How to Claim Insurance for a Car Dent Easily

Posted on: Dec 8, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Claim Insurance for a Car Dent Easily

Q: Does insurance cover dents without an accident?

Yes, if the dent falls under accidental damage coverage, such as damage caused by falling objects or another vehicle.

When you buy a car, purchasing a comprehensive car insurance policy is a must. It protects you financially in case your car gets damaged. Among the most frequent damages are dents, which can happen even when you are extremely careful. While your insurer covers such damages, many car owners do not fully understand how to claim insurance for a car dent. Having clear knowledge of the process helps you get faster settlements. Let’s go step by step to understand the process, the documents required and when it makes sense to file a claim.

Car Dent Insurance Claim Process

Raising a claim for a car dent is simple if you follow the insurer’s process. Here are the main steps:

1. Register the claim

As soon as your car is dented, inform your insurer. Claims should be registered at the earliest for maximum benefits. Most insurers allow online claim registration, where you provide details such as:

• Insurance policy number

• Driving licence details

• FIR copy (if it is a major accident)

• Details of any third-party damage

Once these details are submitted, the claim can move forward.

2. Claim registration number

After submitting the details, you will get a claim intimation number. This number is your unique reference for all communications with the insurer until settlement.

3. Inspection by insurer

A surveyor will visit and inspect the damage. Do not move or repair the vehicle until the inspection is done. The surveyor will record details with photographs and videos, and you should explain how the damage occurred.

4. Garage repairs

Once the inspection is complete, the insurer will ask you to take the car to an authorised garage. You may choose a network garage for cashless repairs or an outside garage for reimbursement. In case of network garages, the insurer pays directly. For non-network garages, you pay the bill first and then submit it for reimbursement.

5. Claim settlement

After the car is repaired and all documents are verified, the insurer will either pay the garage directly or reimburse you.

With online claim facilities, you can also track your claim status and contact customer support in case of queries.

Documents Required for the Claim Settlement Process

Submitting the right documents ensures smooth settlement. Here’s what you will need:

• Copy of FIR (mandatory in case of an accident)

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)

• Original car keys

• Car insurance policy document

• Filled and signed claim form

• Driving licence of the person driving at the time of the accident

• No Objection Certificate from lender (if loan is active)

• RTO papers and No Trace Report in case of theft

Having these documents ready will reduce delays and help you get your claim processed faster.

Factors To Consider Before Filing a Claim For A Car Dent

It might seem like the right choice to always claim insurance for dents, but there are some important points to consider:

• Extent of damage

If the dent is small and the repair cost is less than or close to your deductible, it may not be worth claiming.

• No Claim Bonus (NCB)

Even a small claim can affect your NCB, leading to higher premiums at renewal.

• Policy coverage

Comprehensive policies cover dents, but third-party policies do not.

• Impact on future premiums

Filing frequent claims may result in higher premiums or non-renewal.

• Process and paperwork

Ensure you provide clear photos and details of the incident to avoid delays.

In many cases, paying for minor dents out of pocket helps you save your NCB and maintain lower premiums.

Why Is It Not Advisable to File A Claim For Dents?

Filing claims for minor dents is often not recommended for these reasons:

1. Higher premiums later

Once you make a claim, your next premium may rise.

2. Deductibles apply

You always need to pay a part of the repair cost. If this is close to the repair bill, claiming may not make sense.

3. Loss of NCB

Avoiding claims for small dents helps you keep your NCB, giving you discounts on future premiums.

Thus, unless the repair is costly, paying out-of-pocket is often more beneficial.

Conclusion

Understanding how to claim insurance for a car dent helps you make an informed decision whenever such an incident occurs. While your Car Insurance policy offers financial coverage, you should weigh the benefits and drawbacks before filing a claim. For small dents, it might be better to pay out of pocket and save your NCB for bigger damages. Always read your policy document carefully and consult your insurer if you are unsure about the process.

FAQs

1. Can I claim insurance for every dent on my car?

Yes, but it is not always advisable. If the repair cost is lower than your deductible or if you risk losing your NCB, it’s better to avoid claiming.

2. How long does it take to settle a car dent claim?

Settlement usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the insurer and whether you use a cashless garage.

3. Does insurance cover dents without an accident?

Yes, if the dent falls under accidental damage coverage. For example, if it’s caused by falling objects or another vehicle.

4. Will my premium increase after a dent claim?

Not necessarily, but frequent claims can lead to higher premiums during policy renewal.

5. What if I repair the dent myself and don’t claim?

You can pay for minor dents out of pocket to protect your NCB and avoid higher premiums.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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