Filing a claim against car insurance is a two-part process. Both the policyholder and the insurance provider must do their part. However, the policyholder's job is more urgent and the basis of the insurance provider's investigation. Therefore, the onus of finding most of the evidence for the claim is on the policyholder.

Your claims process will be different depending on your insurance policy. If you have third-party liability insurance, your only recourse is to claim damages for the other party and their injury. You have more room to claim damages for yourself in comprehensive coverage.

There is a process we recommend following when making a claim: 

• Inform the authorities

The first thing you should do after an accident is to call the police. You need to have a police report attached to your claim, so it's best to get the authorities involved as early as possible. The police report gives a clear and unbiased account of the accident and can go heavily in your favor during the claims process.

• Take video and photographic evidence

If you aren't heavily injured and have taken care of any passengers with you, you should then take photographic evidence of the damage to your car. You should also take photographs of your surroundings to map out the situation where the collision took place.

• Note down relevant information

Relevant information would be the make and model of the other car, the owner of the car, who was driving, the car number, and their insurance policy information.

• Inform your insurance provider

You should inform your insurance provider as soon as possible. The sooner they know about an incoming claim, the better. They get to prepare for it by reviewing your policy and going over your coverage. They can also tell their investigators and evaluators to be ready to conduct a claim review. Having your insurance provider in the loop is also imperative because they can help you collect information about the claim. They can advise which documents and evidence they need so you can arrange them accordingly.

• Inform your lawyer

Another person you should bring into the loop is your lawyer. They will help you navigate the claims process with insight into your rights and legal process. They can also assess your policy and tell you the risks you can expect during the claims process. Having a lawyer by your side is good for looking for things you might overlook.

• Know your policy

You should know what is covered and what is not. If you know your policy does not cover the recent collision, there is no point in making a claim. But if you are sure of the coverage, you should take steps to claim it. You should also be aware of whether your policy automatically has expired or not. Making claims on expired policies is next to impossible as they will be rejected.

• Don't accept any settlements or sign any waivers

Do not, under any circumstances, accept any offer from other parties or sign any waivers without consulting your lawyer. There are chances you might be given a lower settlement than you deserve. Signing a waiver can thwart your chances of making any claims at all. So, consult your lawyer before you sign anything.

• Collect all receipts

When you submit your claim with the insurance provider, ensure you have all the receipts, from towing to repair to medical expenses. It will be recorded as evidence of expenses when the claim process is started and calculated within the compensation amount.

• Save all case documents

Keep copies of all receipts and documents for your claim record. You need to prepare documents to claim your car insurance policy. Records required to submit a claim are -

• Copy of your car insurance policy
• Police Report
• Completed and signed Claim Form.
• Copy of the registration certificate of you car (Mulkiya)
• Copy of your driving license
• An estimate detailing the costs of repairs.
• In the event of physical injuries, medical receipts are required.