Car insurance is a major investment for car owners in India. In addition to ensuring legal compliance, insurance provides financial protection against disasters like accidents or theft. Despite paying premiums on time, many policyholders have to face car insurance claim rejection due to incorrect documentation. This article lists the important documents that all car owners must have with them while applying for a car insurance policy claim.
General Documents For All Types Of Car Insurance Claims
Incorrect documentation is one of the major reasons why a car insurance company rejects insurance claims. Despite making timely premium payments for car insurance claims in India, policyholders face issues while filing a car insurance claims due to missing documents. Below is the list of documents that are compulsory for any kind of insurance claim.
Regardless of the type of claim, one must submit the following documents to a car insurance company for a hassle-free process.
Duly Filled Claim Form: This form must be completed and signed to initiate the claim process.
Copy of Driving License: A valid driving license serves as proof of identity and legal authority to drive.
Registration Certificate (RC): This document confirms your ownership of the vehicle and contains important details such as the engine and chassis number.
Insurance Policy Document: A copy of your current insurance policy is essential for processing your claim.
Registration Certificate (RC): This document confirms your ownership of the vehicle and contains important details such as the engine and chassis number.
List Of Documents For Specific Claims
A. Accident Claims
In the unfortunate event of an accident, ensure you have the following documents:
FIR (First Information Report): Required if there is significant damage or injury; this report must be filed with the police.
Repair Estimate: An estimate from a garage detailing the expected repair costs.
Photographs: Clear images of the accident scene and vehicle damage can support your claim.
B. Theft Claims
If your vehicle has been stolen, you will need additional documents:
FIR: A police report confirming the theft is mandatory.
Original Car Keys: All sets of keys must be submitted to the car insurance company.
No Trace Report: This document from the police indicates that they were unable to locate your vehicle.
Letter of Subrogation: This may be required by some insurers to transfer rights to recover losses from third parties. This letter is issued by your local RTO. In order to get it, you have to write an official letter requesting the same.
C. Third-Party Claims
When your vehicle causes damage to another party, you will need:
FIR: A copy of the FIR filed regarding the incident.
Legal Documents: Any legal notices or summons received related to the incident should be included.
3. Additional Documentation for Smooth Processing
To ensure a hassle-free claims process, consider including these additional documents:
Repair Bills/Receipts: Original bills from the garage where repairs were conducted.
Proof of Release and Cash Receipts: Documentation showing payment for repairs can expedite reimbursement.
Witness Statements: If available, these can strengthen your case, especially in accident claims.
How To Claim Your Car Insurance?
In the event of an accident or theft, the following steps facilitate a smooth four-wheeler insurance process.
- Inform the insurer: As soon there is an accident or theft of vehicle, get in touch with your four-wheeler insurance company to get the process started. Ensure that you have all the necessary information while doing so.
- File a First Information Report (FIR): If your car has met with an accident or has been stolen, you are required to reach out to the nearest police station and file an FIR. It is important to include all accurate information while doing so.
- Document The Incident: In an accident, first ensure your safety and well-being. If it is a minor accident where nobody got injured, ensure that you take pictures of your car and have all the documents mentioned above with you. If you were injured in the accident, request possible witnesses to recall what they saw and secure their contact details for further correspondence.
- Complete the claim form: On getting in touch with your insurer, download and fill all the necessary details and submit a completed claim form. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents supporting your claim.
- Gather The Required Documents & Submit The Claim Form
- An insurance surveyor will visit to assess the intensity of damages to your four-wheeler. If a theft happens, then the surveyor will contact you to understand your story and verify all tangible proof that you have.
- Once the insurer has reviewed the surveyor’s reports, they will verify the investigation findings and move your file for further claim approval.
- If all goes well, the claim will be approved and the final settlement will be paid out in the method agreed upon by you and your insurer at the time of buying the policy.
Conclusion
Documentation is indispensable to the four-wheeler insurance claim process in India. If you do not possess all the documents required for car insurance claim, the entire process can get chaotic and you might end up with a rejected claim. The list of documents required for car insurance claim can facilitate a smooth claim filing process, thus helping you recover from heavy financial losses at the right time.
Also Read: The Hurdles You Will Face When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
