As per Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 buying third-party motor insurance is mandatory in India before plying your vehicle on the roads. However, few of us remember to claim third-party motor insurance when required because we think there is so much hassle involved, which is not true.
The third-party motor insurance claiming process is not difficult, First, you must know what is covered in a third-party vehicle insurance policy so that the chances of claim rejection decrease.
Third-Party Motor Insurance Policy - A Quick Catch-Up:
A third-party motor insurance policy is also known as third-party liability insurance wherein damages and losses to third-party property or persons caused by your vehicle are covered. So, it does not cover losses or damages that occurred to your vehicle. Since it caters to the losses and damages of third-party only, it is quite affordable.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) decides the premium of third-party insurance. Therefore, it is almost the same for all insurers. However, the premium amount of one type of vehicle may differ from the other type of vehicle because of its engine capacity. For example, the premium of a third-party insurance policy for a model of Hyundai car may be different from another model of Hyundai car.
IRDAI reviews the rates of third-party motor insurance every year and makes changes. Let us now know the steps to file a third-party motor insurance claim:
Steps to File Third-Party Motor Insurance Claim:
Step 1: The very first step to file a third-party motor insurance claim is to file an FIR at the nearest police station and get the charge sheet.
Step 2: Get the details of the third party involved in the accident.
Step 3: After this, you need to hire a motor claim lawyer and then register the third-party claim in Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Court. Such cases cannot be filed in the jurisdiction of the Civil Courts. Choose the tribunal court in the area where the mishap happened or in the area where you live.
Steps to File Third-Party Motor Insurance Claim in Case of Property Damage:
The steps to file a third-party motor insurance claim in case of property damage are:
Step 1: In an event of third-party property damage by your vehicle, you must file an FIR and collect the charge sheet.
Step 2: Then file the case in tribunal court, where the amount of compensation will be finalised or rejected after considering the story from both the parties and their submitted documents.
Step 3: The maximum amount that you get in case of third-party property damage is Rs.7.5 lakhs.
Documents Required to File Third-Party Vehicle Insurance Claim:
You need to provide the following documents to file the third-party vehicle insurance claim:
Copy of the First Information Report or FIR
Duly filled and signed third-party insurance claim form
Copy of your policy documents
Your driving license copy
Your vehicle’s registration certificate’s copy
The insurer may also ask for photographs of the incident
Third-Party Motor Insurance Claim Rules:
Some rules that you must know about the third-party claim process are as follows:
To get your claim processed and passed, you must prove the mistake of the other party. This is because each party will try to put down the other party. So, you must select your motor insurance lawyer carefully to win the case.
The amount of the claim is decided only after the verdict of the court.
If the claim amount is inadequate for fixing the losses, you cannot claim your insurer for the same damages or losses.
Situations Where You Can’t Claim Third-Party Motor Insurance:
There are some situations wherein you cannot claim third-party motor insurance:
Damage to Your Own Vehicle: As we already know that third-party car insurance is only for damages and losses to third parties involved in the accident. Therefore, you cannot claim for the repairs of your own vehicle. For the same, you must purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy.
Not Having a Valid License: In case the driver is not having a valid driving license, you cannot claim third-party vehicle insurance.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol: If it is a case of drunken driving, you will not get any compensation from your insurer.
Wrapping It Up
A common question is, "How many days after the accident we can claim for car insurance?". The safest option is to file a claim immediately as most insurers expect it to be raised in the same week itself, within the first seven days. Even though the process of claims seems a little difficult, it is not as difficult as we think.
With proper paperwork, meticulous attention to details that are important and with the support of a good lawyer, you can navigate the third-party claim process easily.
