How to File a Online Car Insurance Claim: a Step-By-Step Guide

Filing an online car insurance claim has become much easier and more convenient. Whether you have been in an accident, your car has been damaged, or you have experienced a car theft, knowing how to file a claim online can save you time and effort. In today’s digital world, online process for claims intimation and processing has reduced the stress and hassle of paper work and manual follow up significantly.

Here is a simple guide to walk you through the process.

• For Car Damage Claims:

1. Notify Your Insurance Company:

Inform the insurer via the online car insurance or customer care link on the company website. You can intimate about the accident as soon as possible. You can do this by calling the customer care number or sending an email to support email id. Once you have informed, download the claims form from the website, fill in your details, and submit the claim form along with the required documents. Take your car to a nearby repair shop or a showroom to get an estimate for the repairs.

2. Vehicle Inspection:

After the online car insurance claim process is initiated,  the insurer will send a surveyor to assess the damage. The surveyor, who is specifically qualified to make an assessment, will prepare a report, which you and the insurer will receive. Based on this report, the value of claim and based on the policy details, the extent of coverage and the co-pay amount are also indicated. It is usually after this step is cleared that your car will be sent to a network garage for repairs.

3. Submit Documents:

Once repairs are complete, provide the surveyor with the signed repair invoice and payment receipt. The surveyor will then send these documents to the insurance company for claim verification.

4. Cashless Claim:

If all documents are in order, your car will be repaired at the network garage. The online car insurance process usually means that the repair costs directly with the garage.

5. Reimbursement Claim:

If you have to pay for repairs yourself, settle the bill with the garage first. Send the repair bills and invoices to your insurance company as soon as the repairs are done. The insurer will then pay you back based on your policy terms and the surveyor report.

• For Third-Party Claims:

If you get a legal notice from a third party, contact your insurance company right away. Avoid making any financial decisions or settling out of court without first consulting your insurer. Provide the notice, your car’s RC book, driving license, and FIR to your insurance company. They will check the documents, and if everything is in order, they will appoint a lawyer for you. If the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal orders you to pay the third party, the insurance company will handle the payment directly.

• For Stolen Car Claims:

Report the car theft to the police and file an FIR. Send a copy of the FIR using your online car insurance customer care or website process, and once you get the final police report, provide that as well. The insurer will assign an investigator. After your claim is approved, give the RC book, duplicate keys, and a letter of subrogation to your insurer, along with a notarised indemnity on stamp paper. Once everything is in order, the insurer will pay you the Insured Declared Value of your car. If you have a Return to Invoice cover, you will receive the invoice price.Conclusion
Whether you plan to buy car insurance or handle car insurance claims, with many of the processes and access to customer care being available online, it is no more a complicated process. Good customer support from insurers and understanding the process can make things easier. Make sure to clarify any uncertainties with your insurer beforehand to avoid issues later. By following the steps for filing claims, you can simplify the process and handle it smoothly when needed.