Purchasing a car is not a one-time expense. You will need to set aside some of your earnings to cover its operational and maintenance costs. Even minor car damage can result in significant repair bills. But, if you have a comprehensive motor cover, you won't have to worry about maintenance. Insurance provides financial assistance if repair costs are incurred as a result of an accident, fire, or other tragic events. Also, you will be compensated if you lose your car to theft or total damage.
While driving a car, a few incidents are unavoidable; a dent is just one of them. It is critical to understand the claim process to avoid any last-minute hassles.
How to claim insurance for a car dent in India?
Follow these steps to raise a car insurance claim:
- Notify your insurer: Notify your insurer as soon as possible following the accident that damaged your vehicle. You can dial the toll-free number to reach the claim support team.
- File an FIR: If the claim is for theft or an accident, you must file an FIR with the nearest police station.
- Save the claim number: When you submit your claim request, you will be given a claim acknowledgement number. Save this number for future reference. You will need it to track your claim status.
- Inspection: Your insurer will dispatch a surveying officer to assess the extent and nature of the loss. The officer will prepare a report based on his/her evaluation and send it to the claim support team.
- Garage appointment: Following the inspection, you will be given a list of nearby network garages. You can arrange to have your vehicle towed and the repairs completed. You may also visit a non-network garage. In that case, you cannot avail of the cashless claim facility and will have to file a reimbursement claim.
Following the completion of the preceding steps, the insurer will settle the claim.
Documents required for the claim settlement process
Make sure you have the following documents handy to ensure your claim is settled smoothly.
- Submit the duly filled claim application form
- FIR copy is mandatory if the claim is related to accidental damage or theft
- You must provide a copy of your vehicle's registration certificate as well as the driver's licence of the person driving the car at the time of the accident
- If the vehicle in question is purchased on loan, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate from your lender. It will be required as part of the claim procedure.
Factors to consider before filing a claim for car dent
As said, dents are unavoidable. If you file a claim for it, keep the following drawbacks in mind:
- A dent claim will result in the loss of your No Claim Bonus Car Insurance, eventually raising the policy premium during renewal.
- Car insurance comes with a compulsory deductible. You must pay this amount at the time of filing your claim. It makes no sense to go through the claim process if the deductible and claim sum are equal.
Conclusion
If you have purchased car insurance online, making a claim for a dent is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps and have the necessary documentation. However, always assess whether making a claim is financially beneficial, considering its impact on ncb in car insurance and policy renewal costs. Being informed about all the details of your insurance policy and being proactive while making claims, is the best way to keep your vehicle in the best shape and ensure optimum maintenance of your finances.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.