Buy/Renew Cashless Car Insurance
Cashless Car Insurance
Gone are the days when you had to pay the car repair bills out of your pocket and then go through a hectic claims settlement process to get them reimbursed by your car insurance company.
With the introduction of cashless car insurance, dealing with unplanned expenses arising from unexpected damages or loss of your vehicle has become much easier and stress-free.
If you are planning to buy a four-wheeler insurance policy, then this blog is specially designed for you. We will discuss everything you need to know about a cashless car insurance policy, including its meaning, features, benefits, inclusions & exclusions, and more.
Let's begin!
What is Cashless Car Insurance?
A cashless car insurance policy allows the insured to get their vehicle repaired at authorized network garages without making any upfront payments. The insurer directly settles the repair bill with the garage. Coverage for depreciation and consumable costs depends on the policy, while deductibles are typically not covered and must be paid by the insured.
This facility is offered through insurers’ partnerships with network garages nationwide, providing a smooth, hassle-free claim experience. It reduces your out-of-pocket expenses and speeds up the repair process.
In the case of Tata AIG, we provide a vast network of over 5,900authorised garages where policyholders can avail of cashless repair services. For example, if your car is damaged in an accident, you can visit any Tata AIG network garage. After claim approval and vehicle inspection, repairs begin without upfront payment, with Tata AIG directly settling the bills with the garage.
This cashless motor insurance benefit ensures convenient, timely repairs while maintaining compliance with your policy conditions.
How Cashless Car Insurance Policy Works?
A cashless car insurance policy lets you get your car repaired at an authorized garage without paying upfront for repairs covered by your policy. Once you inform the insurer and the claim is approved, the insurer directly pays the garage for the approved repair costs. You’ll only need to pay deductibles, and maybe depreciation or consumables, depending on what your policy includes.
This makes things easier during an accident or emergency. You don’t have to worry about paying a large amount right away or handling a lot of paperwork. Just make sure to visit a garage that’s part of your insurer’s approved network.
Benefits of a Cashless Car Insurance Policy
Over the last few years, cashless car insurance policies have gained increasing popularity for the numerous benefits they provide. Some of the notable advantages of a cashless car insurance policy are listed below:
Quick Claims Settlement: As soon as any unfortunate event comes your way, a surveyor is assigned by the insurance company to take care of the situation on your behalf. It helps in speeding up the claims settlement process.
Transparency: Cashless car insurance ensures a higher degree of transparency to the policyholders. When you use a service at a network facility, the estimated cost is sent to the insurance provider even before the start of work.
Further, a trusted representative from the insurance company closely monitors the process from beginning to end. It means both the insurance provider and the insured go through the settlement process in a fair and transparent manner.
Access to High-quality Network Facilities: The best cashless car insurance providers like us have tie-ups with the best network facilities such as auto garages and healthcare facilities. These are highly reliable and have experienced professionals who provide you with the best-in-class services.
Minimal Out-of-Pocket Expenses: You don’t have to pay the full repair cost upfront. But it’s not always completely cashless. The insured still has to pay for deductibles and sometimes for depreciation or consumables, unless they have taken extra cover like a zero-depreciation add-on. So, you may still need to pay a small amount depending on your policy.
Smooth Claims Procedure: With a cashless policy, the claim process is usually more organized since the garage and insurer coordinate directly. While the insured still needs to submit documents and wait for approvals, the overall process can feel more convenient, especially when using a network garage. Many insurers also allow you to raise your claim online, which can help save time during emergencies.
Exclusions of Cashless Car Insurance
While a cashless car insurance policy covers many repair costs, there are still some things you should know that may not be covered or are to be paid by the insured. The following are common exclusions or costs not covered under a cashless car insurance policy:
Deductibles
Deductibles are the fixed part of the claim amount that the insured must pay out of their own pocket every time a claim is made. These are not optional at the time of claim — they are pre-decided and mentioned in the policy.
There are two types of deductibles in car insurance:
Compulsory Deductible:
This is a mandatory amount set by the insurer based on the type or engine capacity of the vehicle, as per IRDAI guidelines. For example, cars with smaller engines may have a lower compulsory deductible, while larger or commercial vehicles may have higher ones. This amount must be paid by the insured for every claim, no matter what kind of policy you have.Voluntary Deductible:
This is an optional amount the insured chooses when buying the policy. By agreeing to pay a voluntary deductible on claims, the insured gets a discount on the premium. The higher the voluntary deductible you select, the lower your annual premium will be. However, this also means you will bear a higher portion of the repair cost when you raise a claim.
Together, both types of deductibles reduce the insurer’s liability and are standard parts of all car insurance policies, whether cashless or reimbursement.
So, deductibles are not exclusions, but pre-decided costs the insured is responsible for during claim settlement.
Consumables
In most cases, the cost of consumables, such as oil, grease, nuts & bolts, filters, etc., is not covered by the cashless car insurance. However, you can purchase a consumables add-on cover at an additional price to enjoy this extra coverage.
