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How To Claim Car Insurance
If you want to make an own damage car insurance claim in India, the first thing you need to do is report the incident to the insurance company and the police.
Understanding the methods for claiming car insurance will ensure that you get compensated quickly and avoid costly mistakes.
This article covers the complete car insurance claim process, required documents, and how to preserve your No Claim Bonus (NCB).
A car insurance claim is a formal request made by a policyholder to their insurance company to cover expenses after an accident, theft, or damage. Depending on your policy type, third-party or comprehensive, you can either claim for your own vehicle’s damage or for damages caused to another person’s property or vehicle.
These are the types of car insurance claims in India:
Covers damage caused by collisions, accidents, or road mishaps.
If your car is stolen, the insurer compensates you based on its Insured Declared Value (IDV).
Covers bodily injury, death, or property damage caused to another party.
The car insurance claim process in India is quite straightforward if you follow the proper steps:
Report the incident to your insurer within 24 hours. Provide all the details about the damage or accident.
For major accidents, theft, or third-party damage, file an FIR at the nearest police station and keep a copy.
Take photos and videos of the vehicle, accident spot, and any visible damage. This helps during inspection.
Your insurer will assign a surveyor to assess the damage. Do not move or repair your car until this is completed.
Provide all supporting documents (see below) for verification and approval.
If you choose a cashless garage, the insurer directly settles the bill. For reimbursement, pay first and then submit bills for repayment.
Once verified, the insurer settles the amount as per policy terms. Most claims are resolved within 7 to 15 working days.
These are the documents required for the different types of insurance claims:
|
Type of Claim |
Documents Required |
|---|---|
|
Accident Claim |
Claim form, driving licence, RC copy, insurance policy copy, FIR (if required), repair bills, photos of damage |
|
Theft Claim |
FIR copy, policy copy, RC, keys, RTO forms (28, 29, 30, 35), subrogation letter, final police report |
|
Third-Party Claim |
Copy of FIR, driving licence, RC, insurance policy, claim form |
Keeping digital copies of these documents handy will save you time.
You can claim car insurance in case your car gets stolen by following these steps:
File an FIR immediately at your local police station.
Notify your insurer of the details of the theft.
Submit required documents - FIR, RC, ID proof, and policy copy.
The insurer will investigate and assess the car’s value (based on age and depreciation).
After verification, the insurer compensates you with the Insured Declared Value (IDV).
A No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a discount offered on your premium when you do not make any claims during a policy year. It rewards safe driving and responsible ownership.
|
Claim-Free Years |
NCB Discount (%) |
|---|---|
|
1 Year |
20% |
|
2 Years |
25% |
|
3 Years |
35% |
|
4 Years |
45% |
|
5 Years or More |
50% |
You can also buy an NCB Protector Add-on, which allows you to make one claim without losing your bonus.
The claim settlement ratio (CSR) represents the percentage of claims an insurer successfully settles out of all received. It indicates the willingness of the insurer to fulfill its promises. A higher CSR means higher reliability.
When choosing an insurer, prefer one with a CSR above 95% and a transparent claims process.
Even some minor mistakes can lead to your claim being rejected. Avoid these:
Late claim intimation (report immediately).
Policy lapse (expired coverage).
Driving without a valid licence or under the influence.
Unauthorized repairs before survey.
Incorrect information or misrepresentation.
If your claim is unfairly rejected, you can escalate to the insurance ombudsman.
Follow these tips to ensure your car insurance claim gets processed smoothly:
Always carry your policy copy and driving licence.
Avoid repairing your car before the surveyor’s inspection.
Maintain a digital record of documents and bills.
Opt for cashless network garages.
Take photos immediately after any accident.
Filing a car insurance claim in India is straightforward if you know the right steps. It can be a smooth process if you keep documents ready, report incidents promptly, and choose an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio.
By understanding concepts like No Claim Bonus (NCB) and using add-ons like zero depreciation cover, you can maximize your savings and have peace of mind while driving.
There is a simple procedure to follow to claim your car accident. The flow is -
Inform Insurer → File FIR → Click pictures → Surveyor creates report → Submit documents → Repair your car → Claim repairs.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with your financial advisor for specific guidance.
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