Drivers getting involved in any kind of road accident are shocked initially and it takes a moment or two for them to realise that they have actually bumped their car into somebody else's vehicle. And, one should not expect that immediately after the accident they would go to the insurance office and raise the claim.
On the contrary, if somebody takes the prompt action of reporting the incident to the police and then to the insurance office, he deserves to be applauded because that is the right sequence of doing the things in such kind of situation. But before doing that if somebody is injured, the victim should be taken to the hospital or as suitable. Now comes the question, at what time should you file for the car insurance claim.
Time to file car insurance claim
There can be so many consequences when the person gets involved in an accident. Sometimes, the person himself gets injured and he is unable to take any action. Sometimes his car is damaged at such a level that it takes time to estimate the repair cost and at other times there are so many legal formalities that there is merely no time left to contact motor car policy office to raise the claim. Insurers understand this, so they do not have stringent rules regarding the time frame. Since, car insurance policy is a contract and therefore it does have certain rules and regulations which also describe a reasonable time limit under which one should be able to raise the claim.
Understand your policy's terms and conditions
The time frame to raise the car policy claim varies from insurer to insurer. While buying the car insurance policy, one must read the documents carefully and understand each and every clause described in it. Even if you have acquired online car insurance, do not forget to read the fine print mentioned in the soft copy of your policy that mostly explains the exclusions and other vital elements relating to the contract. If you do not read it at the time of acquiring the policy, do take time to read it when you are thinking to raise the claim.
For insured's benefit
If you regularly pay your car policy premium on time, you may assume that you are in good books of your insurer. Of course, you will earn good name if you genuinely fulfil your responsibilities but it does not allow you to take unreasonably more time to file your car insurance claim.
It is always in the best interest of the insured to raise the claim as soon as possible. Though it does not have any extra benefits but it will also not cost you anything. However, if you file your claim at earliest possible time, your car insurer would be able to take less time in availing you the claim amount. Requirement of various other proof documents may come up while raising the claim. And you will easily be able to obtain that because it has not been long since you met with the accident. Added to this, you will not have to give explanations on being late comer to file for the claim.