Things To Know About Car Insurance Claim Inspection

The mere thought of filing an insurance claim after an accident is overwhelming. Isn't it? You have just been through a very stressful event; now you have to go through all of this brain freeze with the filing- not precisely listed among the more pleasant tasks. Right?

Now, don't you worry! Let us take in a deep breath, and break it down to what's involved here.

Say you have just had a minor accident, and there were some dents on the car that you want to fix. You think you should probably file a claim to help recover your losses. But did you know that your insurance company's approval for your claim requires you to partake in an inspection procedure?

But what does an inspection procedure look like? Do not worry; you are not alone. Many of you may find this aspect of the insurance process incredibly confusing and overwhelming.

We'll take you through everything that you need to know about inspections in the context of car insurance claims. We will discuss at length what a claim is, what the differences are between cashless and reimbursement manners of making claims, how an inspection works, and whatever it is that you have to do in order to ensure that your claim gets approved. In the end, you shall feel so confident, empowered, and very well prepared to take up your insurance claim like a real pro.
 

What Is A Car Insurance Claim?

An insurance claim is something everyone who has an insurance policy must know. In simple words, it is a formal request one makes to an insurer to take care of the losses incurred, as mentioned in the terms of your policy.

For instance, Radha has insured her car at an IDV of Rs 5 lakhs. One rainy evening, she was driving home when she struck a post by mistake and severely dented the car's bonnet.  In this case, she can just approach her insurance company to file a claim for the loss. This means the insurer would cover the repair costs for the damaged part, as per the policy.

You can generally file a claim in two ways after an accident:
 

Cashless Claims

The term cashless claim, as it suggests, is the type of claim wherein you don't have to make any upfront payment. The claim amount is directly settled by the insurer with the garage where your car is getting repaired. Well, it’s quite a hassle-free process.

However, one must remember that a claim on a cashless basis will be approved only if you get the repair work done at any of the garages empanelled in your insurer's network. Now, when you opt for this network garage, the whole process of your claim gets very smooth because you won't have to pay for the repairs from out of pocket. Having said that, you will still be liable for any necessary consumables or deductibles as specified by your policy.
 

Reimbursement Claims

Reimbursement claims work a bit differently. With this type, you pay for the repairs at the workshop or garage upfront. You can then avail the amount on the bill from your insurer upon submission of all required documents. Once the insurer approves your claim, they will credit the claim amount just directly to your bank account. You use this option when you get repairs done at garages that aren't part of your insurer's network.

Now, if you are going for a cashless claim, here are the steps that will help you get everything rolled out smoothly:
 

• Reach Out To Your Insurer
  If your car has been in an accident, you will need to contact your insurance company immediately. Inform them about the accident with detailed information concerning the losses and damages caused. Be sure to give the name and address of the garage where you intend to take your car for repair.
   
• Take Your Vehicle To Network Garage
  If you wish to have a cashless claim, then you have to take your vehicle to the network garage accredited by your insurer.
   
• FIR Copy
  Furthermore, the insurance company may require a copy of the FIR in case some third party happens to be involved or, sadly, there has been an accidental death. This helps them process your claim accurately and efficiently.
   
• Surveyor Inspection
  Once all the information is in place, the insurance company shall assign a surveyor to come to the garage and assess the condition of the car. This part now becomes really important, as the surveyor will have to give a green light for the work to proceed. If the surveyor is satisfied with what he sees, the garage can set things in order for your car.
   
• Document Submission
  The surveyor will also need a few documents from you so he can pass them on to the insurer and get everything in place for the claim process.
   
• Documents to be signed by you:
• • Claim form
  • Satisfaction Voucher (written consent obtained from you before releasing the claim payment to confirm your approval of the vehicle repairs).
  • Discharge Voucher (The discharge voucher is taken at the time of claim settlement. The form states the amount that will be payable to the customer, and you have to acknowledge the amount by signing it).

Documents to be shared by you:

• • RC copy
  • Drivers licence
  • ID proof
     
• Verification
  Once the repair work is done, the garage will send the repair bill and invoice directly to the insurance company. The insurance company will then review and verify all the documents. During this process, they will deduct any compulsory deductibles and consumable charges from the final bill amount.
   
• Claim Settlement
  After everything checks out, the insurance company will pay the approved amount directly to the garage. However, you will still need to cover the compulsory deductible and any consumable charges yourself, paying these amounts directly to the garage.
  
  If you wish to make a reimbursement claim, here’s a list of steps you need to follow:
   
• Inform Your Insurer
  In case your car has been involved in an accident, the very first step is to call up your insurance company right away.
   
• Submit The Relevant Documents
  You'll need to submit a number of documents, which include -
• • A properly filled-up claim form
  • An estimate from the body shop where this job of repair is to be done and
  • An FIR copy if there was the involvement of any third party or, unfortunately, a death in the accident.

Keep in mind that different documents may be required, depending on the insurer.

• Surveyor Inspection
  The insurance company will send out a specialised surveyor who will come out to the garage and look over your car. Once he gives the green light, then the garage can commence with whatever repairs are necessary.
   
• Payment Upfront
  After all repair work is over, you will have to pay the total amount to the garage.
   
