AUTO INSURANCE IS A SURE WAY OF SAFEGUARDING YOUR ASSET. HERE ARE SOME POINTERS TO SMOOTHEN YOUR INSURANCE FILING PROCESS
You did it. After a lot of blood, sweat and tears your dream car occupies a pride of place in your porch. But hang on - have you missed something? Well yes, post putting in so much time, effort and resources into buying a car, shouldn't protecting it be the top-most priority?
Auto insurance is a step in this direction as it safeguards your car against unforeseen circumstances. With insurance being a mandate for all motor vehicles in India, a car insurance policy is a must whether you own a used-car or a new one. It saves money in the long run, which otherwise would be spent out of your pocket.
Here are some tips to smoothen the process of claiming auto insurance:
Dos while filing a car insurance claim:
Primarily, post an accident, call the police. Not only is this legally correct but the first information report (FIR) is a mandatory document to support your insurance claim.
The next authority to be informed is your insurance company or broker. Albeit most insurance companies have a 48-hour window from the time the accident occurred to be notified.
Gory but required, click photographs of the accident scene which showcases the damage to your car, your injuries, other party, the accident etc. Photographic evidence is one great way of capturing the incident in all its vivid details for revisiting in the future.
Jot down the names and numbers of any witnesses who are willing to help prove your insurance claim. Record the insurance details of the other parties involved in the report as well.
It's advisable to reread your insurance policy document and try to understand clearly what is covered and what is excluded from the insurance. In case of any clarifications, call the company helpline or visit the website.
Be upright and timely in your dealings with the insurance company. Always remember that failing to disclose the truth can work against you, as it may invalidate your policy or may even cause your claim to be rejected.
It is prudent to keep detailed notes of all conversations with the insurance company representatives along with the names and designations of the people you speak with for future reference.
File all the receipts (such as of meals, lodging, and purchases made) right from the time of the accident until the final settlement - pertaining to your claim or injuries. Consult your lawyer who will protect your rights and ensure that no valuable evidences are destroyed.
Always keep your driving license and an insurance policy copy in the car.
Don'ts while filing a car insurance claim:
Do not abscond from the scene of the accident despite if at fault. Don't move your car or the others' from the scene. Check if medical assistance is required and arrange for it.
Do not shun informing the police. Frequently, the other parties involved try to arrange a settlement with you without informing the police. Avoid agreeing to this illegal turn of events and remember that a FIR will help in filing your insurance claim - so never skip this crucial step.
Do not lose control under any circumstances. Although it's natural to either become aggressive or submissive and accept the blame and legal liability of the accident, do neither. Courteously enquire about the well-being of the opposite party and then dial 100.
To ensure that your insurance claim is honoured, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other consumables, resort to illegal driving, or deploy a passenger car for commercial use.
Do not discount post-accident formalities or the time limits within which to file them. Gather all the necessary documents from all quarters and file a credible car accident claim as swiftly and appropriately as possible.
Do not give anything in writing to the insurance company before you have had a chance to review your policy. Do not sign any releases until you obtain legal advice or believe that the first estimated value provided by the company is the ultimate.
Do not accept any cheque that says 'final payment' unless you are ready to do so.
Filing an auto insurance claim is a cakewalk so long as one adheres to the law, keeps his/her wits around him/her, is upfront, prompt with paperwork, meticulous with accumulating evidence, and keeps the insurance firm in the loop. Remember, your insurance firm is as keen as you to compensate you for your losses
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