How To Claim Car Insurance Due To Cyclone Damage?

Natural catastrophes may strike at any time and cause havoc with your belongings when you least expect it. Nature's anger may be as terrifying as a large bomb exploding. Automobiles are without a doubt one of our most prized assets. As a result, it is critical to guarantee that our automobiles and other valuables are secure when natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, and storms strike.

Steps to Claim Car Damages Due to Natural Calamity

If your automobile or motorcycle has been damaged by natural disasters and you have individual damage or comprehensive coverage, you may easily make a claim with your insurer. Due to the epidemic, the insurance sector is migrating online, so you may file your claim right on the insurer's website. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has directed insurers to employ nodal persons to help in claim reception, processing, and payment. Here's what you should do if your vehicle is damaged:

• Inform the insurance right away

If a tree or a pole has fallen on your car, resist the desire to cut it down. Instead, contact your insurance as soon as possible—preferably within 48 hours—and supply them with information on your car and policy number.

• Do not start your car

Do not attempt to start your car if it is flooded. In most cases, insurance companies will not cover damages caused by attempting to start a submerged vehicle's engine.

• Take pictures of the proof

To assess your claim, the insurer will require you to share or submit photos of the damaged car. Take as many images as you can, clearly and comprehensively illustrating the damage. Remember, these photos will be the only proof you have once the vehicle is transported to a neighbouring garage. As a result, it's a good idea to take as many photographs of the damage as possible and keep them secure until the claim is fully processed.

• Allow time for support to arrive

Insurance companies have partnerships with garages all around the country. Upon notification, they will dispatch service staff from the garage to tow your car away and check it. The garage will analyze the damage and costs before notifying the insurance company. The insurer will reimburse the charges based on your insurance coverage and the claim amount. It goes without saying that if certain components are destroyed that are not covered by the policy, the owner will be responsible for the repair costs for those specific parts.

• A surveyor could be required

A surveyor may be called in to inspect the damage to a large SUV, luxury automobile, or motorcycle. It is frequently done in circumstances when the value of the claim exceeds Rs 50,000. If the damage expenses surpass 75% of the Insured Declared Value, the vehicle is considered a total loss, and the IDV is calculated using the car's depreciation. Even if the settlement amount is less than what you would have paid for the automobile, it will still be less than what you would have spent for it. You may add an invoice cover to your ordinary car or motorcycle insurance policy to get the entire amount you paid for the vehicle. This is especially true if you have a new automobile.

• Do not get it fixed before contacting your insurance company

You may have to remove the blockages yourself in an emergency before taking the car to an authorized service center. However, make sure you get the bills for all of the work you've done. Also, always take your car to an authorized service centre; otherwise, your claim may be denied. The photos of the damage will be useful here since after your automobile is repaired, there will be no evidence in the event of a subsequent disagreement.

Take Away

While insurance is basically a foresighted financial safety net, you can only benefit from it if you follow the established procedures. Storms are projected to become more common, and claims may soon be totally digital. While these severe weather events might chew up a lot of your time, it's critical to know how to get the most out of your automobile or motorcycle insurance coverage to avoid further financial loss. While you keep safe at home, make sensible decisions with your auto insurance policy and get extensive coverage to protect yourself from such situations.

Also Read:

What Is A Knock-For-Knock-Agreement?

All About Outstation Emergency Cover in Car Insurance

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.