Car Insurance Claim Process in India
- File car insurance claim online easily
- Submit documents for claim verification
- Stay updated on claim status easily
Trusted by 10CR+ Indians
Bike Insurance Starting at just ₹1.3/day*
Car Insurance Plan Starting at just ₹5.5/day*
Renew in 2 Minutes
Buying for a new car? Click Here
4.5+ Best Online Rating
10CR+
Trusted Users50+
Insurance Partner300K+
Insurance Sold
VehicleInfo is India's leading online platform for all your vehicle insurance needs.
What is a Car Insurance Claim?
A car insurance claim is a formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company to compensate for damages covered under the policy. It could be for your car’s own damage (under Comprehensive Car Insurance) or for damage caused to a third party (under Third Party Car Insurance).
Types of Car Insurance Claims
Understand the two main ways you can file your car insurance claim
Cashless Car Insurance Claim
In a cashless claim, your car is repaired at an authorized network garage, and the insurance company directly settles the repair cost with the garage. You only need to pay for any non-covered expenses like depreciation or consumables.
- Hassle-free direct payment
- You pay only for non-covered expenses
Reimbursement Car Insurance Claim
Here, you pay for the repairs at any garage of your choice and then submit the bills and documents to your insurer. Once verified, the company reimburses the eligible amount.
- Flexibility to choose any garage
- Requires verification of bills
Types of Claims Based on the Event
Follow the appropriate claim process based on your situation
Car Accident Claim Process
- Immediately inform your insurer and file an FIR if there’s injury or damage.
- The insurer assigns a surveyor to evaluate the extent of vehicle damage.
- Send the car to a network garage for cashless repairs or get reimbursed.
- Submit required documents for approval, and the claim is settled as per policy.
Car Theft Claim Process
- Immediately file an FIR with the police after the car is stolen.
- Inform your insurer and submit relevant documents (RC, keys, FIR, etc.).
- If the car isn’t found, obtain a non-traceable certificate from the police.
- The insurer settles the claim as a total loss based on the IDV.
Third-Party Car Insurance Claim
- Notify both the insurance company and the police about the incident.
- The case is handled through the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
- The tribunal decides compensation based on the available evidence.
- The insurer settles the approved amount as per the liability policy.
Documents Required for Car Insurance Claim
Keep these documents ready for a smooth claim process
For Accident Claim
- Copy of valid car insurance policy
- Copy of registration certificate (RC)
- Valid driving license
- Police FIR (if applicable)
- Estimate of repairs
- Final repair bills & payment receipts
- Signed claim form and discharge voucher
For Theft Claims
- Duly filled claim form
- Original policy documents
- FIR copy
- Copy of RC and driver’s license
- Vehicle keys
- Non-traceable certificate
- Consent letter from the financier (if under loan)
- Claim discharge voucher
For Third-Party Claims
- FIR copy
- Insurance policy document
- Driving license and RC copies
- MACT court documents (if applicable)
- Signed claim form
Common Reasons for Claim Rejection
Many car insurance claims get rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones:
Driving without a valid license or an expired insurance policy
Providing false or incomplete information
Delay in notifying the insurer
Accident caused under influence of alcohol or drugs
Unauthorized modifications or illegal usage of the car
For non-covered events or repairing without insurer approval
Using the car for commercial purposes on private insurance
Important Car Insurance Terms to Know
Understanding car insurance lingo helps during claims:
| TERM | MEANING |
|---|---|
| IDV (Insured Declared Value) | The maximum amount the insurer pays in case of total loss or theft |
| Deductible | Fixed amount paid by the policyholder during claim settlement |
| No Claim Bonus (NCB) | Discount on renewal premium for claim-free years |
| Own Damage (OD) | Covers damage to your own car (not third party) |
| Third-Party Liability | Covers legal and financial liability towards a third party |
| Add-on Covers | Extra benefits like Zero Depreciation, Roadside Assistance, etc. |
| Endorsement | Changes made to the existing policy terms |
DOWNLOAD THE APP
If you want to discover additional features, then get our Vehicleinfo App.
4.5+ Best Online Rating
Tips for Hassle-Free Car Insurance Claims
Follow these simple tips to ensure a smooth and quick claim settlement
Always renew your car insurance before expiry
Keep all important documents digitally saved
Report incidents within the time frame mentioned in the policy
Get photographic evidence of the damages if possible
Always opt for authorized garages for cashless claims
Read your policy terms and exclusions carefully before filing a claim
Always stay insured, stay informed
The car insurance claim procedure may seem complex at first, but with the right guidance and awareness, you can navigate it with ease. Whether it's an accident, theft, or third-party damage, Vehicleinfo is your trusted guide for every step of the motor insurance claim process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, within 24 to 72 hours of the incident. Check your policy for exact timelines.
Your claim may be rejected. Always wait for the surveyor’s approval before repairs.
Yes, but remember that you may lose your No Claim Bonus (NCB).
Cashless claims may be settled in 3-7 working days. Reimbursement can take 7-15 days depending on documentation.
Yes, as long as they have a valid driving license and your policy allows it.
