Tips to File Your Car Insurance Claim Correctly
Owning a car is not a luxury or even a comfort in today’s world; it has become a necessity. And when you choose to spend a fortune on a decent car, it’s also a given that you need to get it insured with a good motor policy. Having a secure car insurance policy in place proves beneficial in case of accidents when the damages incurred can be covered by it.
Although buying your car insurance is relatively simple, making a legitimate claim on it sometimes becomes a stressful experience. The lack of familiarity, nitty-gritties of the technical aspects, and the sheer panic makes the whole process of insurance claim filing a nightmare. Let’s look at a few tips to handle this process with finesse.
• Collect all relevant information: If your car was hit by another person’s car, get the car’s plate number and the driver’s license information (that is, if he hasn’t run away). You can then decide whether you want to claim your own insurance (if the policy covers it), or put a claim on the other person’s car insurance. Assess the damages you’ve incurred even if the accident did not involve a third person.
• Nature of the claim: If a third party is involved, it’s always recommended that you file a claim on their insurance coverage instead of your own. This way, your No Claim Bonus remains intact and you can keep being paid the premium discounts for subsequent years.
• Notify the insurer: This is the most essential step. Notify your insurer about the accident, the damages and the consequent claim you’re going to raise (if you choose to claim your own insurance). Car insurance companies have a certain time window within which they have to be informed about the accident, or else your claim gets rejected. You definitely want to steer clear of that technicality.
• File an FIR: It is highly recommended to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the police if a third party is involved and you have planned to file a claim on their insurance. An FIR is essential for a smooth processing of your claim with the insurer.
• No-Trace Certificate: In case of a car theft, make sure to obtain a No-Trace Certificate (which is official proof that a stolen car couldn’t be traced) issued by the police after filing an FIR. This document is essential to get your insurance claim settled in case your car is stolen.
Also, Read
What To Do If your Car Catches Fire?
Benefits of Multi-Year Car Insurance in the Long Run
Conclusion
The last and the simplest point (although all of these points were simple) is to religiously follow up your car insurance claims with the company for a speedy settlement procedure.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
