Cruising Through the Motor Insurance Claim Process

Filing a motor insurance claim can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s understand the claim process in this video. There are three main types of claims: third-party claims, own damage claims, and theft claims.

Firstly, we have covered how to proceed with third-party claims. This includes two scenarios: If your vehicle is involved in an incident, and if you're the victim. Next, you will understand how to proceed with filing theft or damage claims. Once you raise a claim, the process moves forward as per IRDAI guidelines. The surveyors assigned will create a survey report and provide it to your insurer, who will decide on your claim. We’ll also discuss the completion timelines for each step, as per the regulator.

Next, you will also look at what to do if your claim is delayed or rejected unfairly. You can file a complaint with your insurer’s Grievance Redressal Officer. If needed, you can further escalate the matter to IRDAI through their call centre or the Bima Bharosa portal.

Understanding the motor insurance claims process ensures that you’re prepared and protected when you need it most. So, stay informed with this video and ensure a smoother experience.

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Key Takeaways

Motor insurance claims are of three types: third-party claims, own damage claims, and theft claims

For third-party claims involving your vehicle, report the incident to the police and your insurer without delay

In case of theft or damage, file an FIR at the nearest police station and inform your insurer promptly

IRDAI mandates that insurers allocate surveyors within 24 hours of your reporting an incident claim

Surveyors must submit their report within 15 days while insurers have seven days after that to decide on claims

Claims cannot be rejected due to warranty breaches unrelated to the incident or delays unless they increase the assessed loss amount

Missing documents during claim filing cannot lead to rejection, as necessary documents should have been collected during policy underwriting

For any grievance, you can lodge a complaint with your insurer’s Grievance Redressal Officer or escalate it to IRDAI

Frequently Asked Questions
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You should first report the incident to the police and your insurance company. If you're the victim, collect the insurance details from the other party and inform their insurer. You could also consider installing dashcams in your vehicle for video evidence. Remember to document all the details of the incident thoroughly for a smooth claim process.
Your claim process follows specific timelines set by IRDAI. A surveyor will be allocated within 24 hours of reporting. They'll submit their report to your insurer within 15 days. Then your insurer will have seven additional days to decide on your claim. The exact settlement time should be displayed on your insurer's website and your customer information sheet.
Your claim cannot be rejected solely due to missing documents at the time of filing. Remember that your insurer should have collected all the necessary documents during policy underwriting. However, your insurer may request additional documents specifically related to the claim settlement. Also, keep in mind that your claim cannot be rejected for delays in providing documents, unless it increases the assessed loss amount.
You can first approach your insurer's Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) with a written complaint. If your grievance is unresolved even after two weeks, you could escalate the matter to IRDAI. You can do this through their Grievance Call Centre (IGCC), the online Bima Bharosa portal, or via email. Lastly, you could also send a physical copy of your complaint to IRDAI's Grievance Redressal Department.
Your insurer must inform you about the claim settlement turnaround time when you initiate the process. You could track the timelines of the various stages of your claim settlement process. These include surveyor allocation (within 24 hours), survey report submission (within 15 days), and claim decision (within 7 days of report submission). Contact your insurer's customer service for specific updates.
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