How do online car insurance claims work?

Summary: This article talks about how car insurance claims work. It lists out the points which the insured needs to keep in mind for better service. It also talks about what to expect from the insurer for claims processing. Equipped with this information, one can make an educated choice while comparing and buying online car insurance.

Have you invested in a good online car insurance plan and or car thinking to invest in one? The biggest question that goes through any insurance buyer’s head is whether he will get his claims as promised. And it is surely a valid one.  Mostly claims processing is done based on your situation, but certain things will surely ensure that the process becomes smoother and better.  Let us see what all you need to ensure that your claims will be processed easily and smoothly. Also, it is important to make a note of  a few things you should expect from your insurer before you go ahead and buy a policy.

Always carry important car related documents in your car

Whenever you are driving your car, you need to make sure that you have all these documents with you. They not only will help in insurance claims, but also if you are ever stopped by the traffic police.

• Driver’s Licence
• Car Registration Certificate
• PUC Certificate
• Insurance Certificate

Remember an  important checklist if incase you are in an accident situation

• If there is any injury to your or another person’s body, attend to that on priority and seek medical help immediately.

• If other vehicles are also involved in the accident, make sure you note down their numbers.

• If there are any witnesses to the accident, note down their names and contact details when possible.

• Immediately contact your insurance provider in the nearest branch or the toll free number.

• If there is damage to your car or another person’s property because of you in the accident, make sure you file an FIR with the police for the same.

• If your vehicle is stolen, then also file an FIR with the police as soon as you come to know about it.

• Submit all above mentioned documents, along with the insurer’s claim form ( can be found on their website or at an aggregator website.) and FIR if filed.

Ensure that the insurance companies takes the following steps for fast claims

• When you file the claim, the claim representative should contact you and provide you the list of additional documents if required.

• An inspection surveyor should be sent to the site of the accident to assess the damage and estimate the cost.

• If you can avail the cashless service, then you should be guided to the nearest network Garage.

• If it is a reimbursement claim, then your insurer should give you a good acceptable garage in the area for repairs.

• Ensure that the garage gives you proper bills and invoice for the repairs.

• Insurer should Pay off the bills to the garage subtracting the deductibles for cashless claims and to you for reimbursement claims.

Keep in mind the Do’s and Don’t for easy and hassle free claim processing

Do's:

• Main copies of all the important documents mentioned above, once you submit them to the insurer.

• If you vehicle is completely damaged, save the salvaged parts till you get the claims.

• Make sure you question the surveyor and understand how he has calculated the amounts and come up with the final sum and deductibles.

Don'ts:

• Do not drive your vehicle or move it from the accident site, until the spot surveyor arrives.

• Do not leave your vehicle unattended by yourself or someone you trust.

• Do not ignore any damages and make sure they are all documented by the spot surveyor.

• Do not provide any false document or false information to the insurer or the police.

Aggregators which sell online car insurance policies, should ideally be helping in the claim process also. We are Turtlemint.com not only help you sell online car insurance, but also all the way through the claims process.

Author Bio: This article is written by Samskrita, Digital Marketer at Turtlemint.com Samskrita is a content enthusiast and is determined to encourage people to  be informed and compare and buy insurance online. She wants to see everyone invest smartly and safely.