Car Insurance Explained: What to Do Right After An Accident For A Hassle-Free Claim
In the aftermath of a car accident, what you do in the first few minutes can significantly impact how smoothly your insurance claim gets processed.
Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain, just two weeks after his marriage. Jota was traveling alongside his brother Andre, also a footballer, in a car early Thursday morning when the crash happened on the A-52 province of Zamora. Andre also died in the accident.
The heart-wrenching mishappen not only reveals the temporality of life, but also sheds light on the road accident and the importance of insurance.
India is among the top countries in the fatality of the road accidents. Last year in December, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways highlighted that the crashes in the country increased by 4.2 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 2022 with the rising fatality by 2.6 per cent. According to BBC report, 474 deaths occur each day or nearly one every three minute in Indian due to a road accident.
In that context, car insurance isn't a luxury but the need of the hour. It paves to create a cushion against the unexpected events.
In the aftermath of a car accident, what you do in the first few minutes can significantly impact how smoothly your insurance claim gets processed. Experts advise swift action and awareness of your policy details to ensure a hassle-free experience.
'The first step should always be to check for injuries and ensure everyone's safety," says Paras Pasricha, Business Head – Motor Insurance at PolicyBazaar.com. 'Once that's done, inform your insurer immediately—ideally within 24 hours—to avoid complications or claim rejection."
In accidents involving third-party damage or injuries, experts underline the importance of filing an FIR, as it is often required for claim approval. Submitting all essential documents—FIR, driving license, policy copy, and RC—is key to ensuring the claim goes through without delays.
However, many car owners still falter when it comes to insurance basics. 'People often delay reporting or fail to provide proper documentation," warns Mayur Kacholiya, Head – Motor Product at Digit. Pasricha adds that 'relying solely on agents, opting for bare-minimum third-party coverage, or picking the lowest premium plan without checking coverage details are frequent missteps."
Policyholders are also advised to carefully consider add-ons. While unnecessary extras raise premiums, skipping useful covers like zero depreciation or engine protection can be costly in the long run.
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First Published:
July 09, 2025, 06:45 IST
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