Understanding the motor insurance claims process step by step

Almost every vehicle owner dreams about cruising down highways, enjoying open roads and plotting adventurous road trips. Whenever we plan our adventures, we hardly think about what would happen if things were to go wrong. Unfortunately, even the most experienced drivers may experience accidents, dented bumpers and car breakdowns. Dealing with the aftermath of such situations can be stressful. However, you shouldn’t panic. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to claim insurance for car accidents and get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Before we dive into the insurance claim process, let’s better understand the situations in which individuals with comprehensive car insurance can file a claim request.

Minor and major accidents account for the majority of claim requests filed in the country. You can file a claim to help cover repair costs if your car gets damaged after a collision with another vehicle, object or obstacle.

Had your prized possession stolen? A comprehensive motor insurance policy covers theft, allowing you to claim compensation for the vehicle’s value.

Acts of nature like floods, landslides, cyclones and earthquakes can wreak havoc on your car. You can file a claim for repairs if your vehicle gets damaged due to a natural disaster covered by your policy.

Fire damage can be devastating. Thankfully, most comprehensive policies cover fire damage, allowing you to claim compensation for repairs or the vehicle’s value.

Some antisocial elements may vandalise your vehicle. A comprehensive plan helps cover repair costs after such malicious acts.

India made personal accident cover mandatory for all vehicle owners. You can file a claim against the cover if you sustain injuries in an accident. Your nominee or heir can also file a claim if the accident leads to death or disability.

Let’s explore what to do after an accident or incident to initiate your insurance claim process.

Try not to panic after an accident. Get your car off the road (if possible) and check for injuries. Don’t worry if you cannot move your vehicle. Exit carefully and wait on the side of the road. Ensure you help others involved in the accident and get everybody to safety. Call for medical help if somebody is stuck in a vehicle or you think they might have broken bones. Once everybody is safe, call the police to report the accident.

Once you’ve informed the authorities, you need to get started on the car accident claim process. Inform your motor insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. Ideally, call or e-mail them immediately to inform them about an upcoming claim. Each insurance company has a unique process. Zuno policyholders can log into their profile on the website or mobile app to register a claim request. Or, if you cannot access our website or smartphone application, call us toll-free on 1800 12000 or our paid landline number 022 423 12000 to register your car accident insurance claim.

Vehicle theft and major accidents resulting in injuries and property damage require an FIR. Visit your nearest police station to file the report. Your insurance company will request a copy of the FIR with your accident insurance claim paperwork.

Next, the insurance company will send a surveyor to assess the damage and repair costs. At Zuno, we use our smartphone application to ease the survey process. You can complete a digital video survey directly from the app. It uses your phone camera to record a video of the vehicle and capture footage of the damage.

Once you have everything you need, you can file your claim request. You need copies of the following documents for a seamless experience:

• Your insurance policy
• The vehicle’s registration certificate or card
• Your driver’s license
• The FIR
• Photos and videos from the accident scene
• Repair estimates from authorised workshops for reimbursement claims

Submit the documents to initiate your claim request.

After submitting the documents, the insurance company will approve your repair request. They will recommend a network garage near you to complete the repairs for cashless claims. You only have to pay for deductibles and anything that falls outside the scope of your policy.

You can also choose your preferred garage and request a reimbursement claim instead. After settling the bill, you must submit all paperwork and receipts to the insurance company. They will reimburse you for the covered amount.

The claims process may take a week or two. You can follow up with the insurance company for updates if it takes longer than initially estimated.

Now that you understand the car insurance claim process, you will enjoy quick and seamless claims every time. Always keep your insurance details handy and store your insurance company’s contact details on your phone to ensure speedy intimation. Remember, you can only file claims for damages to your vehicle when you have a comprehensive policy. Visit the Zuno website today to browse our plans and find add-ons that enhance your coverage. We offer speedy claims, helping you get back on the road as soon as possible.

ARN: Zuno/Blog/Understanding the motor claims process step by step/07/24/01.

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