Filing a Car Insurance Claim? 5 Dos & Don'ts You Must Remember

It can help you to keep the following things in mind before you file charges for a car insurance claim:

Dos of filing an insurance claim for car damage

Inform the police and file a complaint

Informing the police is the first step that you should take before filing an insurance claim for car damage. No matter the kind of claim, you must always file an FIR or first information report with the police. Most insurance companies ask for an FIR for claims of thefts, accidents, injury of the third party, death, etc. So, make sure to inform the police as soon as the mishap occurs. Keep one copy of the FIR with you and submit another to the insurance company along with your claim. Since FIR is a legal document that contains information on the incident, the 4 wheeler insurance company can proceed to process your claim straight away without any delays.

Collect relevant evidence from the accident spot

This is particularly important in case of an accident or theft. Try to be vigilant and gather the information that could help support your claim. You can collect pictures of the damage caused to your vehicle. Make a video and also take notes, so you remember exactly what happened and are able to report it to the insurer and the police accurately. If there are any witnesses, make sure to take down their names as well as their addresses and phone numbers too. When you file charges for a car insurance claim, you can attach these proofs along with a copy of the FIR to the insurance provider.

Submit the information to the insurer

After you have collected all the information, it is then time to submit the same to the four-wheeler insurance provider. You must fill the insurance form properly and attach all proofs collected from the site of the mishap. In addition to this, insurance companies usually ask for the following documents along with your claim form:

• Insurance policy document
• A copy of the RC or Registration Certificate of the car
• A copy of your driving license
• A copy of the FIR

If you have an online car insurance policy, you can submit all of the proofs and supporting documents online from the comfort of your home or office. It takes only a few minutes, and the company contacts you in a few days with information on the status of your claim.

Be careful and accurate while filling the form

When you fill the forms, be as precise and truthful as you can. In addition to this, make sure to avoid any errors, such as spelling mistakes, typing mistakes, etc. Double-check all the names, the policy number, the car registration number, and other similar details. Even small errors can sometimes lead to the rejection of your claim or result in unnecessary delays. So, be very careful and cross-check the form before you send it to the four wheeler insurance company.

Make sure to read the policy document

It is important to know the terms and conditions of your policy before filing an insurance claim for car damage. Read the policy document to understand what your policy offers. The policy document can also help you understand the claim process, so you are able to file a claim without any hassles. Additionally, go through the list of inclusions and exclusions in the policy to know if your claim is valid or not. Every insurance for a four wheeler is unique, and the coverage can differ from one policy to another. So, ensure to read the policy document to know what your plan entails and the extent of its coverage.

Don’ts of filing an insurance claim for car damage

Do not run away from the accident site

A lot of people tend to panic and leave the accident site immediately after a mishap. Regardless of whether it is your fault or not, immediately call the police and inform them of the accident. Let the police assess the damages. Moving your car from the accident spot can tamper with evidence and cause further damage to your vehicle. So, stay put. If you or others involved in the accident are hurt, you can also call for medical assistance like an ambulance.

Never hide any facts

Being honest can be the best thing you do for a speedy claim. Lying, hiding information, or presenting half-baked facts can only complicate the claim process and cause delays. So, be truthful and precise in your claim. This will remove the chances of rejection and help you get your car repaired at the earliest.

Do not make any settlements with the third party

Sometimes, the third party may offer you a settlement to avoid involving the police or the 4 wheeler insurance company. However, this can lead to a lot of inconveniences later. The third-party may be deceitful and not give you the promised claim. In other cases, the third party may cause a delay and contribute to your stress. So, make sure to always inform the police as well as your car insurance provider of the mishap. Settling for such third party claims can also be illegal and put you in trouble in the future. So, to protect your interest, always follow the legal route and inform the concerned authorities on time.

Do not drive a damaged car

Regardless of how big or small the damage is, driving a damaged car can be catastrophic to your vehicle and your safety. If your car has suffered any damage, you must file a claim and have it repaired before you begin to use it again. Being careless or putting off the repairs for a later time in the future can lead to further mishaps and accidents and also put your life and those around you in jeopardy. So, do not think of filing an insurance claim for car damage as an inconvenience and file a claim as soon as you can.

Do not do things in haste

Doing things in a hurry can lead to unnecessary and avoidable errors. So, make sure to not do things in haste. Read the policy document carefully and opt for legal advice if necessary. If you are unsure about how to proceed or what to do, you can contact the customer care of your online car insurance policy. The claims process is quite simple and straightforward these days. So, you have nothing to worry about. Try to be patient and mindful instead of hurrying things.

Keeping these dos and don’ts in mind will make the claims process seamless and quick. So, try to follow these tips when you file charges for a car insurance claim in the future. In addition to this, it can also help to pick a credible and reputable brand and policy to ensure a smooth process.

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