Claim Process in Motor Insurance  – Unione

Standard Process for Claim in Motor Insurance

  1. What is the standard process for claim in motor insurance?

The process for filing claims in motor insurance generally follows a series of steps designed to ensure that the insurer can assess and process the claim. Here’s an overview of the standard processes:

    1. Motor Insurance Claim Process

Motor insurance claims generally fall under two categories: Own Damage (OD) claims and Third-Party (TP) claims.

    1. Own Damage Claim Process
      1. Intimate the Insurance Company:
        • As soon as the incident occurs (accident, theft, fire, etc.), you must notify the insurance company. This should typically be done within 24 hours.
        • The insurer will ask for the details of the incident, such as time, place, cause of the accident, and other specifics.
      2. File an FIR (if applicable):
        • In case of a major accident, theft, or any serious situation, you may need to file a police report (FIR). This is especially important in cases of theft or accidents leading to injuries.
      3. Claim Form Submission:
        • Fill out the claim form provided by the insurer. Include all necessary documentation such as a copy of the FIR (if applicable), vehicle registration details, driver’s license, and insurance policy number.
      4. Survey of Damages:
        • The insurer may send a surveyor to inspect the damage to the vehicle. They may assess the severity and cause of the damage to determine how much compensation can be given under the policy.
      5. Repair of Vehicle:
        • After the surveyor’s assessment, you can either repair your vehicle at an approved garage or proceed with repairs yourself. If the claim is approved, the insurer will either pay directly to the garage or reimburse the costs, depending on the terms.
      6. Claim Settlement:
        • Once all documents are submitted and the assessment is done, the insurer will process the claim and issue a payment for the repair or replacement, less any applicable deductible or depreciation.
      7. Policy Deductible and Depreciation:
        • Remember, depending on your policy, you may need to pay a certain deductible amount, and the insurer may apply depreciation on parts that are being replaced or repaired.
    2. Third-Party Claim Process
      1. Filing a Claim:
        • The third-party (victim) files a claim with the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident. If you’re the at-fault party, the claim is handled by your insurance.
      2. Investigation:
        • The insurance company investigates the incident, including the accident’s cause and fault determination, through the submission of an FIR, police report, and statements from witnesses.
      3. Compensation:
        • The insurer will settle the compensation based on the severity of injuries or damage caused to the third party.

General Tips for Motor Claims:

  • Document Everything: Ensure that you keep copies of all documents, including police reports, and communications with your insurer.
  • Know Your Policy: Understanding the terms and conditions of your policy is key to managing your claims. Check your coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for motor claims.
  • Timeliness: Timely reporting of the incident is crucial in motor insurance claims.
  • Follow Up: If there are any delays or issues, make sure to follow up with the insurer regularly.

By understanding these steps and staying organized, you can navigate motor insurance claims more effectively.