Taking your car on the road is a risk if you lack proper documentation or driving skills. One such document involves insurance cover. The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 says that all four-wheelers must have a third-party car insurance policy in India. Being a legal necessity, it’s important to carry insurance coverage to escape hefty fines. Additionally, insurance cover provides you with financial protection in case of a mishap or accidental damage.
You might have heard stories from people about now getting sufficient car accident claims or lower claim settlement compensation. But some of us, even after having an insurance policy, remain bereaved of these benefits. Know why? Apparently, because you make these 5 mistakes you should avoid while filing a car accident claim.
5 Mistakes You Should Avoid while Filing a Car Accident Claim
Unfortunately, your car got into an accident. Here is how you need to deal with the situation.
Inform the Cops
Most of us get frightened to involve the police in such accidental cases to escape legal fuss, but it’s an important step that should be taken right away. Whether it’s an accident or theft, if you want to raise an insurance claim, you have to inform the police. When you report a mishap to the police, they will file a First Information Report (FIR) to keep it all documented for later use. Furthermore, an FIR is always required by insurers to initiate the claim settlement process.
Don’t move the car away from the spot as it may fall into tampering with evidence conditions, and the claim will not be entertained.
Not Visiting a Doctor Right Away
Avoiding a doctor after an accident can cost considerable bucks and difficulty. You may not feel like seeing a doctor for minor bruises, but internal injuries need to be addressed immediately. Some injuries may pop up later, and the conditions will not be addressed by the lawsuit. If you don’t receive medical aid immediately, it will affect your claim. So, get examined by a medical professional right after a mishap and get reports to provide evidence of your injuries. You might fail to gather adequate shreds of evidence if you don’t see a doctor.
Don’t file a claim if
There are conditions for filing a claim
- If it’s minor damage- Apparently, if the repair cost is less than the deductibles, you won’t get the claim benefits, and it will be considered closed.
- If it’s slightly more than your deductible: Taking claim benefits in such a condition is probably not worth it. As you will lose the ‘No Claim Bonus’ discount that can be earned by not raising any claims during the policy period.
Using Someone else’s Policy Name
People who purchase pre-owned cars avoid or forget to transfer policies to their names. In such conditions, the policy will be nullified, and you will not be able to raise a claim for any contingency. Ask your insurer to transfer the insurance policy to the current owner within 2 weeks of buying the car. Get all the documentation completed within time.
Agreeing to an Early Offer from the Insurance Company
The insurance company may try to lure you by offering a final paycheque. Resist it until you find the amount satisfactory. After a car accident, the company will approach you to agree on a certain amount to avoid paying more and getting into a lawsuit. However, if you sign an early settlement, you may not get the money you need to cover expenses (medical expenses, damage or other costs).
Conclusion
The procedure to file a claim is simple. Collect all-powerful evidence, including pictures and official medical records, to support your claim. Contact the claiming team immediately to bring this to their notice for a car accident claim. They will analyze it all and prepare a report after their investigation. Your supporting documents will help the insurance company decide on the approval or rejection of your claim.
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