Vehicular accidents have become unavoidable with the number of vehicles increasing on the roads. These situations can cause a lot of panic among the people involved. Having a car insurance policy in such situations will help you take the blow of any such unfortunate situation.
It is imperative to know your car insurance details to take advantage of your insurance in such times. Knowing how to claim insurance is important as it covers you from all the legal and financial liability after an accident. Necessarily for all this, you need to call your insurance provider in real-time so they can help you on the spot.
It is always better to have a guidebook to tell you what to do in case of an accident and how that will help you. From calling the insurance company to filing an FIR, this comprehensive manual covers the first steps you need to take in case of an accident.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Claiming your car insurance in India has evolved over the years. With technology and digitalisation, some claim processes have become efficient and easy. Let’s look at what to do when you have been in an accident:
1. Call Your Insurance Company
Give a call to your car insurance company as soon as your emotions subsidise. Do not panic, and do not leave out any details. This will ease the claims settlement process.
2. Click Pictures
Sometimes it is necessary to click pictures of the accident and share them with the insurance company to give them a better idea of the situation. But in other cases, it is still advisable to have the pictures of the accident as proof for the future.
3. File an FIR
Be sure to inform the local police station about the accident and all the details associated with it. Immediately file a First Information Report (FIR). There is no need to undergo the process of FIR in case of a minor scratch or dent in the car. However, this is necessary in case of a third-party accident or car theft.
4. Present the Documents Asked by the Insurance Company
The car insurance provider will ask for the necessary documents from you. This will be all the proof and documents related to the car or driver, such as a copy of RC or driver’s licence, policy papers, PUC certificate, etc.
5. Take the Car for Repairs
Once all the formalities are done, check in on your car's condition and take it to the nearest repair shop. You can opt for either a cashless or reimbursement claim. Also, check with your insurance provider if you have opted for an on-road assistance car insurance add on cover. This will save you the hassle of car repairs as the insurance company will take care of it.
What to Do in Case of Any Other Accidents?
Other types of accidents may include fire or theft of the vehicle. In case of theft, inform the car insurance company and file an FIR against the missing vehicle. Submit the necessary documents to the insurance provider like the RC book, copy of the licence, etc.
They should be able to trace your car within a reasonable amount of time. If not, have the non-traceable certificate issued for your car. This will allow the insurer to settle the claim and provide compensation.
Steps Not to Take After a Car Accident
Whenever you meet with an accident, be sure to take the below-mentioned precautions for yourself.
- Do not run away from the scene. This will make you look suspicious and will do you no favour in case of legal liability.
- Don't delay in filing a claim. File the claim as soon as possible. Your car insurance policy is designed to help you in cases like these.
- Do not hide any crucial information from your insurer as this might can delay your case.
- Also, do not file a false claim or provide incorrect details to your insurer. Doing so can lead to claim rejection.
- Be calm and do not panic. Try to understand the scenario, and instead of getting angry with the third party, be sure to handle the situation calmly.
Read more - Scenarios When You Should Not File Car Insurance Claim
Steps to File an Accidental Claim
If there is a situation where any damage or injury has happened to you or your car because of a third-party, then remember that you can raise a claim under such circumstances. You can ask for compensation for your medical bills and repair bills.
However, if there has been any damage or injury that has been done to the third-party because of you, your insurance company will pay the charges for damages and medical bills or any other compensation that arises against you.
Read more - Why Is It Important to Claim Car Insurance on Time?
Follow the below steps to file a third-party claim
- Inform your insurance provider about the accident.
- Be sure to do this within the stated time duration.
- Report the accident at a local police station and file for an FIR. Check if the FIR has all the relevant details about the car and the accident.
- Let the motor claims tribunal decide on the conclusion.
Documents Needed for Claiming Car Insurance
The necessary documents needed for claiming car insurance in India are:
- Duly filed and signed claim settlement form
- A copy of your car insurance policy
- Driver’s licence
- Car’s RC book
- A copy of the First Information Report
- Bills for the car's repair
- In case of any physical injuries, hospital and other medical bills
You can be asked to get the original and a copy of some or all of these documents. Contact your insurance provider and do accordingly.
To Sum Up
Road accidents often happen because of the number of vehicles on the road. Make sure to comply with all the requirements of the insurance company to prevent rejection of the claim. Follow the dos and don't list to have a successful claim settlement journey.
Read more - Here Are the Answers to All Your Car Insurance Claim Queries
