The best way you can deal with an accident is by being prepared for one. God forbid it never happens, but it’s always better to be aware of the checklist on what to do and what not to do post an accident. Here’s a ready reckoner that shall guide you on the immediate steps that you need to take in such a scenario.
First things first. You must seek the help of the road assistance facility from your policy provider and call for help. The next thing you need to do is to report the accident to your broker, agent, or insurer by calling their respective numbers. Then the next immediate step that shall be required from your side shall be to register your claim, mentioning about the damage of property and life.
The details required will be:
-Contact number
-Engine and Chassis Number
-Accident date and time
-Description and location of the accident
-Vehicle inspection address
-Km. reading
Moreover, you would be required to file an FIR at the nearest police station if property has been damaged, or if there is a case of bodily injury, theft and major damages have occurred. If the damage is a major one, the accident should be preferably reported before the vehicle is removed from the spot so that the insurers can arrange for spot inspection of damage. Or if you are moving your vehicle from the spot due to some reason, you must take pictures from your phone of the damaged vehicle before doing so. If the damage is not major, then you should take your car to the nearest registered garage. Or you can call the helpline use towing services, if necessary. All damages and losses will be surveyed and assessed by the insurer’s surveyor before processing for claim. You would need to fill up the claims form and submit the documents mentioned in the form. The document list is mentioned for your reference:
In case of accidental damages:
-Proof of insurance - Policy / Covernote copy
-Copy of Registration Book, Tax Receipt [You would need to furnish original for verification]
-Copy of Motor Driving License [need to be furnished in original] of the person driving the vehicle at the material time
-Police Panchanama/FIR ( In case of third Party property damage /Death / Body Injury)
-Estimate for repairs from the repairer where the vehicle is to be repaired
-Repair Bills and payment receipts after the job is completed
In case of Theft cases
-Original Policy document
-Original Registration Book/Certificate and Tax Payment Receipt
-Previous insurance details - Policy No, insuring Office/Company, period of insurance
-All the sets of keys/Service Booklet/Warranty Card
-Police Panchanama/ FIR and Final Investigation Report
-Acknowledged copy of letter addressed to RTO intimating theft and making vehicle "NON-USE"
-Form 28, 29 and 30 signed by the insured and Form 35 signed by the Financer, as the case may be, undated and blank
-Letter of Subrogation
-Consent towards agreed claim settlement value from you and Financer
-NOC of the Financer if claim is to be settled in your favour
-Blank and undated "Vakalatnama"
Once you have submitted all the documents, your claim gets successfully registered. However, payment settlement is done according to the garage and services you chose to opt for. If you pay for the repair, the bills submitted helps you get a reimbursement post the surveyor’s report. If you opt for cashless services, the insurer pays directly to the garage. There are a few financial transactions involved from your end depending upon the policy type you have chosen. Your share may contain:
-Compulsory Deductible
-Voluntary excess Amount (if applied for discount while purchasing the policy)
-Your share of claim settlement amount (if the policy is a comprehensive policy without a zero depreciation add–on)
This list elaborates what steps will ensure a hassle free and easier claim settlement process for you at the time of an accident. Most importantly, you must go through your policy document carefully once you have received it to understand the facilities you are eligible for and the mandates that are to be followed once you meet with an accident or have to settle a claim.
— by Neeraj Gupta, Head of Motor Insurance, PolicyBazaar.com
