How To Deal With A Claims Inspection
In India, the claims inspection is the most critical part of getting your car fixed and your costs covered. If this step goes wrong, your claim could be rejected, leaving you to pay the bill.
Where Is The Claims Inspection Done?
Each insurance provider has a specific process on carrying out claims' inspection. Some insurers will appoint mobile adjusters to take a look at the vehicle, either at your residence or at the accident scene.
The inspector would then perform an elaborate evaluation of the damage with photographic evidence and statements recorded from the parties involved in the mishap. Other insurance companies prefer to inspect the car at a specified location, such as an approved body shop, where you would have to bring the vehicle.
Some insurers also agree to have the assessment done at the service centre of your choice. Whatever method is adopted by the insurer, the purpose of each inspection would be the same, i.e., to estimate the cost of repair of the vehicle.
Inspection Process
- Appointment: Once you file the claim, the insurer will assign a surveyor. They will usually contact you within 24 hours to agree on a time and place to inspect the car. This usually happens at the garage where you have dropped the car.
- Physical Inspection: The surveyor will visit the garage. They will check the chassis number and engine number to confirm it is the insured vehicle. They will then inspect every dent and scratch.
Explain exactly how the accident happened. If you lie and the damage doesn't match your story, they will reject the claim.
If your car had old dents before this accident, admit it. Do not try to claim for old damage, surveyors can easily tell the difference between fresh and old rust or scratches.
- Document Submission: The relevant documents must be submitted.
- Approval and Work Order: Once the surveyor is satisfied, an approval will be given to the garage to start repairs.
Documents Required
The documents that must be provided when filing a claim are mentioned below:
- Claim Form: Filled and signed.
- Car Insurance Policy: A copy of your current policy document.
- Registration Certificate (RC): The RC book/smart card of the car.
- Driving Licence (DL): The licence of the person who was driving at the time of the accident.
- FIR Copy
- PUC Certificate: Valid Pollution Under Control certificate.
- KYC Documents: PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of the policyholder.
- Cancelled Cheque: Required if you are claiming reimbursement rather than cashless.
Common Reasons for Claim Rejection
Some of the main reasons why a claim may be rejected are mentioned below:
- Invalid Driving Licence: If the driver had an expired or invalid licence, the claim is instantly rejected.
- Drunk Driving: If the driver was under the influence of alcohol, the claim will be denied.
- Delay in Reporting: Informing the insurer weeks after the accident raises suspicion.
- Commercial Use: Using a private car for commercial purposes without the right insurance covers.
- Consequential Loss: Driving the car after the accident and causing damage to the engine.
It is to be noted that you are eligible for a fair deal on the repair cost, as per the contract that you have signed with the insurer. However, you are required to furnish all information regarding the mishap in an honest manner. You should also read your policy documents carefully to be informed about the coverage details.
GST Update: GST of 18% is applicable on car insurance effective from the 1st of July, 2017
FAQs on How To Deal With A Claims Inspection
- Can I repair my car before the surveyor arrives?
No, do not repair the car before the inspection. If you fix the damage your claim will be rejected.
- How much time does the surveyor take to visit?
Typically, a surveyor is appointed within 24 hours of you reporting the claim.
- Can the surveyor reject my claim for old scratches?
The surveyor will not reject the entire claim because of old scratches, but they will not pay to fix those old scratches.
- Do I need to be physically present during the inspection?
It is recommended to be present so you can explain the damage and answer questions.
- Will my No Claim Bonus (NCB) be affected in case of a claim?
Yes, if you make a claim, your NCB will usually reset to zero upon renewal.
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