date, not the repair completion date. 

Remember:

• Ensure timely claim intimation before expiry to avoid complications or rejection.

• Renew your policy before it expires to get break-free coverage.

To file a reimbursement claim, follow these steps:

• Inform your insurer about the accident (if not already done).

• Get the car repaired at a garage of your choice.

• Collect original bills, payment receipts, and repair estimates.

• Submit documents through the insurer’s portal or branch office.

Once verified, the approved amount is credited to your bank account

Reimbursement claims generally take around 7 working days after the surveyor’s report. Timelines may vary depending on:

• Completeness of documents (Delays mostly happen due to missing paperwork or discrepancies in bills)

• Surveyor assessment

• Claim complexity

Insurer’s internal processing.

Generally, your insurance provider will ask for the following:

It depends on your insurance company. Most insurers require immediate claim notification before repairs. So, if you got your vehicle repaired without informing them, the claim may be reduced or rejected. 

However, in minor damage cases, insurers may still consider the claim if you provide valid proof and a reasonable explanation. It is recommended that you inform your insurer as early as possible and follow the procedure, as this ensures a smooth claim settlement.

Yes, reimbursement claims offer flexibility. You can get your vehicle repaired at any garage, whether an authorised service centre or a local workshop. The insurer does not restrict you to network garages.
However, ensure that:

• The garage provides proper, detailed repair breakdowns and GST-compliant bills.

• The garage is not blacklisted by your insurer.

In cashless claims, bill settlement happens directly between the insurer and the garage. The repair begins as soon as the claim is approved, and verification time is reduced. Reimbursement claims, on the other hand, take longer because the insurer verifies everything after payment is made. They need to:

• Validate repair bills

• Cross-check estimates

• Assess depreciation

Confirm policy coverage. 

Missing bills can delay or reduce the claim amount. Insurers require original invoices to verify costs. If certain bills are unavailable, the insurer may:

• Request duplicates from the garage

• Approve only partially documented expenses

Reject unsupported charges
Maintaining complete documentation ensures smoother, faster, and hassle-free settlement.

Yes. Any kind of claim, be it reimbursement or cashless, will reduce or eliminate your No Claim Bonus (NCB) at the time of renewal. NCB is applicable only when no claim is made during the policy year. 

However, if you want to save your NCB, then you can opt for the NCB Protect add-on. With this add-on, even if you make a claim, it does not impact your NCB.

A good claim settlement ratio for car insurance is generally over 90%. A high CSR shows the insurer’s positive approach towards claim settlement. It reflects that the company settles the given percentage of claims in a financial year. But keep in mind that CSR alone cannot be the sole deciding factor when choosing the right insurer. You must also consider the company procedures, coverage offered, customer reviews, and service efficiency.

Not always. While a good CSR is a positive sign, it cannot really assure the speed of settlement. An insurer may have a strong ratio but still take longer to verify paperwork, experience survey delays, or handle complex claims. It is therefore essential that you judge a company based on its market reputation, premium prices, processing speed, and claim approval.

Checking the CSR is fairly simple, and you can do it in several ways.  

• Most insurers show their CSR on the home page of their official website

• You can check the company’s annual report

• IRDAI publishes such reports that you can check on their website

You can check the CSR of different companies on various insurance aggregator platforms; however, checking data on official websites can ensure accuracy and transparency. 

Car insurance claim rejection, though rare, is not unheard of. In most cases, the onus of claim rejection falls on the policyholder. Claims are rejected when the policyholder fails to submit the paperwork or does not follow the claim procedure. Common rejection causes can be an expired policy or driving without a valid licence. Damages caused when the driver is underage or is under the influence of intoxicants are not covered.

Take a look at some of the most common reasons for car insurance claim rejection. 

• Driving under the influence of alcohol

• Driving without a valid driving licence

• Policy expired before the accident 

• Private car used for a commercial purpose

Consequential damage. 

Careful compliance can significantly improve approval chances. Keep the following in mind to avoid rejection:

• Inform the insurer immediately after an accident

• Never repair before survey approval

• Keep your policy active and renew it before expiry

• Submit accurate documents

• Follow traffic rules and licence requirements.

When choosing car insurance, a low premium can be attractive, but reliability matters more during a claim. Here’s what makes both CSR and premium important.
 

Ideally no. However, sometimes insurers can take time for:

• Surveyor inspection

• Fraud investigation

• Document verification

Reputed insurance companies follow regulatory timelines and do not delay unless there’s a valid reason. In case of an unjustified delay, you can escalate the matter to their grievance cell or regulatory authority.

A partial approval means that the insurer pays only the admissible portion of the claim. You would have to bear the remaining costs. This generally includes:

• Depreciation

• Deductibles

• Policy exclusions

Non-covered parts. 

