- By Divanshi Sharma
- Wed, 01 May 2024 04:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Accidents can happen to anyone, even if you're a careful driver. When you're in an accident, your first priority is to ensure everyone's safety, follow the law and start the insurance claim process to fix the damage. After your car is in an accident, the first thing to do is inform your insurance company. Give them all the details about the damage without hiding anything, as this can help your claim process go smoothly.
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Inform The Insurance Company
If the accident involves major damage or involves a third party, it's important to notify the police and file a First Information Report (FIR). This step is crucial for theft, traffic accidents or vehicle fires. For minor damage like dents or scratches, an FIR may not be necessary but it's still important to report the incident to your insurance company.
Take Photos
Take clear photos of the damage and the accident scene. These photos will help the insurance company assess the extent of the damage and process your claim accurately.
Share Document
You'll need to submit certain documents to your insurance company to start the claim process. These documents may include a copy of your insurance policy, the FIR, your driver's license and your car's registration certificate. Make sure to provide these documents promptly for a smooth claim settlement experience.
Get Your Car Fixed
Once your claim is approved, you can proceed with repairing the damage. You can either take your car to a garage for repairs or ask the insurance company to handle the repairs for you. If you choose to repair the car yourself, the insurance company may reimburse you based on their policy.
There are two ways the claim settlement can happen if you're repairing the car yourself. One way is on account, where the insurance company assesses the damage and gives you money upfront. The other way is submitting the repair cost estimate or the actual invoice after the repairs, which the insurance company will reimburse according to their policy. Working closely with your insurance company and following the correct procedures can ensure a hassle-free experience when making a car insurance claim after an accident.