How to Claim Car Insurance For Own Damage

If you have a standalone own damage car insurance or a comprehensive car insurance plan, you should know how to claim car insurance for own damage. Own damage involves damages caused to your car and its coverage also extends to total vehicular theft.

In this blog, we will look at the steps to claim own damage coverage with your car insurance.

What is an Own Damage Car Insurance Claim?

It is a process in which you seek financial compensation from your insurance company for the loss or damage incurred by your insured car. This financial coverage generally falls under standalone own damage or comprehensive car insurance.

Own damage cover offers the following coverage:

Accidental Damage: Covers repair costs for damages due to accidents.
Fire and Explosion: Covers losses from fire, explosions and self-ignition.
Natural Calamities: Protection against damages from floods, earthquakes, storms and other natural disasters.
Man-Made Calamities: Coverage for damages from riots, strikes, vandalism and terrorist activities.
Theft: Compensation for loss if the car is stolen.
In-Transit Damage: Covers damages during transit by road, rail, air or water.

How to Claim Own Damage Insurance - Steps to Follow

Reliance General Insurance offers a straightforward and quick process for own damage car insurance claims.

There are two separate ways of claiming financial compensation, which include financial reimbursement and cashless settlement. The following steps for the car insurance claim process will help you successfully file a claim for compensation:

Let the Insurance Company Know

You have to inform us as soon as you can, and it has to be within seven days from the date of the incident or accident. You can inform us through a phone call, SMS, email, or online registration. You should possess the Police copy at the time of filing your claim.

Vehicle Inspection is Necessary

After the claim is registered, a Claim Surveyor will visit you to inspect the vehicle so that it can be established that your claim is authentic. The Surveyor will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to verify the amount of damage you have claimed.

Keep Your Documents Ready

You must be ready with the necessary documents to provide to the Surveyor when asked. These documents generally include –

An FIR copy (for accidents involving a third party)
A copy of your Registration Book
A copy of your policy certificate
Driver’s licence
Other documents required by us

Make Necessary Payments (For Reimbursement Claims)

You can visit a motor garage of your choice and pay the bills for the repair work. Once the bills are paid, you must submit the repair bills and receipts to us for reimbursement.

Visit a Network Garage (For Cashless Claims)

Alternatively, you can visit any of our authorised garages for your vehicle repair. Our network covers 10,000+ garages across India for cashless repairs.

Also Read: How to File a Car Insurance Claim

Documents You Need to File a Car Insurance Claim for Self Damage

For Own Damage Claims Due to Accidents

A copy of the insurance policy as proof of insurance
The policyholder’s name (in case the individual raising the claim is not the policyholder).
Details of the event – Time and date of the accident; Extent and location of loss.
Repair bills/receipts and Garage contact details (for reimbursement claims)
A copy of the tax receipt and Registration Book (the original documents will be required for verification).
Original driving licence along with a copy of the same of the individual who was driving the insured vehicle when the accident took place.
FIR or Police Panchnama (in case the accident results in third-party physical injury or death or property damage).

For Own Damage Claims Due to Theft

Policy document in original form.
Tax payment receipt and original Registration Book containing Theft Endorsement by the concerned RTO.
Previous insurance-related documents, including insurance company details, policy number and insurance period.
Acknowledged copy of a letter that has been addressed to the RTO, intimating about the theft and requesting the vehicle be declared “NON-USE”.
Warranty Card, all sets of keys and service booklet.
JMFC Report, or FIR and final investigation report or Police Panchnama.

How Do I File An Own Damage Car Insurance Claim For Hit And Run Cases?

Apart from these situations, you may also encounter Hit and Run on your parked car. Victims of hit and run accidents can claim compensation under the “Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2022”.

The maximum amount of compensation you can receive is as follows –

₹2 lakhs for death
₹50,000 for grievous hurt

Having Reliance General Insurance’s Own Damage car insurance in a situation like this can also prove financially beneficial.

Useful Links:

General Insurance Council’s Hit and Run Claims Procedure

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Claims Process

Contact insurer Immediately - The first step to ensure that your claim process runs smoothly is to inform your insurer immediately after the incident has occurred. This way, the process becomes faster, and you will receive compensation sooner.

No Missing Documents - Missing documents can lead to your claim being rejected. If you want to avoid such a situation, you have to keep all the documents related to your claim ready before filing your claim.
Seek Assistance - For those of you who are raising a claim for compensation the first time, you can always reach out to the insurance company to know exactly how to proceed with the process.

Conclusion

Today, making a claim for Own Damage car insurance is very simple and quick, provided you have the required paperwork and are prompt in informing your insurer. However, whether or not you receive compensation depends on the policy terms and conditions, so read the policy wording carefully before you decide to invest in this car insurance policy.

At Reliance General Insurance, the claim process takes place online via smartphone in just 5 minutes. Additionally, our car insurance policies provide you with the extensive financial coverage that you need for your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to initiate a claim for Own Damage Insurance?

You can initiate a claim by informing your insurer as soon as the incident occurs. Get in touch with their customer support or helpline number to provide details related to the incident. You will then be guided with what to do next.

Is it necessary to file an FIR for all Own Damage claims?

Generally, filing an FIR is required in case of theft or accident in which a third party is involved. However, you must check with the local authorities and your insurance company to find out if an FIR is required in your particular situation.