What Documents are Required for a Car Insurance Claim?

Insurance Policy Card & Number

Your policy ID card issued by the insurer. It not only verifies that your coverage is active but also acts as the first step when you file a claim.

Valid Driver's License

The driver's license at the time of the incident. Should be valid and unexpired; both sides might be necessary.

Vehicle Registration Certificate

Proof that a vehicle is legally registered in your name, or at least in the household's name, serves as verification of vehicle ownership and is also necessary for insurance purposes.

Accident / Incident Report

A detailed description of the accident, specifying date, time, place, and the individuals involved.

Police Report (FIR)

It is required if the accident results in an injury, severe damage, or a conflict of opinions. It is the police or other law enforcement officials who issue it.

Photographs & Video Evidence

Photos or videos with the exact time of the vehicle, accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any apparent injuries.

Witness Contact Information

Independent witnesses' names, phone numbers, and statements for forming your evidence.

Dashcam or CCTV Footage

If video evidence is available, it can be a decisive factor in disputed cases. Preserve and submit such evidence.

Own Damage (Collision)

Repair estimate from workshop, surveyor's inspection report(if asked  Loss above 50%),  vehicle RC, Driving License

Theft Claim

FIR + NTC (Non traceable certificate), all sets of vehicle keys, RC, NOC from RTO, Form 29/30/35, loan NOC (if applicable)

Fire Damage

FIR, investigation report, fire brigade report, surveyor's report, photographs of burnt vehicle, loan NOC (if applicable)

Natural Disaster (Flood, Storm)

Surveyor's report (loss above 50k),spot photos, diagnosis report,and repair estimate

Third-Party Liability

Third party's claim notice, mandatory court summons (if any), other party's injury/damage proof

Personal Injury

Medical records, hospital bills, doctor's reports, prescription receipts, disability certificate (if applicable)

Total Loss / CTL (Constructive Total Loss)

Consent letter from customer, NOC from financier(If loan), original RC, original key.

Emergency Room / Hospital Records

Admission notes, diagnosis, treatment plans, and discharge summaries should be provided from all treating facilities.

All Medical Bills

Detailed bills from hospitals, medical specialists, pharmacies, physiotherapy clinics, and other healthcare providers.

Doctor’s Written Report

Physician’s report linking injuries to the accident, including severity and expected recovery timeline.

Prescription Receipts

Receipts for all medications, including ongoing prescriptions related to the injury.

Disability / Impairment Certificate

Required when claiming for partial or permanent disability caused by the accident.

Employer Letter (Loss of Income)

Employer-issued letter confirming salary, missed workdays, and income loss due to injury.

Physiotherapy / Rehabilitation Records

Ongoing treatment records showing the long-term impact of injuries on daily functioning.

Psychological Evaluation

Report from a licensed psychologist if the accident caused PTSD or psychological trauma.

Not filing a police report

An FIR is essential for the insurer to verify the accident officially.

Always file a police report if the case is out of hand or if there are major accidents

Delayed claim notification

Most policies require a 24-72-hour notice.

Call your insurer immediately after the accident

Incomplete photo documentation

Damage scope is not verifiable, resulting in the underestimation of costs

Photograph from multiple angles; include context shots

Repairing the car before surveyor visits

In the absence of an independent assessment of the damage, the claim might be invalidated.

Wait for the insurer's surveyor before authorising any repairs

Providing inconsistent statements

Fraud investigations and prolonged delays result from discrepancies

Be consistent, accurate, and honest in all communications

Missing vehicle registration / ownership docs

The insurer is unable to verify the existence of an insurable interest

Keep digital copies of all vehicle documents in cloud storage

Not preserving dashcam footage

Footage can be overwritten, and important evidence is lost

Back up dashcam footage to your phone immediately post-accident