How to fill a car insurance claim form: Important watch outs to know
Meeting with an accident involves a lot of mental agony, but a lot of the ordeal starts only after that. The damaged vehicle has to be towed to the garage and the communication between the owner and the insurance company begins.You will have to start the claim settlement process as soon as possible. Although a delay will not result in a refusal of claims, it will take that much longer to get the claim settled. Experts suggest to submitting the documents within 7-10 days, for a smooth claims process.
It is important to consider a few things when it comes to filling the motor insurance claim form.
Visit to the garage
It is advisable to call your insurer first and then take your car to the nearest network garage for settlement. The form is available with the authorised dealer or the garage or you can download it from the insurance company's website. Get document proof from the garage that you have sent the car for repair along with the fair estimate of the expenses to gauge that the amount will be covered in your insurance policy.Filing up the claim form
Mention all details related to your car damage. Also, mention the details of the bills incurred to repair the car. There could be medical bills also. If your claim includes medical expenses from injuries from the accident, you may be asked to sign a waiver to grant permission to your car insurance company to access your medical records.Watch-outs before signing final settlement
The actual claim amount that you are expecting may be different from what the insurer agrees to pay. Make sure that the final amount is as per the policy benefits which you have paid for. Few insurers deduct salvage cost, which you should avoid. Also, insurers apply their standard rates of repair, and not the actual garage cost, thus increasing your share of loss. Do make sure to ask the insurance company's representative to explain every line item of the claim sheet. Keep a record of it with you for future reference.Connect with Experts - Wealth creation made easy
This story originally appeared on: India Times - Author:Faqs of Insurances
