Imagine you are driving your Maruti Brezza home after a long and tiring day at work. The Bengaluru traffic is at its peak in the evening hours, with motorcycles squeezing through narrow gaps, vehicles honking, and everyone impatiently inching forward. While navigating a congested junction, the vehicle ahead of you stops abruptly, and your Brezza lightly bumps into it, leaving a dent in the front bumper. Fortunately, you have comprehensive coverage from Maruti car insurance. At this moment, the only thing that crosses your mind is how to go about claims and what documents are needed.
It is important to know that the claim process slightly varies depending on the claim type, such as cashless, reimbursement or car theft claim. This guide walks you through the process of claiming, documentation requirements and tips to ensure a smooth claim experience.
Maruti Car Insurance Explained
When you buy a car from Maruti Suzuki, they offer you car insurance at the time of purchase from their in-house insurance platform, Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking Private Limited. They are tied up with the best insurance companies in India, including Generali Central, to offer a cashless insurance facility. The following are the coverages offered by Maruti car insurance:
1. Third-party liability insurance cover that includes coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage to third parties.
2. Damage or loss caused to own car due to accidents, natural calamities and man-made calamities, including theft
3. Optional add-ons like engine protect, zero depreciation, roadside assistance and return to invoice for extensive coverage.
Important Tips: Understand the add-ons like Zero Depreciation Cover before you avail yourself to ensure a rational decision.
Step-by-Step Claim Process for Maruti Car Insurance
Let us look at the process to claim Maruti car insurance based on the type of claim.
1. For Cashless and Reimbursement Claims
Here are the steps to follow to claim Maruti car insurance via the cashless and reimbursement facility
1. Claim Intimation to Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company immediately after the claim incident. You can do it via email or on the website/app, or by calling customer care. You are required to provide some important information related to the policy and the claim incident. This includes policy number, your car registration number, description of loss or damage and date, time and location of the claim incident.
2. File Police Complaint, If Needed
It is important to file a police complaint at the nearest police station, especially for accidents and theft claims. In case of an accident, a First Information Report by the Police may not be required for minor damages.
3. Document the Claim Incident
It is crucial to take clear pictures or videos of the accident spot, damage to the car, especially when a third party is involved. Documents can help you during the assessment of loss.
4. Vehicle Inspection by the Surveyor
Once the claim is raised, the insurance company arranges for the inspection by the surveyor to assess the damage or loss.
In cashless claims, you are required to take your car to Maruti-authorised service centres where the loss will be assessed.
In reimbursement claims, the insurance company arranges an inspection by the surveyor at your preferred garage (out-of-network garage)
5. Submit Claim Documents
The next step is to submit the claim documents along with a duly filled claim form. This includes policy documents, vehicle documents, pictures/videos of damage, FIR copy and repair/replacement estimate by the service centre.
In case of a cashless facility, the estimated cost of replacement or repair is directly sent to the insurance company by the Maruti service centre.
6. Get Your Vehicle Repaired
For cashless claims: once the claim is approved, the repair work starts at the Maruti Suzuki Service Centre. The insurance company directly settles the approved amount with the Maruti service centre. However, you are required to make an out-of-pocket payment if there are any deductibles, co-pay or depreciation or for consumables, if optional add-ons are not availed.
For reimbursement claims, you need to first get your car repaired and pay out of your pocket. Collect bills, repair estimates and payment receipts to submit along with the claim form.
7. Settlement of Claim
Upon review and verification of the cashless claims, the claim amount is processed by the insurance company.
In cashless claims, settlement is directly made to the Maruti garage. Cashless claims are quicker and more convenient.
In reimbursement claims, the approved amount after submission of the claim form and documents is transferred to your bank account within the stipulated timeline.
2. For Car Theft Claims
Here is the step-by-step process to follow to claim Maruti car insurance in case your car gets stolen:
Immediately file a police complaint at the nearest police station and obtain an FIR copy
Inform your insurance company via email/website/app/customer care, and give details of the policy and claim incident
If the vehicle cannot be found within the set days, the police will give you a non-traceable report/final report
Submit this final report along with the claim form and other documents to the insurance company
The insurance company will evaluate your claim and then compensate you for the car’s insured declared value (IDV)
Documents Required to Claim Maruti Insurance
Here are the important and common documents to be submitted along with a duly filled and signed claim form:
Copy of insurance policy
Driving license
Copy of Registration Certificate
First Information Report (FIR), if required
Photographs or Videos of the Damage
Bills and Payment Receipt
Repair/Replacement Cost Estimate, etc.
The document requirement may also vary depending on the nature of the claim.
Tips for Hassle-Free Claim Settlement
Car insurance claims often get rejected mainly due to incorrect details of the incident, delay in claim intimation, improper documentation and non-cooperation with the surveyor. However, some practical tips mentioned below can help you experience a smooth claim settlement process.
Always keep a digital copy of your policy easily accessible
Go to Maruti Suzuki service centres across the country for a cashless facility
Be aware of the claim process and documentation requirements as soon as you purchase car insurance
Secure your car by installing anti-theft devices and GPS trackers
Ensure to opt for necessary add-ons like return to invoice cover for new and expensive cars, zero depreciation cover and more, depending on the need.
Renew your policies on time to enjoy the continuous benefits.
At Generali Central, you can avail the most comprehensive and customisable Maruti car insurance policy with extensive benefits.
Conclusion
To sum up, car insurance claim processes are no longer a daunting task. With the digital revolution and cashless facility, claims are quickly settled without any hassles. However, it’s vital to report the claims on time, submit all the required documents, and choose authorised service centres to ensure a smooth experience. The insurance company’s wide garage network and digital claim support also play a key role in getting you back on the road quickly without any hassles and stress.
