A road accident is one of the most stressful experiences a car owner can face. Beyond the emotional shock and physical damage, the financial burden of repairs can be overwhelming. This is where your car insurance policy becomes your biggest support.
But here’s the truth – a large number of claims are rejected every year because policyholders don’t follow the correct process. Knowing how to claim car insurance step by step after an accident can save you both money and frustration.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire car insurance claim process in India (2025), with pro tips to ensure your claim is approved quickly.
✅ Types of Car Insurance Claims
Before learning the steps, understand the two main types of claims:
- Cashless Claim
- Repairs are done at an insurer’s network garage.
- Insurance company pays directly.
- You only pay deductibles (if any).
- Reimbursement Claim
- You repair your car at any garage (non-network).
- Pay the bill upfront.
- Later, submit documents to get reimbursed.
🚗 Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Car Insurance After an Accident
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
- Check yourself, passengers, and third parties for injuries.
- Move vehicle to a safe spot (if possible) without worsening damage.
- Call emergency services if needed.
Step 2: Inform the Police
- File an FIR (First Information Report) if:
- Accident involves injury/death.
- There is third-party damage.
- Major damage to your own vehicle.
- For minor scratches, FIR is not always required, but informing the police helps.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
- Most insurers require you to inform them within 24–48 hours.
- Use toll-free number, mobile app, or email.
- Share details:
- Policy number
- Accident date/time/location
- Vehicle number
- Brief accident description
👉 Delayed intimation = risk of claim rejection.
Step 4: Take Pictures and Gather Evidence
- Click photos of:
- Vehicle damage (all angles).
- Accident spot, skid marks, road condition.
- Injuries (if any).
- Collect details of third party (vehicle number, insurance details).
- Gather witness contact numbers.
👉 These serve as proof during claim verification.
Step 5: Submit Claim Form
- Fill the car insurance claim form (available online or from insurer).
- Attach documents:
- Copy of policy
- Driving license
- RC (Registration Certificate) of car
- FIR copy (if applicable)
- Photographs of accident
- Repair bills/estimates (if reimbursement claim)
Step 6: Insurance Surveyor Inspection
- Insurer appoints a surveyor to inspect the car.
- Surveyor visits garage or accident spot.
- Only after surveyor’s approval, repairs can begin.
- Do not start repairs before inspection, else claim may be denied.
Step 7: Choose Repair Method
- Cashless Claim:
- Take car to insurer’s network garage.
- Insurer pays directly to garage.
- You only pay deductibles and non-covered items (like personal items inside car).
- Reimbursement Claim:
- Repair car at any garage.
- Pay full bill yourself.
- Submit bills to insurer for reimbursement.
Step 8: Claim Settlement
- For cashless, garage directly receives payment.
- For reimbursement, insurer transfers money to your bank account after verifying documents.
- Settlement time:
- Cashless = 3–7 working days.
- Reimbursement = 7–15 working days.
🔑 Important Tips to Ensure Smooth Claim
- Always Drive with Valid Documents
- License, RC, insurance papers – without them, claim may be rejected.
- Don’t Admit Fault Immediately
- Let police & insurer investigate. Admitting fault early may reduce chances of claim.
- Know Your Add-Ons
- Zero Depreciation Cover – ensures full claim amount.
- Engine Protect Cover – covers waterlogging damage (common in Indian cities).
- Roadside Assistance – free towing, breakdown support.
- Avoid Delayed Intimation
- Inform insurer within 24 hours.
- Don’t Repair Before Surveyor Approval
- Always wait for green signal.
📊 Example: Accident Claim Case
- Car: Tata Nexon EV
- Damage: Front bumper + headlight (₹55,000 bill)
- Policy: Zero depreciation cover
- Garage: Cashless (network garage)
👉 Actual Settlement:
- Insurance paid: ₹52,000
- Owner paid: ₹3,000 (deductibles + consumables)
Without insurance, owner would have paid full ₹55,000.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I claim insurance without FIR?
- Yes ✅ for minor damages.
- FIR is mandatory for accidents involving injury, third-party, or theft.
Q2: Will insurance cover drunk driving accidents?
- ❌ No. Claims are rejected if driver was drunk or driving without valid license.
Q3: How many times can I claim in a year?
- No fixed limit, but multiple claims affect your No-Claim Bonus (NCB).
Q4: What is No-Claim Bonus (NCB)?
- A discount (20–50%) on next year’s premium if you don’t make a claim.
Q5: Can I transfer NCB when I buy a new car?
- Yes ✅ NCB belongs to the driver, not the vehicle.
🏆 Final Words
Accidents can happen anytime, but being prepared can make all the difference.
By following this step-by-step process, you ensure that your car insurance claim is approved smoothly and you don’t end up paying huge bills from your pocket.
- Immediate actions – Ensure safety, call police, inform insurer.
- Documentation – Photos, FIR, claim form, license, RC.
- Surveyor approval – Never skip this step.
- Claim settlement – Choose cashless for hassle-free, reimbursement for flexibility.
With the right approach, car insurance isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a true financial lifesaver.
