1. How to file a Personal Accident Cover Claim in Case of an Accident Under a Two-wheeler Insurance Policy?
Personal Accident is a part of two-wheeler Insurance can be claimed by the owner-driver or nominee of the respective two-wheeler. The policy aims at providing the nominee or the surviving owner maximum benefits (as per the terms of the policy).
Following are the instructions to make one:
- Intimate the insurer about the incidence and resulting loss.
- Ask for an FIR followed by FR. It will be one of the most important documents needed for processing the claim. If possible, arrange for the witnesses who can approve of the occurrence of a claim.
- Complete the formalities with the insurer that includes filling the claim form, provide photographs of the car accident (if applicable).
- Submit all the documents online and wait for the insurers to verify the details.
2. How to Raise a Two-wheeler Insurance Claim?
You can also raise a claim by calling or sending an email to the customer support team of your insurance provider.
3. What Documents are Required to File a Claim in a Two-wheeler Insurance Claim?
The exact documents required to file a two-wheeler insurance claim will depend upon your policy and the kind of damage faced. However, here’s an overview of the list of documents that are required to file a two-wheeler insurance claim.
- An active insurance policy document
- RC book
- Active Driving License
- First Information Report (FIR) as filed with the local Police
- Photos clicked at the time of the accident
- Any other supporting documents
4. Is there a Time-frame within Which the Insurer Must be Informed to File a Bike Claim?
Yes, the two-wheeler insurance claim process is time-bound. Your insurance provider will expect you to intimate them about the accident within 24 hours, if possible. However, in certain cases, the deadline can be extended by the insurer. The timelines followed vary from one insurer to another. From a policyholder’s point of view, it is best to call the bike insurance company at the earliest.
5. What is the Compulsory Deductible in Two-wheeler Insurance and How it Affects the Policyholder at the Time of Claim?
Deductible means the amount of money payable by you in case of a claim. There are two types of Deductibles, Compulsory and Voluntary. Compulsory Deductible is a nominal amount that you have to pay. By opting for Voluntary Deductible, you tell the insurance company that you will be paying Compulsory + Voluntary Deductible in case of a claim. This is done to reduce the insurance premium. A voluntary deductible might help in reducing the cost of a bike insurance policy but it also results in a lower claim amount in case of damage.
6. I am Moving from Delhi to Mumbai. Will it Affect my Two-wheeler Insurance Claim in Mumbai?
Two-wheeler insurance policies are applicable all over India. Therefore, even if you move from one Indian state to another, your bike’s insurance policy shall remain functional. However, you might have to make some changes in your policy.
For example, if you are moving from Delhi to Mumbai, you will have to get a No Objection Certificate from Delhi RTO and submit the same in Mumbai RTO (if you want to make changes in the bike’s RC book).
Your insurance premium might also change depending upon the location. This is usually done if you plan to move permanently in a different Indian state. If you are moving for say one month, your two-wheeler insurance policy will not be affected.
7. How can I file for a Claim if my Two-wheeler Insurance Policy is Misplaced?
When you buy two-wheeler insurance online, you will receive a soft copy in your registered email’s inbox. This is considered to be a valid policy document.
8. Can i Raise a Claim if my Two-wheeler is Involved in an Accident During the Grace Period?
No. Your insurance policy becomes inactive if it is not renewed on or before the expiry date. An inactive policy does not offer any coverage. Thus, you are not covered against risks in the grace period.
9. What Scenarios are Considered as Exclusions Under a Bike Insurance Policy?
The exclusions of a bike insurance policy are mentioned in detail in the policy wordings. It is extremely important to read and understand the exclusions of your bike insurance plan before purchasing the policy. If there are any doubts pertaining to exclusions in your bike insurance policy, it is suggested to get them clarified.
Here’s a list of common exclusions when it comes to raising a two-wheeler insurance claim.
- Riding under the influence of an intoxicating substance
- Riding without an active insurance policy
- Riding without a valid driving license
- Damage due to nuclear risks
- Damage due to war
10. What does ‘Cashless' Mean in Cashless Garage?
Insurance companies have tie-ups with garages for smooth processing of claims. Such garages are referred to as network garages. If you get your bike repaired from a network garage, you can avail cashless repairs. In this process, you do not need to worry about collecting physical bills, submitting the paperwork for raising a claim, and paying money upfront. Your insurer coordinates with the garage, making the process hassle-free for you. Note that the process is not 100% cashless claim, as you have to pay the compulsory deductible amount and voluntary deductible amount (if opted).
11. What are Cashless and Non-cashless Claims in Two-wheeler Insurance?
There are two types of claims in two-wheeler insurance; cashless and non-cashless (reimbursement claims). A cashless claim is a process where you just have to pay the deductible amount and the rest of the repair bill is settled between the insurance company and the garage.
