Learn the car insurance claim process step by step: what to do after an accident, documents to keep and common mistakes. Get help and support when needed.
To make a car insurance claim, inform your insurer quickly, take photos, do not repair beyond need before the survey, let the surveyor check the car, submit your documents, then get the car repaired and the claim settled. For theft, major accidents and injury cases, also inform the police.
Step-by-step claim process
These are the usual steps. Details can differ by insurer, so check your policy wording.
- Stay safe first. Check if anyone is hurt. Call for help if needed.
- Inform the police when required. This is usually needed for theft, a major accident, third-party injury or death, and riots.
- Inform your insurer quickly. Call or use the insurer's app or website. Late intimation can lead to rejection.
- Take photos and notes. Capture the damage, the place and the other vehicle, if any.
- Do not move or repair the car more than needed. Wait for the survey before you start repairs.
- Survey by the surveyor. An assessor checks the damage and estimates the repair.
- Submit your documents. Send the claim form and papers the insurer asks for.
- Repair the car. Use a network garage for a cashless claim, or any garage for reimbursement.
- Settlement. The insurer pays as per policy terms.
Documents you usually need
- RC copy
- Driving licence
- Previous or current policy copy
- ID and address proof
- Claim form
- FIR, when needed
- Repair estimate and bills
- Photos of the damage
For the full list, read our post on documents required for car insurance.
Cashless or reimbursement
In a cashless claim, you repair the car at a network garage. The insurer pays the garage directly. You pay for items that are not covered and any deductibles.
In a reimbursement claim, you pay the garage first. Then you claim the money back from the insurer with your bills.
Which one you choose depends on where you want to repair. Our post on cashless vs reimbursement car insurance claim explains the difference in detail.
What you pay yourself
Not every rupee is paid by the insurer. You usually pay:
- The compulsory deductible, which is part of every claim
- Any voluntary deductible you chose to lower your premium
- Items not covered, like normal wear and tear
- Depreciation on replaced parts, unless you have the zero depreciation add-on
Our zero depreciation cover page shows how that add-on can help.
Mistakes that can hurt your claim
- Late intimation: Tell the insurer as soon as you can.
- Repairing before the survey: The surveyor may not be able to check the damage.
- Hiding facts: Wrong or hidden facts can cause rejection.
- Driving after a major accident: It can make the damage worse.
- Expired policy: A claim on an expired policy is usually rejected.
- Drunk driving or no valid licence: These can lead to rejection.
- Using a private car for commercial use: This can also lead to rejection.
Our post on why car insurance claims get rejected goes deeper.
What happens to your No Claim Bonus
If you make a claim in a year, you usually lose your No Claim Bonus (NCB) for that year. NCB is a discount on the own-damage premium for claim-free years. For small damage, think about whether paying yourself is better. For large damage, a claim is what your policy is for. Read more on our no claim bonus page.
An NCB protection add-on may help you keep the discount after a claim, as per policy terms.
Tips for a smoother claim
- Save your insurer's helpline number in your phone.
- Keep your policy copy on your phone.
- Know where your nearest network garage is.
- Take clear photos right after the incident.
- Keep all bills and papers.
- Ask the insurer for your claim number and note it down.
- Follow up politely if there is a delay.
If you need help, visit our claim support page.
No one can promise that a claim will be approved. It depends on the facts and your policy terms. Rules can change, and your policy document is the final word.
FAQs
How soon should I inform the insurer after an accident?
As soon as possible. Late intimation is a common reason for claim rejection.
Do I need to file an FIR for every claim?
No. An FIR is usually needed for theft, major accidents, third-party injury or death, and riots.
Can I repair my car before the surveyor visits?
You should not repair beyond need before the survey. Ask your insurer what is allowed.
How long does a claim take?
It depends on the damage, documents and insurer. Sending complete papers quickly usually helps.
This guide is for information only. Rules and policy terms can change, and the policy document is final. Please read your policy wording.