Four Wheeler Claim - A Complete Guide

Take Immediate Action at the Scene

First, ensure everyone's safety and move your vehicle away from traffic if possible. You will need clear pictures of the damage from different views, such as the accident scene and where the cars are parked, for your car insurance claim. Collect important details from the other driver, like their name, phone number, vehicle registration and insurance information, to streamline the insurance claim process for the car.

Inform Your Insurer

Contact your insurance company within 48 to 72 hours to start the car insurance claim process effectively. Use their helpline, mobile app or website to register your claim with all relevant details. Provide correct information about the incident, including date, time, location and how the damage occurred. Quick reporting helps the insurer assign a surveyor faster and speeds up your auto insurance claim process significantly.

Register an FIR When Required

For theft, major accidents involving others, or intentional damage, you must file an FIR (First Information Report) at the nearest police station to proceed with your car insurance claim procedure. Take your vehicle documents, explain what happened and get an official FIR copy. This police report proves the incident occurred and is mandatory for the insurance claim process for your car, especially for total loss or theft cases.

Vehicle Inspection and Assessment

After registering your claim, the insurance company sends a surveyor to inspect and assess the damage as part of the standard car insurance claim process. You may receive a link to upload photos or videos of the damage first. The surveyor then physically examines your car, verifies the damage against your report and estimates repair costs. Keep your car in its damaged condition until the inspection is completed to avoid disputes during the car insurance claim procedure.

Choose Repair Option

Choose between repairing at a network garage (cashless option) or your preferred garage (reimbursement option) based on your preference. Network garages let the insurer pay directly, while non-network garages require you to pay first and claim later. Consider the garage's location, repair quality and convenience when deciding on your auto insurance claim process approach.

Claim Settlement and Vehicle Collection

Once the repairs are done, your claim will be settled according to your car insurance policy terms, outlined when you buy car insurance. For cashless claims, the insurer pays the garage directly minus any deductible you owe. For reimbursement, submit all original bills and receipts to receive payment in your bank account. Most insurers settle claims within 30 days, after which you can collect your vehicle and keep all documents safely.

Type of Claim

Cashless Claim Method

This is the easiest and most convenient car insurance claim process, where you can get your car repaired without worrying about immediate payments. When you take your damaged car to a garage that has a tie-up with your insurance company, the garage directly coordinates with the insurer about repair authorisation and costs.

How to Make Car Insurance Cashless Claims?

Register Your Claim: Let us know about the incident and file your claim within 48–72 hours. Simply log in to your TATA AIG account, open the “Claim” section. Fill in the online form with your policy details, contact info, driving licence details, and more.

Self-Inspection and Survey: You will receive a link on your phone to upload photos or videos of the damage. After your self-inspection is done, a surveyor will visit and assess the repair cost.

Pick a Network Garage: For a cashless claim, take your vehicle to any TATA AIG network garage nearby. They will complete the repair work, and you don’t need to pay up front.

Repair Bills and Settlement: After repairs are completed, we will settle the bills directly with the garage according to your policy coverage and selected add-ons. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the deductibles cost will not be covered.

Reimbursement Claim Method

The reimbursement method works well when you want to repair your vehicle at a garage that doesn't have a partnership with your insurance company, or when cashless facilities aren't available in your area for the car insurance claim procedure.

How to Make Insurance Reimbursement Claims?

Pay for Repairs First: If there is no network garage nearby and you choose a non-network garage, you can opt for a reimbursement claim. You will pay for the repair costs initially and then get the amount reimbursed after submitting the required documents.

Gather Your Documents: Keep these ready, such as policy copy, RC book, driving licence, repair estimate, final repair bills, ID and address proof, photos of the damage, and an FIR if needed.

Submit Claim and Bills: You can file your reimbursement claim through the multiple TATA AIG channels as discussed earlier. Upload or submit all invoices, receipts, and relevant proofs.

Survey and Verification: A surveyor will review the damage, check your documents, and confirm the claim amount based on your policy coverage.

Reimbursement: Once everything is approved, we will reimburse the eligible amount as per your policy. Please note that deductibles, depreciation, or exclusions (if applicable) will not be covered.

Third-party car insurance claims happen when your car damages someone else's vehicle, property, or causes injuries to another person. The car accident insurance claim process is a bit different here because it involves the other party and their insurance company, too. Here's how to handle these claims step by step:

1. Immediate Reporting: Inform TATA AIG immediately (within two days of the accident). Provide us with the details of the person involved, including their car information and whether anyone was injured.

2. Police Complaint: Go to the police station immediately to file an FIR (police complaint). This is required for all third-party claims as it serves as legal proof of the accident.

3. Document Everything: Take clear pictures of both cars, the accident scene, and any injuries. These photos will help us verify your claim later.

4. Claim Settlement: We will review the initiated claim and the submitted documents and settle valid claims according to your policy.

Also read: How Many Claims are Allowed in Car Insurance Policy in India?

Finding out your car has been stolen is really upsetting, but acting fast helps get your claim processed quicker. The car accident claim process for theft needs specific paperwork and quick action. Follow these steps to file your claim:

1. Report to Police: Go to the police station immediately and file an FIR. Share with them your car's registration number, chassis number, engine number and other details of the theft like the location, time, etc.

2. Inform Insurer: Contact us within 24 hours of discovering the theft. Give your policy number, car details and a copy of the FIR to start the claim.

3. Submit Documents: Submit your car's registration papers, original keys, insurance policy copy and your ID proof. These prove you own the car and have valid insurance for the claim.

