Motor Insurance Claim Process : A Step-By-Step Guide
Mini Balakrishnan
Accidents on the road aren’t just numbers—they’re real moments that catch us off guard. In India alone, over 4.5 lakh road accidents were reported in 2019, resulting in more than 1.5 lakh lives lost, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It’s a sobering reminder of how unpredictable the roads can be.
That’s why having motor insurance isn’t just a formality—it’s your safety net. But here’s the thing: just having a policy isn’t enough. When the unexpected happens, knowing exactly how to file a motor insurance claim can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the motor insurance claim process in India—step by step—so you know what to do when it matters most.
Types of Motor Insurance Claims
Not all insurance claims are the same. Depending on the nature of the incident, your claim could fall under one of two major categories. Let’s break them down so you know which one applies to you.
Own Damage (OD) Claim
If your car gets damaged in an accident, caught in a flood, vandalised, or affected by a fire, this is the type of claim you’ll be filing. An Own Damage (OD) claim covers losses to your vehicle. But remember—this is only available if you have a comprehensive insurance policy. If you’re covered under third-party insurance only, you won’t be eligible for this.
Here’s a quick look at how the OD claim process works:
- Inform your insurer as soon as the damage occurs
- A surveyor will be sent to assess the damage
- Get your vehicle repaired at a network garage for a cashless experience, or
go for reimbursement if using a non-network garage.
Third-Party (TP) Claim
This type of claim kicks in when your vehicle causes damage to someone else’s vehicle, property, or person, whether it’s a scratch on a parked car or a more serious injury to another person.
Third-party insurance is legally mandatory in India under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, so every vehicle owner is required to have it.
The TP claim process generally involves:
- Filing an FIR at the nearest police station
- The insurer verifies the incident
- The case is then taken up by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), which decides on the compensation amount.
Theft Claim
Having your vehicle stolen is a stressful experience, but your motor insurance can help ease the financial burden. A theft claim applies when your insured vehicle is stolen and cannot be recovered by the authorities.
The compensation you receive is based on the Insured Declared Value (IDV) of your vehicle—the amount your insurer agrees to pay if the car is declared a total loss.
Here’s how the theft claim process usually works:
- File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately
- After the investigation, obtain a Non-Traceable Certificate from the police confirming the vehicle couldn’t be found
- Submit all required claim documents to your insurer
- Once verified, the insurer processes and settles the claim as per the IDV.
Step-by-Step Motor Insurance Claim Process
Step 1: Inform Your Insurance Company
The first step in claiming motor insurance is to inform your insurance company about the accident or theft. You can do this by calling their customer care number or sending an email. Make sure to provide all the necessary details, including the policy number, the date and time of the accident, the location, and a brief description of the damages or losses.
Step 2: File an FIR
In case of theft or a major accident, it is important to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police station. The FIR is a legal document that records the incident and provides proof of the event. The insurance company will require a copy of the FIR to process your claim.
Step 3: Document the Damages
Take clear photographs of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area—these will act as important evidence when filing your claim. If other vehicles were involved in the accident, be sure to capture images of them as well.
Step 4: Get an Estimate
Get an estimate for the repairs from a garage that is authorized by your insurance company. This will help you understand the cost of repairs and the amount that will be covered by your insurance policy.
Step 5: Submit the Claim
Submit the claim form along with all the necessary documents, including the FIR, estimate for repairs, and photographs of the damage. You can either submit the documents online or at the nearest branch of the insurance company. The insurance company will verify the documents and process the claim.
Step 6 : Claim Approval & Final Settlement
Once you’ve submitted all the required documents and your insurer has assessed the damage, your claim will move into the approval stage. But keep in mind, approval isn’t always automatic.
Several factors can affect your claim approval, such as:
- Accuracy and completeness of the information provided
- Timely intimation of the claim
- Validity of your insurance policy
- Nature of the damage (e.g., whether it’s covered under the policy)
On average, claim processing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the speed at which documents are verified.
If your claim gets rejected, don’t panic. You have the right to appeal the decision. Start by:
- Asking your insurer for a detailed explanation
- Rechecking your documents and resubmitting any missing or incorrect details
- If needed, escalate the matter to the insurance ombudsman for further review
Step 7: Receive the Payment
Once the insurance company approves the claim, they will make the payment either directly to the garage or to your bank account, depending on the policy terms and conditions. The payment will cover the cost of repairs, minus the deductible or excess as per the policy.
Do’s & Don’ts While Registering a Car/Bike Insurance Claim:
When it comes to filing a motor insurance claim, following the right steps—and avoiding the wrong ones—can make all the difference. Here’s a quick look at the key dos and don’ts to keep in mind during the claim process:
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Inform your insurance provider about the accident or theft within 24 hours of the incident. | Don’t leave your vehicle unattended or unlocked, especially in a public space—any resulting theft or damage may not be covered. |
| Share all necessary details, including your policy number, vehicle number, date, time, and location of the incident. | Don’t drive your vehicle after the accident if it’s leaking oil or coolant—it can worsen the damage and void your claim. |
| Take your vehicle to a network garage or any nearby garage authorised by your insurer for inspection and repairs. | Don’t start repairs on your own without an official survey or approval from the insurance company. |
| Keep all important documents ready: driver’s license, RC copy, insurance policy, and claim form, as required by your insurer. | Don’t withhold or misrepresent facts—any false information can lead to claim rejection or policy cancellation. |
| If opting for a cashless garage, pay only the balance amount not covered by the insurer. For non-network garages, keep all bills and receipts for reimbursement. | Don’t delay submission of documents after repair or survey—most insurers have a time limit, and missing it could delay or deny your claim. |
Conclusion
Claiming motor insurance in India can be a hassle-free process if you follow the steps mentioned above. Ensure to inform your insurance company as soon as possible, file an FIR in case of theft or major accident, document the damages, get an estimate, and submit the claim along with all the necessary documents. By following these steps, you can ensure that your motor insurance claim is processed smoothly and efficiently, and you receive the best possible outcome.
