Motor insurance isn’t just a legal necessity—it’s your financial safety net when things go wrong. But when it’s time to use it, many policyholders face frustrating claim rejections, delays, and red tape.
At iClaimSupport, we help individuals who are denied what’s rightfully theirs. If your motor insurance claim has been wrongfully delayed or rejected, we’re here to ensure you get justice.
In this article, we break down the motor insurance claim process based on the type of loss—Own Damage, Theft, or Fire—along with mandatory documents, IRDAI’s timelines, and legal remedies available if your insurer doesn’t play fair.
🚗 Section 1: Own Damage (OD) Claim – Vehicle Accident or Damage
🔍 What is Own Damage?
Own Damage refers to physical damage to your own vehicle due to:
- Collision or road accident
- Hitting an object (tree, pole, divider)
- Vandalism or riots
- Waterlogging or natural disasters
📋 Step-by-Step OD Claim Process:
- Inform the Insurance Company
Notify your insurer immediately—most companies require intimation within 24–48 hours. - Get a Surveyor Appointed
The insurer must appoint a licensed IRDAI-approved surveyor within 72 hours to inspect the vehicle. - Inspection & Estimate
Take your vehicle to a garage (cashless or authorized). The surveyor assesses damage and approves the repair estimate. - Document Submission
Submit the following documents:- Duly filled claim form
- RC copy of the vehicle
- Driving License
- Insurance policy copy
- FIR (if required)
- Photos of damage
- Repair bills/invoice (for reimbursement)
- Repair & Claim Settlement
Once approved, repairs are done. The insurer either settles directly with the garage (cashless) or reimburses you.
🔒 Section 2: Theft Claim – What to Do When Your Vehicle is Stolen
🚨 First Response:
- Immediately file an FIR with the local police.
- Inform the insurer with details of the theft, FIR, and vehicle particulars.
- Insurer may appoint an investigator in addition to a surveyor.
🧾 Required Documents:
- FIR copy
- Final Untraced Report from police
- Vehicle keys (if available)
- RC, DL, Insurance copy
- Claim form
- RTO Forms 28, 29, 30
- Indemnity Bond & Subrogation Letter
💡 Important: A claim for theft is settled based on Insured Declared Value (IDV) minus any depreciation and deductibles.
🔍 Investigator’s Role:
To rule out fraud or foul play, insurers often appoint a private investigator. This can delay your claim—but it cannot exceed regulatory limits (explained below).
🔥 Section 3: Fire Claim – If Your Vehicle Catches Fire
Common Causes:
- Engine overheating or short circuit
- External fire (riots, arson, firecracker damage)
- Lightning strikes or natural disasters
✅ Immediate Steps:
- Try to capture photographic/video evidence (if safe)
- Call fire brigade (if needed) and file an FIR
- Notify insurer and get a surveyor appointed
📄 Mandatory Documents:
- FIR / Fire Brigade report
- Claim form
- RC, DL, Insurance policy
- Photographs of damage
- Repair estimate or total loss valuation
🔧 In case of constructive total loss, claim is settled based on IDV. If repairable, it follows the OD claim route.
🕵️ Role of Surveyor and Investigator in Motor Claims
As per IRDAI regulations, insurers must act swiftly:
| Appointment or Action | IRDAI Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Appoint Surveyor | Within 72 hours of claim intimation |
| Surveyor to submit report | Within 30 days of receiving all documents |
| Appoint Investigator | Optional (must not delay settlement) |
| Claim Settlement by Insurer | Within 30 days of surveyor/investigator report |
⏱️ Max time allowed from claim intimation to settlement: 90 days
Delays beyond this are considered a regulatory breach.
📉 What If Your Claim Is Delayed or Denied?
Unfortunately, insurers often delay payments citing:
- “Investigation pending”
- “Incomplete documentation”
- “Policy lapse or non-disclosure”
🚫 But here’s what IRDAI says:
Regulation 16(1) of IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders) Regulations, 2017:
If a claim is not settled within stipulated time, the insurer must pay interest at 2% above the bank rate, from the date of delay till actual payment.
So if your insurer delays your claim without valid cause, they owe you interest on the amount!
💼 Legal Remedies: You Have Rights
If your motor insurance claim is:
- Denied without justification
- Unreasonably delayed
- Lowballed or settled unfairly
You can:
- File a complaint with the IRDAI Grievance Cell
- Approach an Insurance Ombudsman
- File a case before the Consumer Court for compensation
At iClaimSupport, we specialize in such cases and help clients get their rightful claims approved—through professional representation and legal expertise.
📞 Need Help With a Rejected or Delayed Motor Claim?
Don’t let technicalities or unfair delays keep you from your rightful insurance compensation. We at iClaimSupport.in specialize in assisting individuals with wrongly denied or delayed insurance claims—from documentation guidance to filing cases before the Consumer Forum.
📧 Email: contact@iclaimsupport.in
📱 Phone: +91-9871820066
🌐 Website: www.iclaimsupport.in
📌 Final Tip:
Always keep timely claim intimation, accurate documentation, and active follow-up at the center of your motor claim strategy. And if the insurer fails to act fairly—we’re here to support you.
