It is never easy to predict when an accident might take place when driving your vehicle. It is your responsibility, as a driver, to ensure that all traffic rules are followed and to maintain road safety while driving. However, external factors could create a situation wherein your vehicle could get involved in an accident and get damaged or might cause damage to another vehicle.
It is important to have vehicle insurance in such situations as you and your vehicle are protected from the mishap. If your vehicle gets damaged or damages a third-party vehicle, you can file a claim against your insurance for compensation. But what are the steps for filing a claim? Read on to know more. * Standard T&C Apply
- Stay calm and remain composed
In most cases, the person who is responsible for causing an accident usually tends to escape from the spot due to the fear of being caught and punished; and also to avoid paying for the damages caused. This could invite legal action towards them. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, it is important that you remain calm and composed. Stay at the spot of the accident. Check for any injuries and aid any injured people and call for medical assistance, if required.
- Register an FIR
After the accident has taken place, the first responsibility is to file an FIR at the police station. Filing an FIR ensures that the authorities are informed about the accident. If a third party is involved in the accident, take them with you to file the FIR to avoid any legal consequences.
- Inform your insurance company
The first step of filing an insurance claim is to inform your insurer. You can inform your insurer either by filing a claim through a call or filling up a form on their website. You can also visit the nearest branch of the insurer. This will keep your insurer informed about the accident. *
- Document the damages
You will have to provide evidence of the accident. This proof helps in ensuring the genuineness of your claim. Take photographs and videos of the damage caused to your vehicle. If a third-party vehicle is also damaged, take photos and videos of that damage as well. Once this evidence has been collected, submit it to your insurer for further verification of your claim. *
- Provide documents
Your insurer will ask you to submit documents to take the claim process further. The following documents need to be provided:
- Copy of the vehicle insurance policy
- Copy of your driver’s licence
- Copy of the FIR
- Copy of the registration certificate
* Standard T&C Apply
- Wait for the claim settlement
Once all the evidence and documents have been provided to the insurer, the insurer will verify and authenticate them. After the process is completed, the compensation amount will be disbursed. The compensation will be based on the extent of the damage caused to your vehicle, as well as damages caused to the third-party vehicle. Your insurer will send a surveyor to check the damages and give an estimate. You and the third-party have the option of taking your vehicles to a local garage to get an estimate and provide it to your insurer. *
Always be sure to keep the local authorities and your insurer in loop after an accident has taken place. Keep these steps in mind when filing a claim. You can get more information on your insurer’s website, where you can also use their motor insurance calculator to get an estimate about the insurance cover. *
* Standard T&C Apply
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.