🚗 Why You Need to Know This
Learning how to file a car insurance claim in India in 2025 can save you money, time, and frustration. Whether it’s your first minor accident or a major collision, understanding the process is essential. It ensures a smooth claim experience. It also leads to quicker settlements. Filing a car insurance claim incorrectly lead to rejection, partial settlement, or unnecessary delays.
Every car owner must know their policy coverage, claim procedures, and necessary documentation. Digital-first insurance models and cashless garages have simplified the process. You must follow it correctly for it to be easier.
💪 Step-by-Step: How to File a Car Insurance Claim in India
1. Inform Your Insurer Immediately
As soon as the incident occurs—whether it’s a collision, theft, fire, or natural disaster—inform your insurer. Most providers, like HDFC Ergo or ICICI Lombard, offer toll-free numbers, WhatsApp support, and app-based reporting. Delayed reporting is one of the top reasons for claim rejections.
You can also register claims via insurance aggregators such as PBPartners.com, which offer easy digital filing options.
2. File an FIR (If Applicable)
In case of:
- Car theft
- Accidents with third-party damage
- Bodily injury or fatality
…you must file an FIR at the nearest police station. Most insurers legally require this document in such cases. If you don’t include an FIR when required, your claim will be rejected.
3. Take Clear Photos and Videos
Documentation is key. Use your phone to take high-resolution images and videos of:
- Vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots)
- License plate
- Scene of the incident
- Any third-party vehicles involved
This visual evidence strengthens your claim, especially in disputes or third-party involvement.
4. Submit Required Documents
You’ll typically need the following to file a car insurance claim in India:
- Insurance policy document
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration certificate (RC)
- FIR copy (if applicable)
- Photos and videos of damage
- Repair estimate or bills (if reimbursement)
Some insurers also request a signed claim form. Platforms like Moneycontrol often publish updated checklists and claim process changes.
5. Choose Between Cashless and Reimbursement
Insurers have a network of approved garages for cashless repair. In this case, your insurer pays the garage directly after verifying and approving your claim. You just pay the deductible.
If you go to a non-network garage, you’ll have to pay upfront. Then, apply for reimbursement by submitting all bills and receipts.
6. Get the Vehicle Surveyed
Before repairs begin, the insurer will send a surveyor to inspect the vehicle damage. Don’t move or repair the car before the survey unless absolutely necessary (such as in the case of roadside towing).
The surveyor’s report is key to claim approval, especially for large damages.
7. Claim Approval and Repairs
After your documents and survey report are reviewed, the insurer either approves or rejects the claim. Once approved:
- At network garages: repair work starts and you only pay deductibles
- At non-network garages: pay the bill and claim later
The settlement timeline varies by insurer, but cashless claims are usually resolved within 7–10 days.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not reporting the claim on time
- Inaccurate or missing documents
- Driving without a valid license
- Modifying the car without notifying insurer
- Delaying repairs beyond policy limits
Avoiding these pitfalls can mean the difference between a full payout and a rejection.
For more, check out 5 Common Reasons Why Term Insurance Claims Get Denied.
📅 What If Your Claim Gets Rejected?
If your claim is rejected due to technical errors, you can:
- Contact your insurer’s grievance redressal officer
- Raise a complaint via IRDAI’s IGMS portal: https://www.irdai.gov.in
- Approach the Insurance Ombudsman or file a legal case
Keep all emails, reports, and conversations documented for proof.
🔄 Reapply for a Denied Claim
If you think your claim rejection was unfair:
- Gather additional evidence (e.g., second surveyor report, CCTV footage)
- Submit a written application for reconsideration
- Use a licensed insurance advisor for complex cases
🔗 Useful Links from BimaTalk
- Car Insurance for Electric Vehicles: What’s Covered in 2025
- Best Term Insurance Plans for Salaried Employees
- How to Buy Life Insurance Online Without an Agent
📅 Conclusion
Now that you know how to file a car insurance claim in India, keep your documents in order. Understand your policy coverage. Act fast during emergencies. Bookmark BimaTalk.com for more insurance tips, policy comparisons, and claim guidance that actually helps.
Last Updated on August 10, 2025 by Singh Sumit
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