How To File a Car Insurance Claim in 2021
The auto insurance claim process varies depending on the vehicle insurance company and the vehicular incident you were involved in.
Below is a list of the requirements and procedures needed for each type of claim: Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Loss or Stolen Vehicle, and Acts of Nature.
For bodily injury claims
If you have bodily injury protection in your policy, your insurance provider will cover either a personal accident, passenger accident, or third-party accident. They will provide reimbursement of the medical expenses incurred due to the accident. In some policies, death may be covered as well.
Prepare the following documents for submission:
- Original copy of the medical certificate/s of the injured person/s
- Original copy of medical prescription and receipts
- Photocopy of PSA-certified birth certificate/s and/or marriage certificates
- In case of death, funeral bills and receipts
- Certificate of employment
- Copy of the insurance policy
- In case of a third-party injury, include the following:
- Copy of the police sketch
- Letter of claim from third parties involved
- Photographs of the incident, especially the damaged portions of vehicles
- Call your insurance company to report the incident
- Submit an incident report along with other requirements
- Wait for the insurance representative to give instructions on the claims process
In case you cannot do this because of an injury, an authorized representative can do the said steps on your behalf.
For property damage claims
Property damage protection gives financial assistance in case there is an accident that causes damage to your vehicle or to other’s car. It covers both your own and the third-party’s damage. However, not all damage cases are included in the property damage rider, so make sure you review your policy.
Prepare the following documents for submission:
- Photographs of the incident, with some of them clearly showing the car’s license plate
- Copy of the insurance policy
- Photocopy of the driver’s license of the insured
- The vehicle’s official receipt and certificate of registration
- In case of third-party damage, include the following:
- Copy of the demand letter or letter of claim from the third party
- Copy of the third party’s insurance policy
- Copy of the police report
- Copy of the third party’s driver’s license
- Send the documents to the police and insurer immediately after the accident
- Request for an inspection as soon as possible (If your insurance company only allows inspection through photographs, do this immediatel)
- Wait for the total cost of repairs from your insurer
- Get the LOA and take your car to the partner service center
- Pay the deductible and wait for your car to be fixed
For lost or stolen vehicle
Lost or stolen vehicle protection provides the insured with financial assistance in case his/her vehicle is lost or stolen.
Prepare the following documents for submission:
- Report the incident to the police and your insurer immediately
- Get ready for submission and prepare the following:
- Full set of vehicle keys
- Original copy of the insurance policy
- Original copy of the certificate of non-recovery
- Original copy of complaint sheet issued by the Traffic Management Group
- Original copy of the National Formal Alarm Sheet issued by the Traffic Management Group
- Letter of release
- Wait for the insurer to contact you regarding the status of your claim procedure
- Pay the deductible required by your insurer to get your reimbursement
For Acts of Nature claims
Acts of Nature, or Acts of God, covers damage caused by natural calamities such as typhoon, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, hurricane, landslide, and fallen objects of nature.
Prepare the following documents for submission:
- Take photos of the incident, such as your car being submerged in a flood.
- Do not start the vehicle or try to fix it by yourself
- When it is already safe, report the incident to your insurance company
- Get ready for submission and prepare the following:
- Original copy of the insurance policy
- Driver’s license
- Incident report
- Documentation such as photos, videos, etc.
- Official receipt and certificate of registration
- Original copy of barangay/municipal certification of calamity
- Police report and/or notarized affidavit
- Wait for the insurance adjuster to contact you
- Pay the corresponding deductible