Rain's round the corner. Though it will bring a respite from the heat, monsoon season is not exactly the best time for vehicles and their owners. This is the season when cars are more prone to mishaps due to water-logged and potholed roads. Consequently, the chances of you ringing up your car insurance company for claims could go up.

Here's what you need to know about filing claims to ensure a smooth ride in the rough weather:

FILING THE CLAIM

You can either choose to go to the workshops that feature in the insurance company's list of network garages and file for a cashless claim, or bear the expenses yourself and claim a reimbursement later.

Cashless claims

To avail of the facility, you need to call up the insurance company's call centre immediately after the incident necessitating the claim takes place. ICICI Lombard provides addresses of the nearest cashless service centres through SMS on request over the phone. "The call centre will guide you to the nearest workshop. Once the surveyor carries out the inspection and authorises the claim, it is settled directly with the workshop/garage on a cashless basis," says Karan Chopra, head, retail business, HDFC Ergo General Insurance.

Reimbursement

In case you carry out the repairs at your own expense and file for a reimbursement claim subsequently, you need to provide the surveyor with the requisite proofs like repair bills from the garage. In case of reimbursement claims, the disbursal process could take up to seven days, post the submission of documents asked for.

KEEPING TRACK

Several insurance companies also allow policyholders to track their claims real time - either by visiting the company's portals or via SMS alerts. "The policyholders should save the claim intimation number and provide our call centre with their mobile number to enable tracking," informs Vijay Kumar, head, motor insurance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, which offers the facility to track claims through SMSs.

DOS AND DON'TS

Getting your car insured is not enough. You need to closely study the policy document to understand what is covered as well as the exclusions, to avoid nasty surprises after filing the claim. "Water-logging is a common problem during the monsoons. If your car breaks down in a flooded area, you should not try to start the car, as water entering into the engine could cause further damage. Such consequential damage is typically not covered under a car insurance policy," points out Mr Chopra. Also, it is imperative to keep your driving licence and a copy of your policy document in your car at all times, as it can come in handy while making claims.

Before filing a claim, assess the extent of damage caused to your car. If you feel it will result in minor outgo, you need to take a call on whether the claim needs to be filed. Every claim-free year entitles you to a no-claim bonus, which may not be worth losing for a small claim. This apart, if you are switching insurers, it is advisable to provide the correct information regarding claims filed. Insurers have started sharing data among themselves and you could be caught on the wrong foot if you decide to keep the new insurer in the dark about claims filed.

Source: The Economic Times, dated 1st June 2010, Page No: 23.