Depreciation
Depreciation refers to the gradual reduction in the value of car parts over time due to age and regular use. When a claim is raised, the insurer deducts depreciation on the parts being replaced, based on their age and type (like plastic, metal, or fiber).
This is not an exclusion, but a standard deduction applied during claim settlement.
However, if the insured has a zero-depreciation add-on, the insurer covers the full cost of parts without applying depreciation, which means higher claim payout and lower out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Claim Cashless Car Insurance in India?
1. Inform TATA AIG Immediately
Call the customer support number 022-6489-8282 (charges apply) or visit the claim support page to report the incident.
You’ll need to share details like the engine and chassis number, your contact information, date and time of the accident, location, a brief description of the incident, odometer reading, and the address where the car can be inspected. After providing all the required information, you'll receive a claim reference number to track your claim.
2. Vehicle Inspection by Surveyor
TATA AIG will assign a surveyor to inspect your vehicle and assess the damage. The surveyor’s report will be shared with both you and the company.
3. Choose the Cashless Repair Option
Once the report is verified, you can take your car to one of TATA AIG’s 5,900+ authorised network garages across India for cashless repairs.
4. Submit Required Documents
To move forward with your claim, you’ll need to provide a filled claim form, identity and address proof, and an FIR if applicable, along with any other documents requested by the insurer. Keeping these ready in advance will make the process quicker and smoother.
5. Claim Filing and Repair Work
After your documents are approved, take your car to the assigned garage for repairs. The garage will handle the repair work, and TATA AIG will directly settle the approved repair amount with the garage. You’ll only have to pay deductibles, depreciation, or charges not covered under your policy unless you’ve opted for add-ons like zero-depreciation or consumables cover
6. Collect Your Repaired Car
Once the repair is complete, check the vehicle properly and collect it from the garage. Make sure you're satisfied with the work before driving away.
Why Choose Tata AIG Cashless Car Insurance?
Our cashless car insurance policies are designed to offer the most comprehensive coverage to the policyholders at affordable premiums.
At Tata AIG, we have 5,900+ network garages where you can get your vehicle repaired by certified and experienced professionals. You can use our car insurance garage locator for the same purpose.
So, save your time and effort and proceed to our motor insurance page to buy car insurance that aligns with your requirements. If you are not sure which policy to buy, you can also compare car insurance policies depending on the type of coverage, cost, features, and other factors.
Call us for more information!
How to Find Network Garages to Avail Cashless Car Repair Services?
If your car gets damaged and you want to get it fixed without paying upfront, your cashless car insurance can help, but only if you go to a network garage approved by your insurer. Not sure how to find one? Don’t worry, here’s what you can do:
Start with your policy documents – They usually have a list of network garages where you can get repairs done without paying on the spot.
Use Tata AIG’s online garage locator – Just enter your pin code, city, or garage name in the Tata AIG garage locator, and it’ll instantly show you authorised network garages in your area where you can get cashless repairs. It’s a quick and easy way to find the most convenient option without any guesswork.
Pick a nearby network garage – Once you find one, take your car there to start the cashless repair process. It’ll save you time and reduce your upfront costs.
Stick to the approved list – Remember, cashless claims work only at garages that are officially tied up with Tata AIG.
Keep your bills and receipts – Even with cashless claims, having the paperwork ready helps in case anything needs to be submitted or clarified later.
Can’t find a network garage nearby? – You can get the car fixed at any garage, pay the bill yourself, and then apply for reimbursement with all the proper documents.
Final Thoughts
Cashless car insurance is highly convenient as it involves a cash-free settlement of your claims. Not only does it offer a quick settlement, but it also provides you with comprehensive coverage. The best part is you can customise your car insurance policy as per your requirements and budget and make it even more comprehensive by purchasing certain add-ons and covers.
So, if you haven't purchased car insurance, don't think twice before buying a cashless car insurance policy from us.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
Difference Between Reimbursement and Cashless Car Insurance?
Feature | Cashless Car Insurance | Reimbursement Car Insurance |
---|---|---|
Garage Choice | Repairs are done at network garages authorised by the insurer | Repairs can be done at any garage, including non-network garages |
Payment Process | Insurer directly settles the approved claim amount with the garage. | Policyholder pays the full repair cost upfront and submits a claim for reimbursement |
Upfront Payment | Minimal upfront payment, typically limited to deductibles, depreciation, and consumables unless covered by add-ons. | Full amount must be paid upfront by the policyholder. |
Mission Head | An ambassador is generally the mission head of the embassy. | A consular general is the mission head of the consulate. |
Claim Processing Time | Usually faster, as garage coordinates directly with insurer | May take longer due to verification of documents and claim approval steps. |
Documentation Required | Still requires basic documents like claim form, registration, license, accident photos, FIR (if applicable) | Requires complete documentation, including bills, repair invoices, claim form, and identity proof. |
Convenience | Streamlined process, less manual effort for the insured | More responsibility on the policyholder for managing documents and follow-ups. |
Quality & Availability of Garages | Depends on insurer’s garage network strength, which may vary by location | Offers full freedom in choosing any garage, regardless of insurer tie-up. |
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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