Credit: Special arrangement
Now that the rains are in full swing in India, vehicles become more susceptible to monsoon-related damage, caused due to waterlogging and road hazards. The corrosive effect of the rainwater is detrimental to the metal parts of your car and motorbikes, which is why you should always be equipped with comprehensive motor insurance.
However, you may not be fully aware of the necessary steps to take when faced with the unexpected situation of filing a motor insurance claim.
Type of damage & necessary add-ons
The most common damage your vehicle might face during the monsoon is engine failure due to water ingress. In case of waterlogging, once the murky water enters the car engine, the piston and the connecting rod get damaged, leading to engine seizure. The claim amount is substantially high to get the engine fixed or replaced. The cost to bear can go up to Rs 4 lakh for entry-level cars and can be as high as Rs 20+ lakh for high-end cars, depending on the make and model of the car. Hence, taking an ‘engine protection’ add-on cover is advisable.
If your car is flooded on the road or in a basement, it becomes very difficult to get on-spot assistance. However, if you opt for ‘roadside assistance cover’, you are able to call the insurer to inform them about your predicament. The insurer then sends over a mechanic who inspects the vehicle and helps out, or contacts a towing garage to tow your car to the nearest safe location. This also helps in legitimising your claim and ensuring minimum damage in transit.
A guide
It is important to note that only comprehensive motor insurance covers natural disasters like cyclones, floods, earthquakes, etc. You will not be able to claim damages if you are equipped with only the basic third-party motor insurance policy.
You must follow the steps given below to file your motor insurance claim:
Step 1: Notify the insurance provider via call or email immediately. A claim registration number will be provided, which has to be stored for future reference.
Step 2: The insurer will then send a surveyor to examine the vehicle and make a note of the extent of damage. Before the surveyor arrives, it is advisable to take photos and videos of the damaged car or motorbike, as these will help support the claim. This has to be sent to the insurer as evidence of damage.
Step 3: Once the surveyor arrives, provide detailed information regarding the damage and show the photographs and videos of the damaged vehicle. This will help in a fair evaluation.
Step 4: Submit the necessary documents like the claim form, registration certificate, driving license, and insurance policy document via the claims portal of the insurance company.
Step 5: If the insurer deems it fit, then they can choose to reimburse you for the damages or repair the vehicle. It is important to note that in such a case, the car or motorbike will be towed by the insurer to the nearest authorised garage for cashless services. It is advisable to review the repair checklist before signing off and taking delivery of the vehicle.
Do not try to start the car or motorbike if it is flooded, as it does more harm than good. If you try to start the vehicle, your engine will go into hydrostatic lock. If this happens, the insurance company will not cover the engine failure because it is consequential damage due to an intentional action. Moreover, it is also advisable to park your vehicle in an elevated location if heavy rain is forecast. Some insurers might even expedite your claims process if they notice a genuine effort from your end to protect your car.
If you are equipped with any add-on covers like engine protection, zero depreciation, or roadside assistance, then it is advisable to disclose this information at the outset so that the claim can be processed accordingly.
Conclusion
If you are equipped with comprehensive motor insurance with the relevant add-ons, it can act as a shield against unpredictable rainfalls and save you from a significant financial drain. By following the above steps and keeping the relevant documents handy, you can make your motor claim journey smoother.