How Do You File a Car Insurance Claim For a Car Dent?

For the majority of car owners, dents and dings are like unwanted pop-up ads that are surely annoying. Meanwhile, there is a relief that it falls within the car insurance coverage depending on the type of coverage the car owner has chosen. Getting a claim for a car dent is quite simple. However, the actual steps required to take help the car owner have a hassle-free process. This blog narrates a step-by-step guide for filing a car insurance claim for a car dent along with the necessary documents required, important factors to consider before filing a car insurance claim, and many frequently asked questions.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim for a Dent?

Filing a car insurance claim for a dent would require a few steps. Here is a very simple step-by-step process:

1. Check The Damage: Examine the dent and estimate how bad it is before taking the claim, and if it is small, then assess whether it's worthwhile to claim, considering the deductible amount and its impact on the No Claim Bonus (NCB).
2. Notify The Insurer: Report the incident to the car insurance provider immediately. Most insurance companies demand claims reporting within a defined period of time, for instance, 48 to 72 hours. It can be done through a call, email, or the app/website of the insurance company.

• Making A Claim: After the report, the car owner is eligible to make a claim either on the web platform or in the office of the insurance company. It requires filling out the claim form with all the correct information about the accident.

• Checking The Damage: At this point, the insurance company will send a surveyor to assess the car for the filed claim. The surveyor will inspect the damage incurred and will inform whether it's within the scope of the coverage or not.

• Garage Repair and Authorization: Depending on the policy, the car owner may be advised to take the car to a network garage. Once the surveyor has inspected the situation, the insurance company will permit the repairs. Some policies or insurance companies offer cashless claim services, where the company pays the repair charge directly to the garage.

• Claim Settlement: Upon repair of the vehicle, the adjustment for the final claim amount will be started by considering all applicable deductibles, depreciation, and terms applicable to the policy.

Documents Required for the Claim Settlement Process

The car insurance claim settlement for a dent involves some specific documents. Here is the list of the major required documents:

• Car insurance policy document.
• Claim form (duly filled up with all the correct information).
• Car RC (Registration Certificate).
• Driving license.
• Photocopy of the FIR, if needed, in the event of an accident or third-party involvement.
• Photos of the dent from all possible angles.
• Invoice of the repair, if performed prior to filing the claim.

Note* All documents must be submitted in time to prevent unwanted delays in the settlement process.

Factors To Consider Before Filing a Claim For A Car Dent

There is seldom a requirement to file a claim for minor car dents unless they are something major. Considering the current economy where inflation is on the rise, filing a claim for dents may seem like an economical decision. Before you do so, consider the following factors.

Your Policy’s Coverage

• Third-party and standalone insurance do not cover certain damages to the policyholders’ cars. You must review your policy’s coverage before you claim insurance for car dents. 
• Certain insurers include car dent repair as part of their comprehensive car insurance inclusions. However, you must check with your insurer before filing a claim.

Extent Of Damage

• It is crucial to assess the extent of damage to your car. Minor dents do not justify the claim as the cost of repairs may be lower than your deductible. 
• For major damages, it is recommended that you consult with your insurer before filing a claim.

Impact on No Claim Bonus

Remember that your No Claim Bonus can be affected when you file a claim for minor dents. This may lead to higher renewal premiums.

Impact on Deductible & Premiums

• If the cost of repair falls within the range of your deductible amount, you are recommended to take care of it without filing a claim. 
• When you file claims for minor dents, you must still pay your deductible amount, however, it breaks your streak, affecting your claim bonus and insurance premium.

Reasons Why Filing a Claim for Minor Dents Might Not Be a Good Idea

Filing a claim for minor dents may not be a good idea due to the following reasons.

Premium Hikes

When you file a claim for minor dents, your No Claim Bonus discount percentage may go down, leading to higher policy renewal premiums.

Your Deductible May Exceed The Repair Cost

In car insurance, Deductible is the amount you pay for repairs before your insurance kicks in. In most cases, deductibles exceed repair costs for minor dents, hence, filing a claim is a futile exercise. Which means, you have to pay from your pocket regardless of your insurance coverage. Filing a claim will disrupt your no claim streak, hiking your renewal premium.

There Is a Risk Of Policy Cancellation Or Non-Renewal

Insurance providers consider the frequency of claim during the renewal season. When you claim insurance multiple times in a year, insurance companies flag your profile as a high risk case, and may not encourage you to renew your car insurance for another year.

Conclusion

Filing a car insurance claim for a dent is quite a simple process, as discussed above. However, one needs to strictly follow the required procedures and documents to be submitted. Meanwhile, prior to filing the claim, remember things like the deductible amount, loss of No Claim Bonus, and how much it is going to damage the vehicle. By considering all these aspects, one can easily file for the settlement process.

FAQs

Q1. Can I raise a claim for a small dent?

Ans. Yes, you can file a claim for a minor dent, but first, see if the repair cost is more than the deductible amount and if the no-claim bonus will be affected.

Q2. Will the dent damage my premium?

Ans. Yes, one can raise a claim anytime and thereafter increase the premium at the time of renewal.

Q3. Is it necessary to file an FIR while making a car dent insurance claim?

Ans. It varies on whether it is a minor dent or major; the car owner is not required to lodge an FIR in most cases until there is no third-party involvement like a hit-and-run or any criminal happening.

Q4. What is a cashless claim settlement?

Ans. A cashless settlement means the car owner is not required to pay a single penny, but the insurance company will directly settle the repair bill with the garage. 

Q5. How long will it take to process a car dent claim?

Ans. The car dent claim may be settled within a few days or weeks. The duration of the settlement depends on the extent of how large the dent or damage is.