The car insurance claim history is the permanent record of all insurance claims involving the vehicle. Checking it is essential to determine No Claim Bonus (NCB), verify vehicle condition, manage policy and ensure a smooth provider switch. You can access this history via the current insurer’s app or website, or by searching the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) database using the vehicle's RC details.
Introduction
The claim history of a car is a crucial record of information. It helps to get a clear understanding of the vehicle’s past. Policyholders, insurers and used car buyers can also use it as a reference and make their respective decisions based on it. Hence, it is vital to know the importance of car insurance claim history.
In this guide, we discuss the process of how to check car insurance claim history and why it is crucial.
What is a Car Insurance Claim History?
The claim history of the car insurance is a detailed log of information highlighting every motor insurance claim made in the past. These details are shared and maintained by the insurance companies and the central databases.
When you file a car insurance claim, all its respective details are recorded and maintained for future reference. This includes details like the type of claim, loss date, claim number, engine and chassis numbers, claim amount paid in INR and so on.
It basically acts as the insurance report card for your vehicle, highlighting the key claim-related events. These details are permanent and can be accessed by you or the car insurance company for clarity.
For example, if your car suffers damage in an accident and you file a claim for the loss under comprehensive car insurance, the details of the claim and the final payout will be recorded under the car insurance claim history.
Why Check Car Insurance Claim History?
Second-hand four-wheeler buyers can check the claim history of car insurance online to verify its status prior to purchase. Policyholders and insurers can check the vehicle’s claim history to ensure the right No Claim Bonus (NCB) discount rate is applied.
In the used car market, even spotless-looking cars can have a terrible damage history. So, by checking its insurance claim record, you can verify the seller’s listing and save yourself from potential bad deals. Policyholders can check the claim history to track their NCB and manage the coverage efficiently. Insurers can check the car’s claim history to verify the declared NCB, assess risk and decide policy premiums.
In case of renewing your car insurance, declaring the wrong No Claim Bonus (NCB) rate can lead to policy cancellation or claim-related inconveniences. You can avoid this by simply learning how to check insurance claim history of a car. Open the claim history, verify the last claim made and calculate the applicable NCB based on the claim-free years thereafter.
How to Check Car Insurance Claim History via Insurer?
The main answer to “How to check car insurance claim history?” is to do it via the insurance provider. Contact the customer support via email or toll-free number, or sign in on the official app or website.
Policyholders can sign in on the official website or mobile application of the insurer, such as Generali Central, via their registered mobile number or email ID. Once logged in, they can navigate to the dashboard and look for the “claims” or “history” option, which should list claim history, including past settled and currently pending claims.
If you are planning to buy a second-hand car, you can ask the seller to get the car insurance claim history from the insurer and share it with you. Note that, once you buy a second-hand car, it is critical to transfer its insurance to your name.
For example, when buying a second-hand car, if the seller tells you no claim has been made in the last four years, but the NCB reads 0% in the last renewal, it should raise some concerns. Ideally, after four consecutive claim-free years, the applicable NCB should be 45%. Hence, it is ideal to get a verification from the car insurance company.
How to Check Car Insurance Claim History via IIB?
Another way to check the claim history of car insurance online is via the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB). It is the central analytic body and data repository for the Indian insurance industry.
Certified insurance brokers or agents can sign in to the insurer’s simplified agent portal with their username and password. From the homepage, they can choose the “Search from IIB/VAHAN” option under policy transactions and select “IIB Query.” Then, enter the vehicle registration and chassis numbers and press “search.”
On the IIB response output, they can click on “Claim Details.” Here, they can view the detailed car insurance claim history, including claim number, claim type, loss date, claim intimation date, claim amount paid, and claim status.
What happens if I find a discrepancy in my car insurance claim history?
Knowing how to check insurance claim history of a car lets you easily track NCB status, manage insurance and ensure a smooth experience when switching providers. However, if you find any discrepancy, such as an unidentified claim that you haven’t filed or a missing claim detail that you had filed previously, make sure to contact the policy provider.
It is vital to clear it up and make the necessary corrections to protect your NCB and avoid claim-related hassles in the future.
In the case of buying a used car, what happens if the seller refuses to share the claim history?
When buying a used car, consider getting the insurance claim history from the seller for clarity. If the seller refuses to offer it, then they are not being transparent, which can be a warning sign. However, if the seller shares the detailed claim history and you find any undisclosed major claims, it is generally safer to skip the deal.
Accessing vehicle information online makes document management a straightforward task. Besides checking claim history, here are details on how to check e-challan status online.
Expert Note
This information is based on standard motor insurance guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and commonly followed industry practices. Policy coverage and conditions may vary by insurer.
FAQs
1. Can I check my car’s insurance claim history on the app?
Yes. You can check your car’s insurance claim history via the provider’s official mobile application.
2. Will the claim history show my vehicle service record?
No, the claim history only highlights the record of previous claims filed under the insurance. You can find the vehicle service history in the car’s service book.
3. Is the settlement amount paid listed in the claim history?
Yes. The settlement amount of the car insurance claim is typically mentioned in INR in the motor insurance claim history.
4. If I check my car’s claim history, will it affect the insurance premium?
No. Checking the claim history of your car will not affect the policy premium.
5. Will the claim history mention the type of claim?
Yes. The car insurance claim history will mention the type of claim filed under the policy.
