Filing a car insurance claim in India can feel confusing—especially during an accident or emergency. Most first-time car owners don’t know what to do first, whether FIR is needed, or how much will be deducted during the claim.
This complete guide explains the car insurance claim process in India with real examples, timelines, documents, IRDAI-based rules, pros & cons, and avoidable mistakes—so you never lose your claim.
Who Should Read This Guide
- First-time car owners
- Buyers planning insurance renewal
- Loan seekers with hypothecated cars
- Used car buyers dealing with RC + insurance transfer
- Anyone confused about cashless vs reimbursement claims
Main Keyword Used:
car insurance claim process India
Secondary Keywords Included:
- Car insurance claim processing fee in India
- How to claim insurance for car damage without FIR online
- Car insurance claim rules
- Car insurance claim process time
Why Claim Process Matters in India
In India, most people only look at premium price and ignore the claim experience, which matters the most.
Your loss settlement depends on:
- Policy type (zero-dep vs comprehensive)
- IDV (insured declared value)
- Deductibles
- Add-ons
- Claim history (affects NCB)
- RC & loan hypothecation status
A single mistake—like repairing without surveyor approval—can reject the claim completely.
Car Insurance Claim Process India
The car insurance claim process in India involves reporting the incident to the insurer within 24–48 hours, submitting documents, getting the surveyor inspection done, repairing at a cashless garage, and receiving approval. Claim time usually takes 3–7 working days, depending on damage and documents.
Types of Car Insurance Claims in India
1) Cashless Claim
- Repair at insurer-approved workshop
- Insurer pays directly to workshop
- You pay deductibles + non-covered items
2) Reimbursement Claim
- Repair anywhere
- You pay full bill first
- Insurer reimburses later after verification
Car Insurance Claim Processing Fee in India
Quick Answer
There is no processing fee for filing a car insurance claim in India.
However, you must pay:
- Compulsory deductible: ₹1,000 (cars <1500cc) / ₹2,000 (cars >1500cc)
- Voluntary deductible (if selected for lower premium)
- Depreciation (if not zero-dep)
- Consumable charges (oil, nuts, coolant)—unless add-on taken
As per IRDAI rules, insurers cannot charge claim filing fees.
Step-by-Step Car Insurance Claim Process in India
Follow this exact Indian-specific sequence:
Step 1: Inform the Insurer Immediately
- Call customer care or use app
- Report within 24–48 hours (mandatory for most insurers)
- Provide policy number, location, and damage details
Pro Tip: Take photos before moving the vehicle.
Step 2: Do NOT Repair Before Surveyor Approval
- Insurer assigns a surveyor
- Physical or digital inspection
- Repairing early may cause claim rejection
Step 3: File FIR Only If Required
When FIR is mandatory
- Major accident causing injury/death
- Theft of car
- Third-party property damage
- Hit-and-run cases
When FIR is NOT required
- Minor dents
- Scratches
- Windshield damage
- Single-party parking damage
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
| Document Required | When Needed |
| RC | Always |
| Driving Licence | Always |
| Policy Copy | Always |
| FIR/Police Memo | Only if applicable |
| Claim Form | Online or offline |
| PAN + Aadhaar | High-value claims (as per KYC norms) |
| Bank details | Reimbursement cases |
Keep original bills for reimbursement claims.
Step 5: Get Repair & Final Settlement
For cashless claims:
- Insurer settles directly with workshop
- You pay deductible + non-covered items
For reimbursement:
- Submit final bills
- Settlement takes 5–14 working days
Car Insurance Claim Process Time in India
The average car insurance claim process time in India is 3–7 days for cashless repairs and 7–14 days for reimbursement claims, depending on damage severity, document submission, and surveyor approval. Theft claims may take 30–90 days as per police verification requirements.
How to Claim Insurance for Car Damage Without FIR Online
You can file a car damage claim without FIR for minor dents, scratches, self-damage, or windshield cracks by uploading photos, RC, DL, and policy details through the insurer’s app or website. FIR is needed only for third-party, theft, or injury cases.
What is Covered & Not Covered in a Car Claim
Covered
- Accidental damage
- Fire & natural disasters
- Theft (full IDV payout)
- Third-party liability
- Glass damage
Not Covered
- Drunk driving
- Expired policy
- Driver without valid DL
- Consequential damage (engine hydro-lock)
- Illegal accessories
Zero-Dep vs Normal Claim Example
Damage cost: ₹20,000 (front bumper, headlamp)
Depreciation on plastic: 50%
Without Zero-Dep
| Cost Component | Amount (₹) |
| Plastic parts (₹12,000 × 50%) | 6,000 |
| Compulsory deductible | 1,000 |
| Total you pay | 7,000 |
With Zero-Dep
| Cost Component | Amount (₹) |
| Depreciation | 0 |
| Deductible | 1,000 |
| Total you pay | 1,000 |
Zero-dep saves ₹6,000 in one claim.
Special Case: Total Loss & Theft Claims
Total Loss
- Repair cost >75% of IDV
- Insurer pays IDV amount
- RC cancellation required at RTO
Theft Claim
- FIR mandatory
- Final police untraceable report required
- Settlement may take 60–90 days
RC, Loan & Insurance Claim Rules
If car is on loan
- RC shows hypothecation
- Bank NOC needed for total loss
- Settlement goes to bank first
If RC transfer pending
- Claim may get delayed
- Inform insurer immediately
IRDAI rule: Policy must match correct owner details.
Sample EMI Table
Sometimes the owner pays repair cost using finance or credit.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Tenure | Monthly EMI |
| ₹50,000 | 14% APR | 12 months | ₹4,504/month |
Use loans only for unavoidable expenses.
Pros & Cons of Filing a Car Insurance Claim
| Pros | Cons |
| Saves major repair cost | NCB loss increases next premium |
| Cashless convenience | Deductibles still payable |
| Protects finances during emergencies | Frequent claims may cause loading |
Tips to Avoid Claim Rejection in India
- Never repair before survey
- Don’t drive drunk or without DL
- File claim within 48 hours
- Keep policy active—no grace period
- Install AIS-140 GPS for commercial vehicles
- Take photos & videos at the spot
Conclusion:
Filing a car insurance claim in India is easy when you follow the correct step-by-step process and avoid common mistakes. Always prioritise safety, report on time, and understand what is covered—so your claim is never rejected.
FAQs:
Q. What is the car insurance claim process in India?
A. You should report the incident to the insurer within 24–48 hours, submit required documents such as RC, driving licence, and claim form, and wait for a surveyor inspection. After approval, get the vehicle repaired at a cashless workshop or pay first for reimbursement. Claim approval usually takes 3–7 working days.
Q. How long does a car insurance claim take in India?
A.
Cashless claims: 3–7 working days
Reimbursement claims: 7–14 days
Theft claims: 30–90 days, depending on police investigation and verification
Q. Can I claim car insurance without an FIR?
A. Yes, an FIR is not required for minor accidents or windshield damage. An FIR is mandatory only for theft, third-party injury, hit-and-run cases, or major accidents.
Q. Is there a processing fee for car insurance claims in India?
A. No. As per regulations, insurers do not charge any claim processing fee. You only need to pay mandatory deductibles and non-covered expenses.
Q. How many times can I claim car insurance in a year?
A. There is no fixed limit on the number of claims. However, multiple claims will reduce your No Claim Bonus (NCB) and may increase your next year’s premium through loading.