Car accidents happen every day. India witnessed a rise in road accidents in 2022, with over 460,000 mishaps resulting in the loss of 168,491 lives—an all-time high. If you find yourself in such a situation, the last thing you want to worry about is the procedure to claim car insurance in the event of an accident.
Let’s walk you through the steps for filing a car accident claim so you can focus on getting back on the road.
Steps to File a Car Insurance Claim After an Accident
Filing a motor insurance claim after an accident might be the last thing on your mind, but it is essential for securing the necessary financial support for repairs or medical treatment. Understanding the car accident claim process and following the steps outlined below can ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Step 1: Safety first
Immediately after the accident, make sure everyone is safe. Check if anyone needs medical attention. If possible, move your vehicle to a secure location away from traffic. If you cannot move your car, carefully evacuate the vehicle and move to a safe spot on the side of the road.
Step 2: File a First Information Report (FIR)
If the accident resulted in injuries, fatalities, or significant vehicle damage, you must file a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police. Visit the nearest police station and file the report.
The FIR is an official record that can be supporting evidence during the car accident insurance claim process.
Step 3: Document the Accident
Collect as much evidence as possible to support your motor insurance claim. It includes:
- Photos of the damaged vehicles, accident scene, road conditions, and any injuries
- Names, contact details, and statements of any witnesses present at the scene
- Medical bills and treatment records
This evidence will determine the legitimacy of your car insurance claim and help you resolve any queries from your insurer.
Step 4: Report the Accident to the Insurance Company
After the accident, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Most motor insurance policies have specific time limits for reporting auto insurance claims, so prompt notification is crucial.
During the initial call, provide the insurance representative with details such as:
- Your policy number
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved
- Description of the accident and any injuries
Step 5: File a Claim
The next step is to file the car accident insurance claim. Complete the claim form and give details about the accident, your vehicle, and the damages incurred.
Along with the filled form, submit copies of the following documents:
- Car insurance policy
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Police report (if applicable)
- Medical reports (if applicable)
- Repair estimates (for own damage claims)
Step 6: Understand Your Motor Insurance Coverage
When you make a car accident insurance claim, review your car insurance policy to understand your coverage limits, deductibles, and No Claim Bonus (NCB). This information will help determine the amount you can claim in car accident insurance.
Read your car insurance policy to understand these:
- Coverage Limits: These are the maximum amounts your insurer will pay for a specific type of loss, such as vehicle damage or bodily injury.
- Deductibles: These are the amounts you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB): This is a discount on your premium for each claim-free year, which may be affected if you file a car accident claim.
Step 7: Complete the Survey and Assessment
In the next step of your car accident insurance claim process, your insurance company will investigate to assess the validity of your motor insurance claim. They may send a surveyor to determine the extent of the damage to your vehicle and estimate its repair costs. It may include inspecting the damaged vehicle or requesting additional documentation.
Step 8: Claim Settlement
If the insurance company agrees to cover your auto insurance claim, you may need to negotiate the settlement amount. You may need to provide additional information or documentation to support your claim for car accident insurance.
Once the motor insurance claim is approved, you can take your vehicle to an authorised repair workshop. The insurance company will reimburse you for the repair costs or provide a settlement if the vehicle is declared a total loss.
Dealing with Car Accident Claim under Third-Party Insurance
If another vehicle causes an accident damaging your property or injuring you, you can file a car accident insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Conversely, if your vehicle causes the accident, your own insurance company will compensate the other party for any losses, injuries, or fatalities.
The procedure to claim car insurance remains the same. After completing the necessary steps, you must submit your auto insurance claim to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) overseeing the region where the accident occurred or the MACT in the area where you and the other party live or operate.
Knowing the correct steps in the car accident insurance claim process can make a stressful situation much more manageable. Following these steps will make your car insurance claim efficient and fair.
If you’re looking for reliable car accident insurance coverage, Generali Central offers comprehensive plans tailored to your specific needs. Get in touch with Generali Central today and learn how they can assist you in your time of need.
