An accident is stressful enough without a confusing claims process on top of it. The good news is that motor insurance claims in India follow a clear, predictable path. If you know the steps and avoid a few common mistakes, most claims are settled smoothly. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, from the moment of the accident to receiving your payout.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Inform Your Insurer Immediately
First, move to safety and check for injuries. Then inform your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Most insurers have a 24x7 toll-free number and an app or website for intimation. Delaying the intimation is one of the top reasons claims get questioned or rejected.
Step 2: Document the Scene
- Take clear photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicle involved.
- Photograph the accident location, road conditions, and number plates.
- Note down the other party's details and, if possible, witness contact numbers.
- Do not move the vehicle unnecessarily before documenting, unless it is blocking traffic or unsafe.
Step 3: File an FIR When Required
An FIR (First Information Report) at the nearest police station is required for third-party injury or death, theft of the vehicle, and major accidents. For minor own-damage dents and scratches, an FIR is usually not needed, but always confirm with your insurer. For any theft claim, an FIR is mandatory.
Step 4: Choose Cashless or Reimbursement
- Cashless claim: take the vehicle to a network garage of your insurer. The insurer settles the repair bill directly with the garage. You only pay the deductible and any non-covered items. This is the easier, faster option.
- Reimbursement claim: take the vehicle to any garage of your choice, pay the bill yourself, then submit the invoice and documents to the insurer to get reimbursed. Use this when no network garage is nearby.
Step 5: Submit Documents and Get the Survey Done
The insurer appoints a surveyor to inspect the damage and assess the claim amount. Keep these documents ready to avoid delays:
- Filled and signed claim form
- Copy of the policy document
- Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
- Valid driving licence of the person driving at the time
- FIR copy (where applicable)
- Repair estimate and final invoice from the garage
- Photos of the damage
Mistakes That Get Claims Rejected
- Driving with an expired policy at the time of the accident.
- The driver did not hold a valid licence for that vehicle class.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Using a private vehicle for commercial purposes (or vice versa) without the right policy.
- Delaying intimation to the insurer by several days.
- Repairing the vehicle before the surveyor inspects it.
A lapsed policy is the most common and most avoidable reason for rejection. Checking your insurance status regularly and renewing on time is the single best way to make sure you are protected when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a motor insurance claim take to settle?
A straightforward cashless claim at a network garage is often approved within a few days, with repairs starting almost immediately. Reimbursement claims take longer, typically 7 to 15 working days after you submit all documents, because the insurer verifies the invoice and survey report before releasing the payout.
What is the difference between cashless and reimbursement claims?
In a cashless claim, you use a network garage and the insurer pays the repair bill directly, so you only pay the deductible. In a reimbursement claim, you use any garage, pay the bill yourself, and then claim the amount back from the insurer with the invoice and documents. Cashless is faster and more convenient when a network garage is available.
Do I always need an FIR to claim motor insurance?
No. An FIR is required for third-party injury or death, vehicle theft, and major accidents. For minor own-damage like dents and scratches, an FIR is usually not needed, but you should confirm with your insurer before proceeding.
Will my insurance claim affect my No Claim Bonus?
Yes. Making an own-damage claim usually resets your No Claim Bonus to zero at the next renewal. For very small repairs, it is sometimes cheaper to pay out of pocket and preserve your NCB, which can be worth up to a 50 percent discount. A zero-depreciation or NCB-protection add-on can help in some cases.
Can I claim insurance if my policy expired before the accident?
No. If the policy was not active at the time of the accident, the claim will be rejected and you become personally liable for all costs. This is why checking your insurance status and renewing before expiry is so important. You can check your status free on ChallanSetu.
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