Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident for Insurance Claim

🚗 Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident for Insurance Claim

A Complete Guide to Protect Your Rights, Your Car, and Your Claim

🔍 Introduction

No one expects a car accident. Yet when it happens, panic, confusion, and fear often take over. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do next is critical — especially if you want your car insurance claim to be processed quickly and fairly.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the Dos and Don'ts after a car accident, especially from an insurance claim point of view. The right actions can make or break your claim, reduce hassle, and ensure you're legally and financially protected.

📌 Why This Blog Matters

Every year, thousands of car insurance claims in India are rejected or delayed due to:

This blog helps you avoid those mistakes.

✅ Section 1: Dos After a Car Accident

1. 🛑 Stop the Vehicle Immediately

No matter how minor the accident, always stop your car. Driving away can be considered hit-and-run under Indian law (Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act). It may also invalidate your insurance claim.

2. 🧍‍♂️ Ensure Safety First

Check for:

If someone is hurt, call for medical help immediately before anything else.

3. 📸 Document the Scene

Use your phone to take pictures or videos of:

These photos act as proof when submitting your claim.

4. 🪪 Exchange Details

Collect the following from the other party:

Also take contact details of any eyewitnesses.

5. 📞 Inform the Police

In India, for any major accident, injury, or third-party damage, you must file an FIR. Even for minor cases, a police report adds credibility.

FIR is mandatory when:

6. ☎️ Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

Most insurers in India have a 24-48 hour window for intimation. Call your insurer’s customer care number and:

You can also start the claim through the Policyfy portal if you bought insurance from us.

7. 🧾 Keep All Documents Ready

Documents you’ll likely need:

Having these speeds up claim processing.

8. 🧑‍🔧 Get Vehicle Survey Done

Don't repair the vehicle before the insurance surveyor inspects it. This is a key mistake.

Most insurers will send a surveyor within 24–48 hours. Based on their report, your claim is processed. Repairing the vehicle before this can lead to claim rejection.

9. 🧾 Choose a Network Garage

For cashless claims, take your vehicle to a network garage listed by your insurer. At Policyfy, we help you find the nearest tie-up garages instantly.

Benefits of a network garage:

10. ✅ Follow Up and Stay Updated

After filing the claim, stay in touch with:

Policyfy helps you track everything from one dashboard.

❌ Section 2: Don’ts After a Car Accident

1. ❌ Don’t Panic or Argue

Stay calm. Losing your temper can:

Remain polite and focused on the next steps.

2. ❌ Don’t Admit Fault Immediately

Even if it seems like your mistake, never admit fault at the scene.

Let the police and insurance assess based on evidence. Admitting guilt:

Just state the facts objectively.

3. ❌ Don’t Leave the Scene Too Soon

Wait for:

Leaving early can weaken your claim or lead to FIR against you.

4. ❌ Don’t Drive a Damaged Vehicle

Driving a visibly damaged car can:

Use a tow service, especially if your insurance covers it.

5. ❌ Don’t Skip Medical Attention

Even minor injuries can become serious later. Get a medical check-up and keep the reports.
They:

6. ❌ Don’t Delay Claim Filing

Delaying your claim beyond the allowed window (usually 48–72 hours) can lead to:

File through Policyfy’s easy dashboard or app instantly.

7. ❌ Don’t Submit False Information

Don’t:

Insurance fraud is a serious criminal offense and will lead to claim rejection or legal action.

8. ❌ Don’t Ignore Your Policy Terms

Every policy has its:

Ignoring these can create false expectations. Always read your policy or ask a Policyfy expert.

🧮 Bonus: Common Reasons for Claim Rejection in India

🧠 Scenario-Based Example: What To Do

Situation: Minor Scratch in Parking Lot

Situation: Collision on Highway with Another Car

Situation: Your Car Hits a Pole

🤝 How Policyfy Makes It Easier

We don’t just sell policies. We stand with you when things go wrong. With Policyfy, you get:

All in one place — www.policyfy.com

📣 Final Words

Car accidents are scary. But you don’t need to face them alone.

The key is to act smart, stay calm, and follow the dos and don’ts.

Insurance is your safety net — but it only works if you follow the right steps.

💡 “Prepare today to claim without pain tomorrow.”

👉 Want to Buy or Renew Your Car Insurance?

Visit Policyfy Car Insurance Page - India’s smart insurance platform.