As car owners, it is our responsibility to follow the rules and regulations when on the road. Driving in the proper lane, not over-speeding or overtaking other vehicles are just some of the basic rules that you as a driver can follow.
However, there are a few instances when a mishap is caused due to a wrong judgement on your part or due to other external factors. Having car insurance in such situations can be helpful, especially when compensation is involved. In the event that your car is involved in a mishap, given below are steps that you should follow after the accident
- Ensure everyone’s safety
If your car is struck by another car or vice versa, first and foremost make sure that you and your co-passengers, if any, are fine. If there are any injuries, call for medical help immediately. Similarly, check if the passengers in the other car are fine and not injured. If required, call for medical assistance for the passengers of the other vehicle.*
- Be present on the spot
In most accidents, the person who has caused the accident tends to run away from the spot to avoid being caught and from having to pay for the damages. This could lead to legal problems and punishment later. If your car is the one that caused the accident, do not try to escape from the spot. As mentioned earlier, provide medical help, or offer to drop the third-party driver or passenger to the nearest medical facility. Also, maintain your composure and do not engage in any kind of altercation or physical violence with anyone. *
- Inform your insurer
After the accident, it is important that you inform your insurer about the accident. You will be required to provide the necessary details about your insurance. You will also need to give information about the damages caused to your car, and those caused to the third-party vehicle as well, if any. This will initiate the process of insurance claim against your insurance. *
- Register an FIR
It is important that you register an FIR regarding the accident that has taken place. If the third-party car has been damaged, either you can file an FIR with the assistance of the third-party or they can file one themselves. This will help in avoiding any unnecessary legal complications and keeps the authorities informed about the claim process. *
- Collect evidence
It is imperative for you to gather evidence related to the accident caused. This will be required by your insurer in assessing the scale of the damage and the claim amount they will have to pay. Click photos of the damage caused to your car as well as the third-party car. Also, make sure that you click photos at the spot where the accident took place. Take videos as well of the damages just to be sure.*
- Submit proof and documents
You will be required to submit a list of documents to your insurer in order to proceed with the claim process. The documents are:
- Copy of your driver’s licence
- Copy of your insurance
- Copy of your RC (registration certificate)
- Copy of the FIR
Along with these documents, you will be required to submit the evidence that you have collected about the damages caused to your car and the third-party vehicle, if any. The insurer will send a surveyor who will check the damages caused to your car and draw up an estimate amount for the repairs and submit that to the insurer. Alternatively, if you take your car to a garage to get an estimate about the repairs, submit the estimated amount as well. *
- Get the claim settled
If you own comprehensive car insurance, your insurer will compensate both you and the third-party for the damages caused to the car. The third-party will be compensated based on the estimated cost of repair. Similarly, if you get your car repaired at a network garage or an external garage, you will be compensated for the repairs. However, if you happen to own thirdparty car insurance, only the third-party’s damages will be compensated. The cost of repairs for the damages caused to your car will have to be paid by you.*
Always remember to follow these steps in the event that your car is involved in an accident. Purchase car insurance and always make sure that is up-to-date to enjoy maximum benefits of your policy. *
* Standard T&C Apply
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
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