Having third-party car insurance is mandatory in the country. However, buying an own-damage car insurance policy ensures maximum financial support for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
But how to claim car insurance for own-damage? Find the necessary information in this detailed guide.
What is an Own Damage Insurance Claim?
An own-damage car insurance claim allows you to file a claim against the damages incurred by your vehicle due to an accident. You can file an own-damage insurance claim only if you have a valid own-damage car insurance policy.
Once you file an own-damage insurance claim, your car repair expenses are covered by the insurance sum insured amount to the maximum limit as per the policy terms and conditions.
The inclusions covered under an own-damage car insurance policy include a wide range of mishaps such as natural disasters, vandalism, accidents, theft, etc.
How To Claim Car Insurance for Own Damages
Reliance General offers standalone
own-damage car insurance plans with a 100% claim settlement ratio and a streamlined claim process.
Here is how you can claim own-damage insurance with Reliance General:
List of Documents Necessary for Own-Damage Car Insurance Claim
A duly filled and signed claim form
Own-damage car insurance policy document
Driving licence
First Information Report (FIR) in case of accidents, vandalism and theft.
Car registration certificate
Evidence of the damage (photographs and videos)
No Trace Certificate (in case of theft)
Estimate of repair costs
Note: The list of documents required will vary depending on the nature of accidents and damage. Get in touch with us for more details.
How To Claim Own Damage Insurance? - Step-by-Step Process
Notify Insurer
The first step is to notify Reliance General regarding the accident. This is a mandatory step to file an own-damage car insurance claim.
Here is how you can notify your own-damage insurance claim with us:
On our website, go to ‘Claims’ → ‘Motor Insurance Claims’.
You can also call us at 022 48903009, where a 24x7 speechbot will guide you.
Download our Reliance Self-i App to intimate claims quickly, get on Live Calls with claim experts and track live claim status.
You must also update us about whether you are filing a cashless claim or a reimbursement claim.
Collect and Submit Evidence
The next step is to collect all the videos and photographic evidence of the accident/incident that left your car with the incurred damages.
In addition, you must file an FIR for vandalism, accident or theft, as it is mandatory for an own-damage insurance claim.
Cooperate with the Surveyor Investigation
Depending on which claim you choose between cashless and reimbursement, you will need to take the car to either a network garage or a garage of your choice.
After your own-damage insurance claim is registered, an authorised surveyor evaluates your car for the incurred damage and creates a detailed report to share with us.
Based on the surveyor report, Reliance General will approve the repair amount applicable to you as per policy terms.
Claim Settlement - Cashless or Reimbursement
Based on the choice of claim settlement you have registered, either of the following takes place
Reimbursement Claim - For a reimbursement claim, you can visit any garage of your choice and get the repair work done as required.
Once done, you need to submit all the invoices, repair bills and receipts, and other documents related to the claim to us to receive the applicable reimbursement as per policy.
Cashless Claim - To make a cashless claim, you must take your car to one of our
authorised network garages to have the repair work completed.
Once the repair work is done, Reliance General Insurance pays the due bill payment directly to the network garage as per the approved sum insured based on the surveyor reports.
Tips for Effective Own Damage Insurance Claim
Be quick about informing the insurer as soon as the incident takes place so that the claim process can begin as quickly as possible.
Be very transparent with your insurer regarding the incident, damage incurred and other necessary details. Accurate information will help with faster claim approvals and settlements.
Click all possible pictures and videos of the damage incurred from different angles to support your claim request with the necessary evidence.
Study your policy terms, conditions, clauses, inclusions and exclusions thoroughly before you file a claim so you are well informed about the financial support available.
Maintain proper records of your communication with the insurer for future reference in case of unfair claim settlements or other discrepancies.
Conclusion
In India, third-party car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles, but as its coverage is limited to third-party liabilities, investing in own damage or
comprehensive car insurance policy is highly recommended to protect your vehicle and finances in times of need.
Car damages can be overwhelming, especially without a valid car insurance policy available to protect your vehicle from the financial burden of repairs.
Reliance General Insurance offers a range of car insurance policies, each catering to a specific driver's needs. From third-party car insurance and own-damage car insurance to comprehensive insurance and long-term car insurance, we have something for everyone.
Moreover, for cashless convenience, we have over 10,000+ network garages all around India to ensure a hassle-free and stress-free claim settlement process for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some exclusions in an own-damage car insurance plan?
The standard exclusions in an own-damage car insurance policy include general car wear and tear, third-party liabilities, driving without a licence, war and nuclear risks, negligent driving, driving under the influence, electrical and mechanical breakdown, or driving private vehicles for commercial purposes.
Can you list add-ons for own-damage policy?
Some of the standard add-ons available with most car own damage insurance policies include Nil Depreciation cover, consumables cover, engine protection cover, No Claim Bonus cover, key protection cover, EMI cover, and daily allowance cover.
What are some advantages of own damage car insurance?
The key benefits of an own-damage car insurance plan include the following
Extensive coverage for maximum car protection
A range of add-ons to increase base policy coverage
Financial safety net during unforeseen circumstances
Higher peace of mind
