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A road accident can be stressful, but what makes it worse is when your car insurance claim gets rejected due to simple mistakes. Many drivers believe that paying the premium is enough, but that’s just the beginning.
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Mistakes to Avoid During a Car Insurance Claim
Your actions immediately after the incident will decide whether your claim is accepted or rejected by the insurance company. To protect your savings and get a fair claim, understanding what not to do is important.
Here are five common mistakes that can lead to an instant rejection, and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Informing the Police
If the accident involves injuries, property damage, or another vehicle, filing a First Information Report(FIR) or police report is often necessary. Many people try to settle things verbally, thinking it will save time, but this can backfire later.
Without an official report, your car insurance company may see the claim as suspicious or incomplete and reject it. A police report serves as proof that the accident occurred. Even if the damage seems small, informing the police ensures that you have legal backing when filing the claim.
Always call the local police station in the event of an accident. Even a basic report can make a big difference during claim processing.
2. Not Informing the Insurance Company
One of the biggest reasons for claim rejection is the delay in informing the insurer. Some people try to repair the damage first and file a claim later. This often backfires because the insurance company requires prompt notification as part of the claim process.
If you are buying or renewing car insurance online, check the terms carefully. Most insurers expect a report within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. Failure to do so may cause claim rejection, even if the damage is genuine.
After informing the insurer, they usually inspect the vehicle or guide you to an authorised workshop. Skipping this step can result in loss of coverage.
Save your insurer’s helpline number in your phone so you can act quickly in an emergency.
3. Running Away from the Accident Spot
In a panic, some drivers leave the site immediately, but this may be seen as an attempt to avoid responsibility. In many cases, it is treated as negligence, and the car insurance company may deny your claim because you did not follow legal procedures.
Staying at the spot is crucial, especially if third-party damage is involved. It helps verify the situation, collect witness statements, and ensure the accident is reported correctly.
Leaving the location can even create legal complications. Your actions should always show that you acted responsibly and cooperated with the authorities.
Stay calm, wait for the police, and make sure all necessary details are recorded before leaving.
4. Forgetting to Capture Evidence
Evidence is everything. Photos and videos of the accident scene, damaged parts, skid marks, surrounding vehicles, traffic signals, and road conditions can strongly support your claim. Without evidence, proving what happened becomes difficult, which may lead the insurance company to reject the request due to insufficient clarity.
Even if you are buying car insurance online, you still need strong documentation when filing a claim. Insurance is not just about coverage; it is about proving the damage correctly.
Always take clear pictures from different angles before moving the vehicle from the spot. If possible, note the time, weather, and location too.
5. Paying Out of Pocket
Some people try to settle matters privately to avoid paperwork. They may pay for repairs from their pocket without informing the insurer, but doing so can cause issues later. Your car insurance company needs a proper assessment of damage before approving any claim. If repairs are done first, the insurer has no proof of actual damages.
Worse, if hidden damage appears later, past repairs may make claim approval difficult. The insurer may argue that the damage occurred after the initial incident, since there is no documented record of it.
Cars today come with complex technology, and internal damage is not always visible. Paying directly may seem like a shortcut, but it can become very expensive later. Even if you think you will not file a claim, always inform the insurance company first so options are kept open.
Quick Checklist to Follow After an Accident:
- Stay at the scene and remain calm
- Inform the police if necessary
- Don’t move the car until photos are taken
- Collect evidence and witness details
- Inform the insurer immediately
- Avoid repairing the car without approval
These steps ensure that your case is strong, your actions are clear, and your claim gets the approval it deserves.
Stay Protected When It Matters the Most
Your car is more than just a vehicle; it is a part of your daily life and often a major financial asset. Taking the right steps during difficult situations ensures that your motor insurance supports you when you truly need it.
Mistakes are avoidable, but losses due to poor decisions can last much longer. Knowing the process, staying alert, and responding correctly can protect you from financial stress when things go wrong. The right preparation today can help avoid rejection tomorrow.
