Driving a car and going on long drives can be fun and thrilling. But one unfortunate accident can be a spoilsport. This might include a car getting bumped into another vehicle, getting stuck in a waterlogged location, or the vehicle getting damaged by a falling tree branch. When such events or any other mishap take place on the road, one can file for a coverage claim from his/her car insurance agency and recover the expense of damages.
Seeking Financial Coverage
The basic and the most vital motive of getting a vehicle insured is to get financial coverage in case of mishaps on the road. When the right insurance is chosen by a policyholder, he/she doesn’t have to worry about the cost incurred during auto repairs and replacements, along with the hospital bills for treatment.
Whether it is an auto collision, theft, or a natural calamity, the insurance coverage ensures to take care of the expense incurred during the mishap. Often people find filing an auto insurance claim challenging, and not an easy thing. Several steps are there that need to be followed. If an individual doesn’t have any prior experience of filing for vehicle insurance, knowing and following the do’s and don’t’s will be helpful.
Claiming a Vehicle Insurance
To file a vehicle coverage claim, one has to get in touch with his/her car insurance agency directly. The first step includes the claim getting registered with the insurance company or agency that insured the vehicle. This is followed by filing documents and paperwork required by the investigator to evaluate the claim as genuine.
The damaged car is sent to a garage in the network of the insurance company in case the coverage renders a cashless vehicle claim. It is at this stage that the degree of damage is estimated. When the claim gets settled, the policyholder doesn’t have to pay for the repair or replacement of the damaged car. Once the car is repaired of the damages, one needs to pay the compulsory deductibles.
In case of a reimbursement car insurance claim, the insurance company pays the expense of getting the vehicle repaired, or parts replaced after the deductibles. Claiming insurance is overwhelming as there is already some kind of loss. Thanks to the customer-centric approach of the insurance companies that policyholders have to face fewer hassles. When a policyholder is aware of the do’s and don’ts of raising a vehicle claim, the process becomes smoother, and higher is the chance of getting the claim honored.
Do’sof Claiming of a Car Insurance
Filing an FIR
One of the first steps after encountering an auto collision is to immediately report it and file an FIR. Every insurance company asks for a copy of an FIR for initiating the settlement process. Filing an FIR is a must when the road accident accounts for physical injury of the third party, and even death. Furthermore, it is also essential when a vehicle gets stolen. The policyholder must submit one copy of an FIR to the insurance company and keep the other to file a claim. However, it is not necessary to file for an FIR in every road accident leading to minor car dents.
Notifying the Insurance Company
It is suggested that the accident report must be notified to the car insurance agency or company within seven days of the event. If a policyholder fails to do so, there is every chance of getting the claim rejected. Furthermore, several insurance agents mandate reporting accidents within 48 hours. No matter how wide the coverage renders, the key to settling an insurance claim approval is to inform the insurance company as soon s possible. Finally, before the car is taken to the garage for repairs and replacement, informing the insurance company can seek the benefits of pick-up, towing, and other roadside assistance.
Sending Relevant Documents
To begin the vehicle insurance claim process, it is important to send all the necessary, relevant, claim-associated documents to the insurance agency. The policyholder must ask the insurer about the documents that are required for the settlement. Furthermore, he/she must also ask the time withing which the same must be arranged.
The majority of the insurance agencies require the following documents to initiate the settlement.
· The insurance claim form
· A copy of the policy
· A copy of the valid driving license
· The Registration Certificate copy
Collecting Supporting Evidence
One of the best methods of supporting a vehicle insurance claim is to click pictures of the car and the accident spot and collect adequate evidence. To have genuine proof of the claim, the policyholder can submit photos and other supporting documents. Taking a note of the witnesses, their names, and contact details can be helpful as well during the investigation process.
Understanding the Policy Document
When a policy is purchased, the car insurance company sends a policy copy listing down the inclusions and exclusions along with other details. The policyholder must read it carefully and know about the settlement formalities and documents required before filing a claim. Understanding the insurance policy document helps one to know about the extent of coverage one will receive. Proper knowledge about the policy details helps in easier, and hassle-free filing of insurance claims.
Filling the Forms Carefully
After initiating all the required steps for filing a car insurance claim, the final and the most important step is to fill out the insurance form carefully. It is suggested to keep all relevant information and documents handy while filling insurance claim form. This includes one’s credentials, policy details, and details of the insured vehicle. One must understand that even a simple typographical mistake sends incorrect information to the insurance agency, which can even cancel the claim eventually.
Conclusion
Often people try to hide facts about the accident and send wrong information to the car insurance agency. This can lead to the cancellation of the claim, which is a big loss for the policyholder. It is always better, to be honest, and have a genuine claim from insurance companies. Following the steps of claiming insurance and being truthful increases the chances of the claim getting honored.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.