In case of a non-cashless claim, you will have to pay the entire garage bill up front and then apply for reimbursement from the insurance company. The insurer will conduct its due diligence, and settle the claim after factoring-in the deductible amount along with other applicable charges.
12. What is the Role of the Surveyor in the Claim Process?
When you raise a claim, your insurance company will send a surveyor to carry out an inspection in order to understand the extent of damage caused to your bike and to other vehicles (if applicable). The surveyor will submit the report to the insurance company for further processing.
13. Can one Make a Claim if the Insurance Policy had Expired a Day Before the Accident took Place?
No, it is not possible to raise a claim when the policy is not active. This makes it important for you to renew your bike insurance policy in a timely manner.
14. Can a Bike Claim get Rejected?
Yes, your two-wheeler insurance claim can be rejected if -
Fraudulent Claims:
Insurance is not a money-making venture for policyholders. Its benefits shouldn’t be misused by raising fraudulent claims. Insurance companies conduct thorough research during claim settlement. If it is found that a claim has been raised with fraudulent intent, the guilty policyholder might face legal charges as well.
Delay in Raising Claim Request:
It is suggested to raise a claim request at the earliest. Different insurers have different deadlines before which they expect the claim to be initiated. For example, if you raise a claim one month after the accident, insurance companies will often reject your claim citing delay in raising claim request. This is because lapsed time can be used to plant or distort evidence, especially in cases where the First Information Report (FIR) is required.
Non-transfer of Ownership:
If you have purchased a second-hand bike, you need to make sure that the bike’s insurance policy is transferred from the previous owner to your name. Not doing so will mean that there is no policy in your name. And no policy means no scope for raising a claim.
Modifications:
Some bike riders tend to modify their bikes so much so that it is difficult to trace it back to its original model. If you are someone who likes to jazz-up your bike, make sure to inform your insurer about the same. Certain modifications can enhance your bike insurance premium. Therefore, insurers can reject a claim if they are raised for a modified bike, considering the modifications were not disclosed earlier.
15. How Much Time does the Insurance Company Take to Settle the Two-wheeler Insurance Claim?
Since the two-wheeler insurance claim process is time-bound, the process to be followed regarding claim settlement will take about 15 working days.
16. How Much does the Insurance Company Pay in Case of a Claim Under Two-wheeler Insurance?
Your two-wheeler insurance provider will compensate depending upon your vehicle, deductible amount, Insured Declared Value (IDV), number of Add-ons, etc. However, IDV is the maximum amount that you can expect to receive.
17. Which Claim Forms are Required to be Submitted to Lodge a Two-wheeler Insurance Claim?
- Duly signed claim form 29, 30
- Copy of valid vehicle Registration Certificate (R.C.)
- Copy of valid Driving License (D.L)
- Copy of the first two pages of the policy document
- FIR for accidental damage.
- Original repair bill, cash receipt, and proof of release.
18. Is there an Option to File a Two-wheeler Claim Online?
Nowadays, you do not need to apply and wait, you can apply for a claim instantly.
- Visit the insurer’s website
- Find the page titled “File for Claim”/ “Claim Settlement”
- Share personal and bike-related details
19. Is there any Process to Re-file the Bike Claim in Case the Insurance Company Rejects the Claim?
The Government of India has created a cost-effective and efficient way to handle complaints from individual policyholders. This is known as the Insurance Ombudsman scheme. Under this scheme, you can report a case where :
- Your insurer has rejected your claim request
- Your insurer has not resolved it to your satisfaction or
- Your insurer has failed to respond to it within 30 days
The Ombudsman will act as mediator between you and your insurer. The aim is to arrive at a fair conclusion based on the facts. If the case is in your favour, you will receive a full and final settlement (as per terms of the policy*) with 15 working days
20. Can a Claim be Raised with an Expired Two-wheeler insurance policy?
No, it is not possible to raise a claim when the policy is not active. This makes it important for you to renew your bike insurance policy in a timely manner.
21. Why is it important to collect evidence at the time of a bike accident?
Once your vehicle is dropped at the garage after an accident, an external surveyor will analyze the damage. Evidence, in the form of pictures, helps to justify your claim. It also helps the surveyor estimate the cost of damage.
22. Should you file an FIR after an accident? Will it help the two-wheeler claims process?
Yes! An FIR is an official document issued by the police following an accident. You claim settlement will be incomplete without the FIR. It is recommended to file for an FIR as soon as the accident takes place.
Summary:
Before buying a two-wheeler insurance policy, it is important to understand the Claim Settlement process and the exclusions. It is best to choose an insurance provider with a high Incurred Claims Ratio to ensure a smooth process. Filling for a two-wheeler insurance claim is extremely easy when you have all the necessary documents and follow the right procedure.
