5 Easy Steps To File A Claim For Car Theft

As compared to basic third-party insurance, a comprehensive car insurance policy offers more coverage. Apart from third-party damages, it also covers 'own' damages and losses in case of an accident. Similarly, it also covers man-made calamities, including theft. If your four-wheeler is stolen, your insurer will cover you up to the IDV (Insured Declared Value) of your car.

But to get compensated from your insurer in case of car theft, you must file a claim. The claim should be submitted as quickly as possible from the time the car is stolen to avoid any delays or discrepancies in approval. For this, you first need to understand the claim filing process clearly.

Here are the detailed steps you need to follow to file a car theft claim-

1. File an FIR

Once you find out that your car is stolen, the first thing you need to do is file an FIR (First Information Report) at your local police station. The police will ask for relevant details to register a complaint. You will receive a copy of your FIR, which you will need for filing the claim.

2. Contact Your Insurer

After filing a police complaint, the next step for filling insurance claim in case of car theft is to inform your insurer about the incident. You can notify the company of the robbery, either online or offline. You will mostly be required to fill a claim form and provide details like policy number, car number, and information related to the theft.    

3. Inform Your RTO

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, you must inform your RTO (Regional Transport Office) about car theft. You will be required to fill a few official forms, which will then be signed by the RTO officer. Along with the duly signed forms, the RTO will also give you the transfer papers to be submitted to the insurance company.  

4. Submit the Required Documents to Your Insurer

Your insurer will require you to submit several documents for a successful car theft insurance claim. The documents include-

• Copy of insurance documents.
• Original FIR copy.
• The claim form.
• Driving license copy.
• RC book copy.
• RTO transfer papers and relevant RTO forms

Apart from these documents, you also need to submit your original car keys (two sets) for successful claim filing.

5. Collect No-Trace Report from Police

Once you file an FIR, the police will then start the investigation. In case if your car cannot be traced for a particular duration, you are entitled to receive a no-trace report from the police station. This document is mandatory to get the claim sanctioned by your insurer. 

How Much Time Will It Take to Get the Claim Sanctioned?

As mentioned above, the no-trace report is only generated after 30 days or more depending on your location from the date you register your policy complaint. Apart from this, it can take up to 60-90 days for your insurer to generate the IDV of your car. Overall, the whole process can easily take 3-4 months. 

So, make sure that you follow all the car theft insurance claim process and provide all the required information and documents to the insurer to avoid delays. 

Rejection of Car Theft Claim

Your claim can get rejected due to several reasons including -

 

• If you did not file a claim timely.
• If your insurer has reasons to believe that you have not taken adequate steps to protect your car.
• Mismatch in the documents submitted.
• If you're using a personal vehicle for commercial use.
• You can't present two sets of keys to the insurer.

 

While there are other factors too, these usually top the list. In case your claim is rejected, and you are not happy with the decision, you can also approach the insurer ombudsman to get the issue settled. Reputable insurers are mostly known to have a hassle-free claim filing process to help you get the reimbursement as quickly as possible.