Mistakes to Avoid While Claiming 3rd Party Bike Insurance Claims

Picture this: It is a winter night, and you are returning home on your bike. The fog gathers and reduces your visibility. You do not see the car driving ahead of you, and the vehicle collides, damaging the car. The car owner asks for compensation for the damage. Now, the question arises: what should you do? Should you pay him from your pocket?

The answer is No. You can claim if you own bike insurance with third-party coverage. To put it in simpler words, a third-party bike insurance claim is a type of claim you make when you cause an accident, causing damage to the vehicle or injuries to a third party.

But you can only avail of this benefit if you file the claim properly. Any mistake while filing the claim can lead to rejection. This article will walk you through the common mistakes to avoid while making 3rd party bike insurance claims and the consequences so that your claim is not rejected. So, read this article till the end.

The Process to Claim 3rd-Party Bike Insurance

According to the Two-Wheeler Act of 2019, two-wheeler insurance is mandatory. Buying bike insurance is easy, but understanding the bike insurance claim process is essential. Sadly, many people lack this knowledge.

So, here are the steps to file your two-wheeler insurance claim smoothly: 

• Notify your insurance company immediately after the accident.
• File a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station.
• Gather necessary information like insurance details, accident photos, and relevant data. Also, try to get statements from any witnesses at the accident scene.
• Give all the documents and information to the insurer while filing your claim.
• Submit a case to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Court with legal assistance.
• Await the tribunal court’s decision on the compensation amount.

Mistakes to Avoid While Making 3rd Party Bike Insurance Claims

Making mistakes can increase the chances of claim denials. Here are some mistakes to avoid while making 3rd party bike insurance claims:

1. Leaving the Accident Spot

It is against the law to flee an accident site, making it more difficult to compile reliable incident reports. Instead, stay on the scene, make sure everyone is secure, and bide your time until the police arrive.

2. Not Filing the FIR

Filing the First Information Report (FIR) is essential as it documents the initial information you offer about the incidents. This can be helpful when filing a claim. You can file the FIR at the closest police station where the accident occurred.

3. Taking Accountability for the Accident

If you take accountability for the accident, you can be liable for any losses. Instead, it would be beneficial to leave the job to the legal authorities to determine who is responsible for the accident based on the available facts.

4. Delayed Communication to the Insurer

Delayed communication with the insurer is a common mistake that can jeopardize your third-party bike insurance claim. It’s crucial to inform your insurer about the accident immediately. Any delay can lead to complications in the claim process, and the insurer might even deny the claim due to a lack of timely and accurate information. Therefore, prompt communication is vital to a smooth claim settlement process.

5. Not Capturing Evidence

You can strengthen your claim with evidence such as witness accounts, accident scene images, and information about damages and injuries. If you don’t show evidence, your claim might not be convincing. For example, take photos from different angles, make sure the damage is evident, and ask witnesses to give written or video statements.

Consequences of Filing Bike Insurance Claim Incorrectly

Filing a two-wheeler insurance claim incorrectly can lead to several consequences, including:

1. High Chances of Rejection

If you file your bike insurance claim with incorrect details, such as an incorrect date, time, or location, your claim can be rejected. Thus, you must provide accurate and complete information during the claim filing process.

2. Longer Claim Process

Claims submitted incorrectly often need more checking and explanation, slowing the settlement process. You may have to wait longer because verifying the provided information takes longer.

3. Greater Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Filing a bike insurance claim incorrectly can lead to greater out-of-pocket expenses. This implies that if your claim is rejected due to incorrect filing, you will have to bear the cost of repairs or replacements themselves.

Key Takeaways

By understanding the mistakes to avoid while making 3rd party bike insurance claims, you can make the process simpler and easier. Furthermore, filing claims without errors expedites approval and ensures you get the desired support.