By purchasing car insurance policy, you receive financial assistance if your car is damaged due to natural disasters, such as fires, earthquakes, storms, cyclones, and so on. It also includes coverage against mishaps, fires, and thefts. Purchase a comprehensive policy for your car and receive compensation for damages caused by natural disasters.
In the event of a natural disaster, your car is vulnerable to two types of damage:
- Exterior or interior damages:
Easily compensate for the costs by utilising the own-damage insurance component of your comprehensive coverage.
- Engine damage:
Repairing extensive damage like this is difficult and costly.
We list down the steps to get help in case of such damages.
Natural disasters: how to file a car insurance claim –
Have natural or man-made disasters damaged your car? If you already have comprehensive car insurance, here are some common steps for filing a claim.
Step 1: Leave the scene alone and collect photographic evidence of the damage. It includes photographs from every angle.
Step 2: Write down the date, location, and general timeline of events since the disaster. During this time, the car must remain stationary.
Step 3: With the evidence and timeline, notify your car insurance provider. Inform them of the damage to your car.
Step 4: Your insurer can send a surveyor to investigate the problem. The investigator would inspect the damage and confirm your details about what happened. Your claim can be approved shortly after you submit the survey report.
Step 5: The insurer may tow your car to the nearest garage for repairs. However, ensure all documents are submitted per the car insurance policy company’s requirements. You can pick up your car from the garage once the repairs are completed.
Step 6: The expenses are billed to the insurer for Cashless Claims. In case of a car insurance claim settlement ratio or situation, you must submit all bills and payment receipts to the insurer. The reimbursement can be deposited into your account following verification.
Take precautions to prevent further damage –
In a crisis, you and your loved ones’ safety should take precedence. However, if you have enough warning of a coming storm, the following tips can help reduce the risk of car damage:
- If you have a flood warning, move your car to higher ground, such as the top of a hill or a high level in a parking garage.
- To avoid hail and wind damage, park your car in a garage or other shelter.
- To keep water out of your garage, use sandbags or flood barriers.
- Avoid parking near trees or power lines.
- If you have multiple vehicles and need to evacuate, try to get all of them out of the disaster area.
- Stay away from driving through standing water.
Examine the damage to your car after the storm has passed. If it’s flooded, don’t start it. Instead, disconnect the battery, roll down the windows if possible, and have the car towed to a safe location.
If you have Comprehensive coverage, it will protect you from the financial impact of natural disasters. You can verify this information by looking at the policy paper. You can obtain additional information by consulting the Policy details, which are located on the insurance company’s website. Another way is by calling your insurer and asking them about it.
‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.‘
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply