Road accidents are the first event in an automobile insurance claim. Due to the driver’s irresponsibility, the accident may have involved two vehicles colliding on the road or a car striking an immovable object. Whatever the situation, you must follow a process when filing a car insurance claim.
It is normal to have a wave of emotions after an accident. The situation may become much more unpleasant if you sustain any physical injuries. However, you must make an effort to maintain your composure and consider your options for escape. Learn how to file a car insurance claim after a collision to cover the costs.
How to go after an accident to file a claim with your vehicle insurance
1. Let your insurance know
Inform the Motor Insurance provider about the accident and its severity as soon as you can to start the car insurance claim process. Most insurers have a date by which you must notify them of the accident; if you miss the deadline, your claim may be denied.
2. Register an FIR with the local police department.
Registering an FIR at a police station is equally important. The FIR is a crucial document that insurers require to resolve claims for bodily harm and auto-related damages. Police officers will go to the scene of the accident to determine whether a mechanical failure was the cause.
3. For proof, take pictures or a video.
Even though dealing with a car accident might be incredibly stressful, you still need to stay alert, try to take images of the accident, and gather evidence. Using it will help you prove your point when filing a car insurance claim. Pictures of the physical wounds and auto damage are available. They can support your argument by acting as evidence. Additionally, it would be beneficial to write down the witnesses’ names and contact information.
4. Send the required paperwork to the insurance provider.
Once you have filed the FIR and have a copy, you may start the settlement procedure by giving the insurance company the required paperwork. Make sure you submit copies of all necessary paperwork, including your driver’s license, insurance certificate, FIR, car registration certificate, and any documentation the insurer may request.
5. Request a surveyor be sent by the insurer
It would help if you asked your insurance to designate a surveyor to begin the inspection procedure after you submit the claim form. The surveyor will evaluate the harm done to your car and might also help you select the best garage from the insurer’s network to repair the harm. After you notify the insurer of the claim, the survey often occurs two to three days later.
6. Have your vehicle fixed.
You must get your car fixed and start the car insurance claim procedure after the surveyor has done the examination. There are two approaches to settling the dispute. If you want a cashless settlement, you can have your car fixed at any network garage, and the insurer will pay the garage directly. However, if you’d instead be reimbursed, you’ll need to pay for the repairs upfront and then present the original invoices and receipts to the insurance provider to request payment.
Understanding the car insurance claim settlement procedure might be tricky, especially if you make your first claim. As a result, it is advised that you thoroughly study the policy paperwork to comprehend the inclusions and exclusions.
Documents Required for Automobile Accident Insurance Claim
Submitting the necessary paperwork is one of the most crucial steps in filing an insurance claim for a car accident. The list of paperwork needed to file an automobile accident insurance claim is as follows:
- A replica of your auto insurance contract.
- The police’s First Information Report (FIR).
- A photocopy of the driver’s license.
- Correctly completed and signed claim form.
- Cash receipts, the initial repair invoice, etc.
- A duplicate of the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC).
- In the event of bodily injuries, medical receipts.
Additional Documents in the Event of a Claim for Reimbursement
You will need to give the Acko Insurance company more documentation if you decide to pay for your car’s repairs and later file a claim to be reimbursed. The documents listed below are for reimbursement claims:
- simple repair invoices or payment receipts.
- All other materials are cited above.
Here are some things to keep in mind while filing a claim on your auto insurance policy
- Inform your insurance provider without delay and at once. Usually, the period begins 24 hours after the incident. The claim may not be approved if there is a delay.
- If necessary, let the police know. Make sure the FIR is filed at the neighborhood police station if necessary.
- Determine the circumstances and make the appropriate claim. If the dent is small and insignificant, you can use the NCB instead of filing a claim.
- When submitting the claim form, make sure you have the correct information. Avoid providing false contact information or credentials that could compromise your claim.
