Car insurance protects you from incurring unexpected expenses for car repairs caused by road accidents. However, to benefit from its protection, you must file a claim with your insurance provider stating the details of the incident. A car insurance claim, whether third party or comprehensive, helps receive monetary compensation for the repair charges or injuries conveniently.
However, a common question that arises with car insurance claims is- “Is there a car insurance claim time limit”?
To answer this common query, here is a blog that explains everything surrounding claiming your car insurance, including the right time to file a claim after an accident, how to file a claim and tips to speed up the claim process.
What is the Ideal Time Limit to File an Accident Claim?
Car insurance claim time limit is usually between 48 to 72 hours after the incident.
Many car insurance providers clearly specify this time limit and it may vary from one insurance company to another.
There is no specified rule when it comes to the time limit for filing your claim. However, many scenarios require you to act immediately to avoid worsening the situation.
For example, in case of water ingression due to floods, letting the car be in the situation longer can worsen the damage, thus requiring immediate actions from you. In this case, it is best that you file a car insurance claim immediately.
Why is It Important to File Your Car Insurance Claim on Time?
It is crucial to be aware of the time to file a claim after the accident, as delayed claims are likely to result in rejections. To explain the importance of filling a claim on time, here is an example:
Suppose your car's door got severely dented while you were shopping at a grocery store. When you saw this damage, you took several pictures of the dent and even got a copy of the grocery store's surveillance tapes.
The tape shows another driver parking his car next to yours and slamming his door against yours, clearly causing the dent. Suppose the surveillance footage is time-stamped and can prove the time of the incident, making it easy for you to get the claim approved. For some reason, you decide not to file a complaint with your insurer immediately. However, several months later, the dent starts to bother you, and you contact your car insurance company and report the damage.
While this situation does not get progressively worse with time, it is still important to maintain a time limit for insurance claims. Your insurer may have an obligation to pay you for a covered loss. Still as a policyholder, you have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to help them confirm the claimed damages and get to the bottom of critical issues like fault for the car accident.
Due to the delay in filing your claim, your insurance provider might argue that you waited too long. Hence, the company's ability to assess the damage and identify the responsible driver is now compromised. As a result, they can try to deny your claim.
Tips to File a Successful Car Insurance Claim
File an FIR
In case you meet with a major accident, the first thing that you must do to ensure a successful car insurance claim is to file an FIR. It is one of the most commonly asked documents by insurance companies, especially in case of car theft or the involvement of a third party.
Keep Proof of the Accident
Keeping a record of what has happened is important while filing your claim. In the above-mentioned example, the photographs and video footage will act as proof of third-party damage to your car, which is valid to secure compensation from your insurance provider.
Additionally, keep a copy of FIR, receipts of repair work and any other documents with yourself to maintain a record.
Inform Your Insurer
Since most insurance companies have a time limitation for filing motor accident claims, the foremost thing to do is to inform your insurer about the accident. In case you are unable to file a claim, the information provided to your insurance company can help avoid a rejected claim. Thus, inform them about the incident in detail as soon as you can.
Prompt Claim Filing
To avoid missing the car accident injury claim time limit and increase the chances of claim approval, file a car insurance claim as promptly as you can. Using the evidence and the details of the incident, you can easily file a claim with your provider. This will help you secure compensation earlier to carry out the necessary repair work.
Fill up the Claim Forms Accurately
Any missing or incorrect information about your claim can lead to its rejection. Thus, while filing your claim, ensure that you are honest and provide all the information about the incident.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim with Reliance General Insurance?
You can register your car insurance claim with Reliance General Insurance in just four easy steps.
Here is a step-by-step guide on “how to file a car insurance claim” with Reliance General Insurance:
1. Register Your Claim
Register your claim online within 24 hours by making a video inspection via the Reliance Self-i App or call us at (022) 4890 3009. Alternatively, you can take your vehicle to our garage, where they can file a claim on your behalf via the Garage Portal.
2. Submit the Necessary Documents
We will then send a professional to inspect your vehicle’s damage and derive an estimate of the repair costs. Then, submit the necessary documents, such as your Driving Licence (DL), Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), and Car Insurance Policy Copy, to the surveyor. You will also need to submit a copy of the FIR for road accidents or any third-party involvement.
3.Claim Approval
Once the inspection is done and all the documents are submitted, you only need to wait for claim approval. You can track the progress of your claim using the Reliance Self-i App or through our website.
4.Claim Settlement
Once your claim is approved, you will either receive a cashless settlement by taking your car to any one of our network garages or opt for reimbursement, depending on your claim. If you choose reimbursement, you can get the car repaired at any garage of your choice and receive compensation.
Conclusion
It is crucial to be aware of your car accident injury claim time limit for successful insurance claims and receiving compensations on time. While the ideal time limit to file a claim may vary among insurance providers, it typically ranges between 24 hours to 72 hours.
To maximise your chances of a successful claim, remember to file an FIR, keep proof of the incident, inform your insurer promptly and fill out claim forms accurately. With Reliance General Insurance’
car insurance, the claim process is very straightforward and can be completed in just four steps.
Along with a swift claim process you can also benefit from our other services like cashless repairs, wide range of add-on covers, high claim-settlement ratio and comprehensive coverage options.
Whether it is comprehensive, standalone own-damage or
third-party car insurance, a car insurance policy from Reliance General Insurance offers reliable protection and seamless claim settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the car insurance claim time limit?
Yes, some insurers may provide exceptions in case of hospitalisation or incapacitation due to the accident. In such a case, it is still crucial to communicate with your insurer about the accident.
What information is required for me to give to the insurer?
You will be required to answer questions, such as your policy number, contact number, name, accident details, damage to the car, passengers or third party, etc.
What is the difference between cashless and reimbursement claims?
While filling out a car insurance claim, you can select any type of claim, cashless or reimbursement. With cashless claims, you can get your car repairs done from any of our network garages and not worry about paying for the repair yourself. We will settle it until it is within the sum insured.
On the other hand, with reimbursement claims, you can carry out repair work from any other garage, later submit the bills, receipts and other documents with us and receive reimbursement for the expenses. The reimbursement will also be within your policy terms.