Car insurance is not just a legal requirement in India, it’s your safety net when the unexpected happens—be it an accident, theft, or damage due to natural calamities. But owning car insurance isn’t enough if you don’t know how to file a claim properly.
In 2025, thanks to digitalization, filing a car insurance claim in India has become easier and faster. However, many people still make mistakes that lead to delays or claim rejections. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file a car insurance claim correctly and smoothly.
Types of Car Insurance Claims
Before filing, understand which type of claim applies to your situation:
- Cashless Claim – Insurance company pays directly to the network garage.
- Reimbursement Claim – You pay the garage first, and the insurer reimburses you.
- Third-party Claim – Claim for damage or injury caused to another person or property.
- Own Damage Claim – For damage to your own vehicle (accident, fire, theft, etc.)
Step-by-Step Process to File a Car Insurance Claim in India
Step 1: Inform Your Insurance Company Immediately
Timeframe: Within 24 hours of the incident
- Call the insurer’s helpline or use their mobile app/website.
- Provide basic details: policy number, vehicle number, date & time of the incident, location, and a short description.
- You’ll receive a Claim Reference Number or Claim ID.
Step 2: File an FIR (If Required)
Filing a First Information Report (FIR) is essential in these cases:
- Car theft
- Third-party damage or bodily injury
- Major accidents or vandalism
Visit the nearest police station and get a copy of the FIR for your records and insurer.
Step 3: Take Photographs of the Damage
- Click clear pictures of the damaged vehicle, surroundings, other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
- These photos act as visual proof and speed up claim processing.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Prepare a set of documents to be submitted to the insurer:
- Copy of insurance policy
- FIR (if applicable)
- Driving license of the person driving
- RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle
- Photographs of the damage
- Claim form (online or physical)
Some insurers now allow you to upload documents through their mobile app or email.
Step 5: Get the Vehicle Surveyed
- The insurer assigns a surveyor to inspect the vehicle.
- The surveyor assesses the extent of damage and estimates repair costs.
- Don’t move the vehicle to a garage before the survey (unless instructed).
In digital-first insurers (like Acko, Digit, Navi), this step is often done virtually using your uploaded photos.
Step 6: Repair Your Vehicle
You have two options:
- Cashless Garage: Your insurer pays the repair cost directly to their partnered garage (only deductible/co-pay to be paid by you).
- Non-network Garage: You pay the full bill and submit the invoice to the insurer for reimbursement.
Always collect the final bill, payment receipt, and job card for reimbursement claims.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Claim Process
- Always renew your policy on time to avoid lapses.
- Never drive under the influence; such claims are automatically rejected.
- Use telematics apps (like Tata AIG’s or Bajaj Allianz’s DriveSmart) to strengthen your claim with real-time data.
- Keep a soft copy of your policy and insurer contact details in your phone or car dashboard.
Common Reasons for Claim Rejection
- Delayed intimation to the insurer
- Invalid driving license
- Policy expired or lapsed
- Modifications without informing insurer
- Misrepresentation or fraudulent claims