4. No Trace Report: After 90 days, if the police still can't find your car, get a No Trace Report from them. This paper confirms your car is still missing and can't be found.

5. RTO Notification: Send a letter to the RTO (transport office) telling them about the theft and asking them to cancel your car's registration. This stops anyone from misusing your registration later.

6. Claim Settlement: Once we check all your papers and get the No Trace Report, we will process your claim and transfer the settlement up to the IDV amount to your bank account.

Several documents are required to ensure your claim gets processed and approved successfully. Arranging these documents as early as possible is crucial for a smoother process.

1. Completed Claim Form: Fill out and sign the claim form that your insurance company gives you. Make sure everything you write matches your policy papers to avoid delays or rejection.

2. First Information Report: You need an FIR copy for accidents with other people, theft, or significant damage. Get this from the police station right after the incident happens.

3. Vehicle Registration Certificate: Give a clear copy of your car's RC book that shows you are the current owner. For theft claims, you need to give the original RC with all your car keys.

4. Valid Driving License: Give a copy of the driving license of whoever was driving when the accident happened. The license must be current and valid for your type of car.

5. Insurance Policy Copy: Give a copy of your active car insurance policy to show you have coverage. This helps the insurance company quickly check what type of coverage you have.

6. Identity and Address Proof: Submit your Aadhaar card, passport, or other government ID and proof of where you live. These papers confirm who you are and help stop fake claims.

7. Repair Bills and Estimates: For reimbursement claims, give original bills, invoices and payment receipts from the garage. Include detailed lists showing which parts were replaced and how much labour cost.

8. Photographs of Damage: Take clear photos of your damaged car from different angles. These pictures help the inspector accurately see how bad the damage is when checking your claim.

9. Third-Party Documents: For claims involving other people, include their details, their car information, any legal notices you got and medical bills if someone got injured in the accident.

10. No Trace Report: For stolen car claims, give the No Trace Report from police after 90 days. This confirms the car is still missing and lets the insurance company finish your claim.

You must consider some factors while filing an insurance claim as they aid in a hassle-free settlement of the claim.

Inform Your Insurer Immediately

Contact your insurance company right away after an accident or damage occurs. Most insurers require you to report within 48-72 hours of the incident. Quick reporting speeds up the process of filing a car insurance claim and makes sure that your claim doesn't get turned down because of unnecessary delays or mistakes that are unnecessary.

Keep All Important Documents Ready

Collect necessary papers like your car insurance policy copy, driving licence, RC book and FIR copy, if needed for your claim. Having these documents organised and ready makes the claim process smoother and faster. Missing paperwork can cause unnecessary delays in getting your claim approved and settled.

Take Photos and Videos

Click clear pictures of the damage from different angles before moving your car from the accident spot. These photos serve as solid proof during the car insurance claim procedure assessment. Video recordings also help the surveyor understand the exact damage better and speed up the entire assessment process.

Choose the Right Garage

For cashless claims, take your car to a network garage listed by your insurer for repairs. Non-network garages require you to pay first and claim reimbursement later, which takes time. Network garages directly settle bills with insurers, making the entire process hassle-free, quick and convenient for you always.

Don't Skip the Survey

Allow the insurance surveyor to inspect your car thoroughly and assess all damages properly. They assess the extent and estimate repair costs accurately for your car insurance policy claim. Rushing or skipping this crucial step can lead to claim rejection or a lower settlement amount. The surveyor's report is very important for approval.

Follow Up Regularly

Get in touch with your insurance company and keep track of how the claim process is going. For claim processing updates, call customer service or check online. Regular follow-ups make sure that no documents or problems remain unresolved. Having this information makes it easier for you to settle your claim within the timeframe that was promised.

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

Driving Without a Valid Licence

If you were driving without a valid licence during the accident, your claim will be rejected immediately. Insurance companies check licence validity very seriously during claim assessment. Always check that your driver's license is up to date and fits the information on your car insurance policy.

Late Claim Reporting

Informing your insurer after several days or weeks can lead to the straight rejection of your claim. Most car insurance policies require claims within 48-72 hours of the incident happening. Late reporting raises serious doubts about the incident's authenticity. Always report immediately to maintain credibility.

Missing or Incomplete Documents

Submitting incomplete paperwork is a very common reason for claim rejection by insurers. Your car insurance claim procedure requires specific documents like FIR, repair bills and damage photos. Missing even one important document can delay or reject your claim completely. Always double-check the document checklist.

Using a Car for Commercial Purposes

If your private car insurance policy vehicle is used for commercial activities like ride-sharing or delivery, claims get rejected. Policies are issued based on declared vehicle usage only. Using a private car commercially violates the policy terms clearly. Always buy the correct policy type matching actual usage.

Damage from Wear and Tear

Normal ageing, rusting or mechanical breakdown are not covered under standard car insurance policies at all. Insurance covers sudden accidents and unforeseen damages, not gradual deterioration or poor maintenance. If damage resulted from old parts failing naturally, your claim will be rejected. Regular servicing helps maintain eligibility.

Filing a car insurance policy claim does not have to be complicated when you know the right steps. From reporting the incident immediately to collecting proper documents and following up regularly, each step helps you get your claim settled smoothly. When you buy car insurance, understanding the claim process is just as important as choosing the right coverage, whether it's a cashless claim at a network garage or a reimbursement claim at your preferred workshop.

At TATA AIG, we make the claim process simple and hassle-free for our customers. Our comprehensive policy comes with 5700+ cashless garages, quick claim settlements within 30 days and 24/7 support whenever you need help. With add-ons like zero depreciation car insurance, you get full claim amounts without any depreciation deductions on parts.