• Claim Settlement
  Afterwards, you can submit this list of Documents -
• • Duly signed and filled out claim form
  • Repair work estimate, which is signed and stamped by the garage.
  • A copy of your insurance policy
  • Tax payment receipt
  • Original repair invoice and payment receipt that is duly signed and stamped by the garage
  • Your original driving license, as well as a verified photocopy are to be given to the surveyor.
  • A cancelled cheque/passbook
  • Aadhar Card
  • A Pollution Under Control Certificate copy
  • Claims discharge and satisfaction vouchers that are duly signed across a revenue stamp
  • The vehicle inspection address details, in case you have not taken the vehicle to the nearest garage.
  • Your original RC and a verified photocopy are to be given to the surveyor
  • PAN Card

Once all your documents are verified, the insurance company will transfer the approved claim amount directly to your bank account.

Curious to know what typically happens during a car insurance inspection? Keep reading to find out!
 

What Is A Car Insurance Inspection?

In both claim processes outlined above, you might have noticed the involvement of a surveyor to inspect your vehicle. This is a very vital and important step since it allows the insurance company to independently assess the extent and genuineness of damage to which you are claiming. It helps ensure that damages are real and were sustained due to sudden, unexpected events, just as indicated in your claim.

The pre-claim car insurance inspection refers to the examination conducted when you raise a claim for your insured vehicle, especially in cases of serious damages or losses. For instance, if your car's bonnet is damaged badly, then a surveyor or an inspector is allotted to examine the damage and check on the claim. This inspection is done in such a fashion that the claim is settled accurately and on terms and conditions as per the policy.
 

Inspection Process:

In cases of more significant damages to your car, the insurer normally designates a surveyor or an inspector who examines the situation and ensures that the claim procedure is processed according to the terms of the policy. Such inspections become very important in correctly determining the extent of damage and thereby proceeding with a justified settlement process.

Depending on the damage severity, it is upon the insurer to decide whether an inspection is necessary. Sometimes, this process might not be required for minor damages.

So, here is how a typical pre-claim car insurance inspection is done:

• Firstly, the inspector thoroughly examines the damages to your car to understand their extent and authenticity. They take detailed pictures and videos as visual evidence of the damage.
• Once the inspection is complete, the inspector notifies the insurer about their assessment.
• This step is crucial for the insurer to proceed with processing your claim further.

Based on the inspector’s findings and assessment, the insurer then settles the claim according to the terms and conditions outlined in your policy.
 

Things To Know About Car Insurance Claim Inspection

Below is a list of things you need to keep an eye on when it comes to car insurance claim inspection -

• Vehicle Inspection Is A Must In The Case Of A Claim
  You need to be aware that when you file a claim on your car insurance, the insurance company will assign one assessor who shall assess the extent of loss or damage related to your vehicle.
   
• Keep Proof Like Pictures And Videos Handy
  In case of an accident, check first whether anyone's life or property has been damaged. Sometimes, you may be required to undergo a self-inspection. This means you'll need to take and share pictures and videos of the incident with the assessor or insurer. Be sure to capture any damage, dents, and other details from every angle. You may be required to provide these pictures to the inspector while completing the car insurance claim form. The inspector will also take their own pictures of your vehicle and the incident site to get a complete understanding of the incident.
   
• Answer Every Question Honestly During the Inspection Procedure
  Now, after you've contacted the insurance company and reported the accident along with the extent of damage, they will record your claim and send an expert to begin the car insurance inspection. In the process of inspecting the online claim form, they will question you ceaselessly regarding the accident - how it happened, the extent of damage, whether there were any injuries, etc. Try to answer honestly; do not hide any facts. The inspector may also request photos and videos of the car and the damage it suffered.
   
• Car Insurance Surveyor’s Decision Is Final
  On the basis of a test report provided related to your car insurance from the adjuster, the insurer will decide whether your claim stands valid or not. If your claim is justified, it will be approved, and the insurance company will cover the repairs at a network garage. If you get the repair done at a non-network repair shop, the insurer will reimburse the repair costs to your approved bank account.
   

When Can A Car Insurance Claim Be Denied?

Here are some common instances where your car insurance online claim may be denied -

• Negligence In The Accident Report
  If the assessor determines that the accident resulted from your negligence, your claim may be denied.
   
• No Evidence Or Suspected Fraud
  Claims may be rejected if there is insufficient evidence of an accident or if fraudulent activity is suspected during the purchase or claim process.
   
• Not Following Claims Procedure
  Failure to follow the correct claims procedure or requesting coverage for excluded expenses can lead to claim rejection.
   
• Missing Or Wrong Documents
  Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents along with your claim application can result in denial.
   
• Delaying Claim Filing
  Any delay in filing your claim can also lead to rejection, emphasising the importance of prompt claim submission.
   
• Having An Expired Insurance Policy
  Claims made when your insurance policy has expired will be rejected. Ensure timely renewal to maintain coverage.
   

Let’s Wrap It Up!

The car insurance claim inspection procedure is overwhelming to most people, much more so after some stressful event such as an accident. However, knowing the nuances between cashless and reimbursement claims, detailed documentation, and the role of an insurance inspector can considerably simplify things. By staying honest, proactive, and thorough in your approach, you can maximise the chances of a smooth claim approval. This, therefore, is a comprehensive guide that should put any individual in a very good position to confidently manage a car insurance claim, turning the potentially huge task into a manageable one.