Your policy lapses when you miss the renewal date. Your vehicle remains uninsured till the time you renew the policy. This means that you’ll get no coverage if an accident occurs during that time. Insurers will require a vehicle inspection before issuing the policy again. Keep in mind that driving without valid insurance can attract penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Yes, if the renewal is delayed beyond the period of 90 days, you will lose your accumulated No Claim Bonus (NCB). Not just that, if caught driving without an active policy, you’ll also have to pay a hefty fine.

Inspection is not always mandatory, but it may depend on the following situations:

Absolutely. Policy renewal allows a lot of freedom. It can be the ideal time to switch insurers. 

• You can compare premiums, coverage benefits, and claim service before making a decision.

• Your existing NCB can be transferred to the new insurer

You can include or drop add-ons to your base policy.

It is generally considered a good practise to renew a few days before the expiry date. This helps avoid last-minute technical issues, payment failures, or policy lapses. Insurers allow advance renewal without affecting your existing coverage period.

Not necessarily. However, premiums may increase due to:

• Changes in vehicle IDV (Insured Declared Value)

• Claim made in the previous year, causing loss of NCB

• Revision in insurer pricing.

Yes, you can. A timely policy renewal gives you the opportunity to review and upgrade your coverage. While add-ons increase the premium slightly, they provide broader financial protection against unexpected expenses. You can add options like:

• Zero depreciation

• Engine protection

• Roadside assistance

• Return to invoice 

NCB protection.

Worry not. If an accident occurs during the active policy period and the claim has already been registered, the coverage will remain valid even if the policy expires during repairs. The important factor is the accident date. However, it is highly recommended that you renew your policy a few days before it expires to avoid any last-minute trouble.

The process is simple. To update your address, 

• Raise a request through your insurer’s website, app, or customer care. 

• Submit a valid proof such as Aadhaar, utility bill, or rental agreement. 

Once verified, the insurer issues a revised policy copy reflecting the new address.
Note: The change usually does not affect coverage, unless you are moving to a different city/state.

Changing the vehicle registration number is allowed under special circumstances. You would need to transfer your vehicle to the new Regional Transport Office (RTO) and update its registration details. To re-register at the RTO, you’ll be required to produce the following:

• Duly filled Form 33

• Original RC

• Proof of updated address

• PUC

• Valid motor insurance certificate

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous RTO

• Chassis and engine pencil imprint.

Typically yes. Most insurance companies allow adding additional drivers to your policy. The procedure and documents required may differ from policy to policy. Also, bear in mind that adding a driver can impact your car insurance premium.

Most endorsements are processed within a few working days, depending on document verification. Minor corrections, such as spelling errors, are updated quickly, while other endorsements may take slightly longer.

Mostly yes. However, the effect of an endorsement on the premium depends on the type of endorsement.
 

After fully repaying your car loan, obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your lender company. Submit the NOC and updated RC copy to your insurer. The insurer will issue an endorsement removing the financier’s name from the policy document.

Yes, you can. Rather, errors in the engine or chassis number should be corrected immediately. Submit a copy of your RC and request a correction endorsement. Accurate details are crucial because mismatched information can lead to claim rejection.

Typically yes. Significant modifications, such as engine upgrades, CNG kit installation, or structural alterations, must be declared to your insurer. Not doing so can result in claim rejection.

A lapse is a lapse, whether a day, a week, or more. If an accident occurs and your policy is not active, the insurer will not cover damages. Additionally, driving without valid insurance can attract fines or legal penalties. Immediate renewal is essential to restore protection.

Of course you can. However, renewing before policy expiry is highly recommended as:

• Coverage resumes only after renewal

• Any gap period remains uninsured, and all claims will be rejected 

• The insurer may request a vehicle inspection.

It is advised that you don’t. Even if you mistakenly missed renewing the policy, remember that driving without valid car insurance is illegal in India. You may face penalties and legal trouble if caught. More importantly, any accident during this period will not be covered financially.

As of now, there is no fixed “cancellation” timeline. Once expired, the policy becomes invalid immediately. After a prolonged lapse, your insurer will treat renewal as a fresh policy issuance. You will have to undergo inspection and documentation. Not renewing within 90 days of policy expiry will bring your NCB to zero.

NCB is generally protected for up to 90 days from policy expiry.

• Renew within 90 days: NCB retained

Renew after 90 days: NCB becomes nil
Timely renewal ensures you continue enjoying the premium discount earned from claim-free years.

A break-in period refers to the gap between policy expiry and renewal. During this time:

• The vehicle has no coverage

• Claims are not admissible

• Inspection may be required for renewal

• Coverage starts only after successful inspection and payment.

No. Insurance covers only accidents that occur during the active policy period. If the accident happens while the policy is lapsed, the insurer is not liable to settle the claim. You would need to bear repair and liability costs yourself.