Filing a car insurance claim is simple - but one small mistake can cost you your No Claim Bonus (NCB) or delay settlement by weeks.
Many drivers in Hyderabad unknowingly make errors while reporting accidents, repairing cars before inspection, or forgetting essential documents.
This guide explains the top mistakes people make during car insurance claims and how to avoid them.
You’ll learn what insurers check before approving a claim, how to file the right way, and how PolicyBachat helps you track every step online for quick settlement.
Why Claim Accuracy Matters
- Avoids unnecessary claim rejection or short payout.
- Protects your NCB and renewal discounts.
- Keeps your claim history clean and consistent.
- Ensures faster processing and less follow-up.
- Maintains insurer trust and future premium benefits.
Common Claim Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
1. Delaying Claim Intimation
Mistake: Reporting your accident days after it happens.
Effect: Insurer may reject the claim due to “late intimation.”
Fix: Always report within 24-48 hours using your insurer’s helpline or PolicyBachat dashboard.
(Pro Tip: Save your insurer’s claim number on your phone.)
2. Repairing Before Inspection
Mistake: Taking your car for repairs before the insurer’s surveyor visit.
Effect: Claim can be rejected as “unauthorized repair.”
Fix: Wait for the surveyor’s inspection or video verification approval before starting repairs.
We evaluated insurers using these key parameters:
3. Not Filing a Police Report When Required
Mistake: Skipping FIR in theft or third-party injury cases.
Effect: Insurer needs official proof; claim may be denied.
Fix: File FIR immediately at the nearest station for theft, injury, or hit-and-run cases.
4. Ignoring Documentation
Mistake: Missing RC, DL, or repair bills during submission.
Effect: Slows down processing and verification.
Fix: Keep a digital folder with all key documents - RC, DL, policy PDF, FIR copy, photos, and estimate.
5. Filing Small Claims That Affect NCB
Mistake: Claiming for ₹1,000-₹2,000 repairs that reset your 50% NCB.
Effect: You lose thousands more during renewal.
Fix: For minor dents or scratches, pay out-of-pocket and keep your NCB intact.
Example:
Repair cost: ₹2,000 → NCB loss next year: ₹4,000-₹5,000.
Better to skip claim.
6. Providing Incomplete or Wrong Information
Mistake: Giving wrong details about driver, cause, or location.
Effect: Insurer can reject the claim for misrepresentation.
Fix: Be honest and accurate - claims are verified against police and garage records.
7. Choosing Non-Network Garage for Cashless Claim
Mistake: Repairing at an unlisted garage expecting cashless service.
Effect: Claim becomes reimbursement, not cashless.
Fix: Use PolicyBachat’s garage locator to find authorized workshops in Hyderabad.
8. Forgetting to Renew Policy on Time
Mistake: Policy expired before accident or claim filing.
Effect: Claim automatically void.
Fix: Renew at least a week before expiry; use auto-reminder or long-term cover.
9. Not Reading Add-on Conditions
Mistake: Assuming add-ons cover everything.
Effect: Confusion during claim - partial coverage only.
Fix: Review your policy schedule and understand exclusions for Zero Dep, Engine Protect, and NCB Protect.
10. Not Keeping a Copy of the Final Invoice
Mistake: Collecting car after repair without reviewing invoice.
Effect: You can’t dispute overcharging or claim shortfall later.
Fix: Always verify invoice, claim summary, and satisfaction note before closing.
What Insurers Check Before Approval
| Parameter |
Why It’s Checked |
| Policy Validity |
Must be active during accident date |
| Claim Timelines |
Reported within allowed period |
| Driver Legitimacy |
Valid DL and no intoxication |
| Damage Consistency |
Matches photos and event report |
| Coverage Type |
Must match claim nature (OD/TP) |
| Documents |
Complete set of verified proofs |
Local Insights For Hyderabad
- Most common claim rejections in Hyderabad: Incomplete documents, late intimation.
- Average rejection rate: 8%.
- Average claim settlement time: 7 days.
- Top insurers with fast approval: HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz.
How To Get Faster Claim Approval
- Intimate claim immediately (within 24 hours).
- Keep documents ready and photos uploaded.
- Choose a cashless garage for smoother coordination.
- Follow up politely every 48 hours.
- Avoid unnecessary modifications or upgrades during claim repair.
How Policybachat Helps
- Real-time claim tracking dashboard.
- Pre-verified insurer communication.
- One-click upload for documents.
- Assistance during dispute or rejection appeals.
- Auto reminders for next renewal to keep NCB intact.
FAQs
Can my claim get rejected for late reporting?
Yes, if reported after 48-72 hours without valid reason.
What if the driver didn’t have a license?
Claim is void under all insurer terms.
Is FIR mandatory for minor accidents?
No, only for theft or injury cases.
Can I claim if another driver was at fault?
Yes, but claim from your insurer first, who recovers later.
Can I repair my car before inspection?
No, wait until surveyor approves.
Can I file two claims in one year?
Yes, but it resets NCB and may affect renewal rates.
Is third-party claim different from own-damage claim?
Yes, process and documents differ.
Does claim history affect premium?
Yes, frequent claims can increase renewal price.
How do I appeal a rejected claim?
File complaint with insurer’s grievance team or IRDAI ombudsman.
What is partial claim approval?
When insurer covers some parts but not excluded items.
Can digital photos replace physical inspection?
For minor damages, yes.
Can I get claim even for small scratches?
Yes, but not advisable if you want to keep NCB.
Does NCB Protect stop all losses after a claim?
Only for one claim per year, depending on policy.
What’s the average claim settlement ratio in India?
Around 90-95% for major insurers.
What’s the fastest way to claim online?
Through PolicyBachat’s claim portal - quick, guided, and paperless.
Customer Reviews
- “Followed these tips - claim approved in 3 days flat.” - Ravi P., Hyderabad
- “Didn’t know repairing early voids claim - saved me trouble.” - Neha M., Pune
- “Avoided losing NCB by skipping minor claim.” - Vikram T., Delhi
- “Super useful checklist before filing a claim.” - Kavita R., Chennai
- “Claim team was impressed - I had all documents ready.” - Arjun M., Mumbai
- “Thanks to this, no more claim rejections!” - Priya S., Bengaluru
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