Professional guidance from experienced insurance surveyors. Learn the hidden tricks and proper procedures for maximizing your car insurance claims in India.
Understanding the complete journey from accident to settlement
Immediate actions at accident location
Repair assessment and estimation
Document submission and verification
Professional inspection and approval
Final claim payment
Follow these critical steps immediately after an accident happens
When the insured informs you about an accident, advise the following:
Ask the insured to share:
After collecting the policy copy and photos, assess the loss by consulting:
Different policies have different coverage - know what you're insured for
Understanding different repair options can significantly impact your claim settlement
| Workshop Type | Features | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized Dealer |
• New parts replacement • Highest labour charges • Premium painting charges • Manufacturer warranty |
Highest (₹90,000) |
| Multi-brand Workshop |
• Some panel repairs possible • Moderate labour charges • Good quality work • Handles all car brands |
Medium (₹60,000) |
| Local Workshop |
• Maximum panel repairs • Lowest labour charges • Economical painting • Local expertise |
Lowest (₹30,000-₹40,000) |
Step-by-step guide to filing and settling your insurance claim
Insurer appoints a surveyor based on estimate. Insured and repairer receive SMS with surveyor details.
Surveyor verifies all mandatory and additional documents for completeness and authenticity.
Surveyor explains policy coverage, applicable depreciation, excess amounts, and salvage deductions.
Discussion on cause of accident and determination of admissible items for claim.
After insured's consent, repair approval is given to the workshop.
If additional damages are found after dismantling, supplementary estimate is raised and surveyor reinspects.
Final inspection (RI) is conducted after repairs are completed.
Surveyor prepares and submits the final survey report to the insurance company.
Insurer processes the report and settles the claim amount to the insured or workshop.
Critical knowledge that can save you from claim rejection
Depreciation is applicable on all parts and labour unless you have a Nil Depreciation policy. Always ask your agent to clearly explain depreciation rates before purchasing.
For trucks, buses, and ambulances:
For commercial vehicles:
Critical modifications to inform insurance company:
Important numbers every vehicle owner should know
Common questions about vehicle insurance claims
In cashless claims, the insurance company directly pays the network garage. In reimbursement, you pay first and then claim the amount from the insurer with bills.
Nil Depreciation (Zero Dep) is an add-on cover where the insurer pays the full cost of replaced parts without deducting depreciation. However, policy excess and salvage deductions still apply.
Yes, absolutely! For commercial vehicles, carrying load beyond the permissible GVW limit can lead to complete claim repudiation. Always maintain proper trip sheets and ensure load is within legal limits.
Critical modifications to report: CNG/LPG conversion (requires RTO approval), alloy wheels installation, body modifications, custom paint jobs, accessory additions, and engine modifications. Non-disclosure can lead to claim rejection.
For cashless repairs: Typically 7-15 days from repair completion. For reimbursement claims: 15-30 days after submission of final bills. Always submit complete documents promptly for faster settlement.
Non-covered items include: Consumables (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid), wear and tear items, mechanical breakdown not caused by accident, pre-existing damage, damages due to drunk driving, and driving without valid license.