How to File a Motor Insurance Claim in India – Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

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  By Gujju Ticks

  21 May, 2025

It is essential to understand how to submit a motor insurance claim in India, regardless of your level of driving experience. If not handled properly, theft, accidents, or even small damages can be very costly. The process has become more efficient in 2025 due to the increasing digital push by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), but being aware of each step can help you save time and prevent needless rejection.

For Indian (Gujarati-speaking) readers who prefer straightforward, practical guidance, this blog is your comprehensive, step-by-step manual for submitting a motor insurance claim in India.

Types of Motor Insurance Claims in India

Understanding the three primary categories of claims is crucial before beginning the process:

1. Own Damage Claim

This is applicable if an accident, fire, natural disaster, or vandalism damages your own car.

2. Third-Party Claim

This occurs when you harm a third party or damage someone else's property or car. According to Indian law, it is required.

3. Theft Claim

You can file a theft claim under your comprehensive policy if your bike or car is stolen.

Documents Required to File a Motor Insurance Claim

The majority of insurers request the following standard list of documents:

• Insurance policy document (active and valid)

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)

• Driving License (of the person driving)

• FIR (in case of theft or third-party damage)

• Claim form (duly filled)

• Photos of vehicle damage

• Repair bills (for reimbursement claims)

Tip: Always keep a digital copy of these documents on apps like DigiLocker.

Step-by-Step Process to File a Motor Insurance Claim in India (2025)

Step 1: Notify the Insurance Company Immediately

Notifying your insurance provider is the first step. The majority of insurers now provide round-the-clock claim notification through:

• Mobile app

• Customer care helpline

• Official website

• WhatsApp services

To prevent issues, report the incident as soon as possible—ideally within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 2: Lodge an FIR (If Required)

Filing a FIR is required for theft, bodily injury, and third-party claims. Mention the location, time, and details of the vehicle.

Note for Gujarat users: The Gujarat Police portal now permits online FIR filing at a large number of Gujarati police stations.

Step 3: Capture Photographic Evidence

Take crisp pictures and videos of the damage to the car, the scene of the collision, and the license plate. Your insurer can determine the extent of the damage with the aid of these images.

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Claim Form

Get a hard copy of the claim form or download it. Carefully fill it out using the appropriate:

• Policy number

• Details of incident

• Estimated repair cost

Submit online or in person at the closest branch with the necessary documents attached.

Step 5: Vehicle Survey and Inspection

A surveyor will be dispatched by the insurer to examine the car. The insurer will either accept or deny the claim based on their report.

Pro Tip: Be truthful when filling out the survey. Any discrepancies may result in the claim being denied.

Step 6: Get Repairs Done

There are two options:

a. Cashless Claim

Repairs will be completed without requiring payment up front if you bring your car to an authorized network garage. The insurer pays the bill directly.

b. Reimbursement Claim

You can have the car fixed at any garage, pay for it yourself, and then send in the invoices and supporting documentation to get your money back.

High CPC Tip: When comparing policies, look for "cashless motor insurance in India" to lower out-of-pocket costs.

Step 7: Claim Settlement

Your claim will be processed by the insurer if everything is in order. You can simply pay the deductible (per your policy) for cashless claims. Within 7–14 business days, the reimbursement is credited straight to your bank account.

Common Reasons Why Motor Insurance Claims Get Rejected

Understanding these reasons can save you time and frustration:

• Expired policy at the time of the incident

• Filing delay beyond 48 hours

• Drunk driving or no license

• Modifications not disclosed in the policy

• Claiming for uncovered damages

Digital Advancements in 2025

By 2025, the majority of insurers have embraced paperless processing and AI-powered claim evaluation. Instant claim filing with no paperwork is available through apps like Policybazaar, ACKO, Tata AIG, and Bajaj Allianz.

Policyholders from Gujarat Note: For native users, a number of companies provide Gujarati language support on their mobile apps for filing claims.

Top High-CPC Insurance Keywords to Keep in Mind While Researching Plans

Use keywords like these to find the best insurance plans online or to comprehend claims:

• Best motor insurance 2025 India

• Buy car insurance online with claim bonus

• IRDA approved car insurers

• Vehicle insurance with zero depreciation

• Compare cashless garages near me

These terms are not only useful for searches; many of them have high cost-per-click (CPC) rates and are frequently used by auto insurance industry advertisers.

Final Tips for a Smooth Insurance Claim Process

• Keep a hard and soft copy of all documents

• Renew your policy on time

• Read the policy exclusions carefully

• Don’t panic—follow the steps calmly

• Prefer reputed insurance companies with high claim settlement ratio

Conclusion

In India, submitting a claim for auto insurance doesn't have to be difficult. You can make sure that your financial losses are kept to a minimum by having a thorough understanding of the procedure, the appropriate paperwork, and prompt action. With more digitization and real-time claim processing, it's easier than ever to get your bike or car back on the road in 2025.

Many insurers now provide Gujarati policyholders with vernacular support, which makes navigating claims in your preferred language simple.

Be careful, drive sensibly, and get wise insurance!