What You Should Know About the Motor Accident Claims Process

Accidents are scary. Whether it’s a car or a bike, the shock, damage, and aftermath can leave you feeling lost. On top of that, dealing with your insurance claim might feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. But don’t worry, this guide is here to walk you through what really happens after a motor accident and how you can handle the claims process like a pro.

Whether you’re the one filing a motor accident claim or just want to be prepared, here’s everything you should know.

First Things First: What Counts as a Motor Accident Claim?

If your vehicle, car or bike is involved in an accident, and there’s damage to your vehicle, someone else’s property, or injuries involved, you’re eligible to file a motor accident claim. Depending on the situation, this could fall under:

• Own Damage Claim – when your vehicle gets damaged.
• Third-Party Claim – when someone else gets hurt or their property is damaged.
• Personal Accident Cover – if you, as the owner-driver, suffer injuries or disability.

Each type of claim follows slightly different steps, but the core process is the same.

What You Should Do Immediately After an Accident

Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay calm and act smart:

1. Make sure everyone is safe. Prioritise health over everything.
2. Call the police. Always file an FIR, especially if there’s injury, death, or major damage.
3. Take photos. Click pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, third-party damage, number plates, and injuries if any.
4. Get contact details. Exchange info with the other party and talk to any eyewitnesses.
5. Inform your insurer. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
6. Don’t move the vehicle unless advised. Wait for the insurer’s inspection if they ask for it.

These steps might seem basic, but they’re crucial for a strong claim later on.

Filing the Claim 

After you’ve reported the accident, here’s how the motor claim process usually unfolds:

1. Submit the documents. These often include:
   • Copy of your insurance policy
   • FIR (if required)
   • Driving license and RC of the vehicle
   • Photos of the damage
   • Repair estimates or bills
2. Inspection by the insurance surveyor. They check the damage, estimate costs, and file a report.
3. Approval and repairs. Once approved, your car or bike is sent for repair. Sometimes, you might pay upfront and get reimbursed later.
4. Claim settlement. After verification, the insurer releases the payment, either directly to the garage or to you.

Sounds simple, right? But here’s the tricky part, sometimes claims get rejected or delayed. And that’s when things can get frustrating.

Why Claims Get Rejected or Delayed

Insurance companies look for reasons to reject or reduce the car or bike accident insurance claim amount. Some common reasons include:

• Missing documents or delayed filing
• Driving without a valid license or under the influence
• Policy exclusions (like using a private vehicle for commercial purposes)
• Incomplete or false information
• Disputes over repair costs or liability

This is where most people feel stuck. The policy wording is hard to understand, and communicating with the insurer becomes a tiring back-and-forth.

Don’t Lose Hope, You Can Appeal

Here’s the good news: if your motor claim has been denied or unfairly reduced, you can appeal it. Many people don’t know this, but insurance companies have an internal grievance process you can use. And if that doesn’t work, you can even take it up with the Insurance Ombudsman or the IRDAI.

But let’s be honest, appealing a bike or car accident insurance claim settlement rejection isn’t easy when you don’t know the technical terms or how to structure your argument. That’s where Insurance Samadhan comes in.

How Insurance Samadhan Can Help

Insurance Samadhan specialises in helping people like you get fair treatment from their insurers. They fight for your rights when a claim gets rejected or delayed unfairly.

Here’s how they support you through the motor accident claims process:

• They guide you through each step of the appeal, from initial reviews to higher-level legal actions if needed.
• They draft strong appeal letters that clearly address the reasons for rejection and highlight your case in the best light.
• They help you organise all the necessary documentation so nothing is missed.
• They study your policy and the rejection details to find the exact reason your claim was denied and build a solid case for appeal.

With their experience, you don’t have to navigate insurance jargon or face long waiting periods alone. They simplify the process, save your time, and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Final Thoughts

Accidents are unfortunate, but dealing with the aftermath doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re riding a two-wheeler or driving a car, knowing how the motor accident claims process works gives you confidence to act quickly and correctly.

And if your claim ever hits a wall, remember that you don’t have to give up. Insurance Samadhan is there to help you bounce back, with expert guidance and a support system that’s built for people, not just paperwork.

So drive safe, stay alert, and if the road throws a curveball, you now know exactly what to do   and who to turn to.