Filing a car insurance claim? Here are the papers you must prepare

Accidents or unexpected incidents can happen to anyone, anytime—even the most careful drivers can fall prey to unfortunate events. When such a thing happens, the only tool that’ll save you is insurance. However, for that to work, you must file the claim on time and include the required documentation. All this will help avoid unnecessary delays, stress, and even claim rejections.

Don’t worry, all this isn't that difficult; you just need to know the proper process for filing a car insurance claim. In this article, we discussed it all—from the process to essential paperwork to common mistakes to avoid.

Also Read: Car insurance add-ons in the Philippines: Which ones are worth it?

So, without any delay, let’s get started….

Car insurance claim in the Philippines

What is a car insurance claim? A car insurance claim is a process by which a policyholder requests that their provider cover expenses resulting from an accident, theft, or vehicle damage.

Key highlights about insurance claim -

• It is a formal request made to the insurer.
• It is a request for financial compensation that covers damages resulting from an accident, theft, or damage to the vehicle or third-party property.
• If approved, the claim could cover car repair, the cost of stolen parts and third-party liability.
• If denied, the entire liability will fall on the policyholder’s shoulders.

Also Read: New to driving? Here’s how to handle accidents and insurance

Car insurance claim & documentation

Why does proper documentation matter? Insurance companies in the Philippines follow
strict verification procedures when it comes to filing an insurance claim. Missing even one essential document can delay or even reject the claim.

Remember that only through proper paperwork can you enjoy the full benefits of the insurance policy.

Filing a car insurance claim: A step-by-step guide

Filing a car insurance claim doesn’t have to be complicated, given that you know and follow the process. Here are instructions -

Step 1: Inform the provider
After the incident, ensure everyone’s safety, then contact the provider as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the accident. Most providers have a 24/7 hotline number to assist you with the process.

Step 2: Inform the local authorities
If the accident involves injury, theft, or property damage, a police report becomes mandatory. It serves as an official document of the incident and is required before filing a claim.

Step 3: Gather all the necessary paperwork
Ensure you inquire about all required documents to file a claim, gather them, and submit them along with the duly accomplished claim form.

Also Read: Top 15 car insurance concerns in the Philippines—Answer

Essential documents required to file a claim

Below is the list of the standard documents required by most insurance providers in the Philippines to file a car insurance claim -

Insurance policy	A copy of the insurance policy serves as proof of coverage. It is recommended to keep a copy (digital or printed) handy.
Driver’s license	A photocopy of the policyholder’s driver's licence is required to verify their authorisation to drive.
OR/CR	The vehicle’s Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) confirm the ownership status of the car.
Photos of the damage	Clear, time-stamped photos of the damage and accident scene from multiple angles are considered visual evidence to support your claim and help assess repair costs.
Police report	This is crucial, especially in the case of an accident, theft, or vandalism. It validates the claim's circumstances.

Also Read: Cheap car insurance: Smart savings or a costly mistake?

Car insurance claim process & timeline

How long does a car insurance claim take to get resolved in the Philippines? The claim processing time varies; however, the claim is usually resolved within 7 to 30 days after the claim form is submitted along with all the required paperwork. Here are a few factors that influence this timeline: the complexity of the claim, coverage, completeness of the documents, inspection, and coordination with the repair shop.

Mistakes to avoid when filing a claim

When filing a claim, make sure to avoid the following pitfalls to ensure there are no delays -

• Proving incomplete information/misrepresenting facts: Make it a point to be truthful in your claim form, as even a minor bit of false information can lead to denial or rejection of the claim.
• Submitting incomplete requirements: Before submitting your claim form, double-check all paperwork to ensure it aligns with the provider's list.
• Failing to notify the insurer on time: Delaying the notification to the provider about the incident may raise red flags and could void your claim benefits. Ensure that you inform the provider asap.

Also Read: 6 Smart ways to never forget your car insurance expiry date

Bottom line

Purchasing a car and then insuring it with a reputable provider and optimal coverage is undoubtedly a task. However, filing a car insurance claim doesn’t have to be stressful. The key here is adequate preparation, including familiarity with the required paperwork and its prompt submission. You see, for a policyholder, being proactive and organised is all it takes to ensure the claim is processed quickly and you get back to normal in no time.

Remember, your car insurance policy is more than just a requirement; it is a safety net that keeps you & your car protected during uncertain events. But it will all be useless if your claim isn’t approved for whatever reason, one of which is improper document submission.

Also Read: Car insurance claim denied? Here’s how to file an appeal in the Philippines