Accidents are called accidents because they just happen and nobody intentionally do it, two wheeler insurance are being made mandatory by the authorities to safeguard not only you as a rider but also the third party which might also get involved in case of accident. The unfortunate accident might happened because of either party's negligence/mistake or it might also happened due to other factors. Whatever the case it may be, God forbid, if you met with an accident, there are many things to remember, which in that panic situation are normally difficult to reckon and even more hard to implement.Making the insurance claim right after you met with an accident, will lead you to answer lot many questions for which you should be prepared well in advance. And keeping this thing in mind one should also act prudently after getting out of the moment of heat. Always note down the date, time and place of accident. Try to take out the photograph of the scene, here the camera of your mobile would come handy and will prove real help to maintain the evidence intact.
If you find the other vehicle on the receiving end, take the photographs of the damage being done by the vehicle and the pictures of the evidence where the marks or dents can be seen on your bike with any paint marks left by the vehicle struck to you. These pictures will help you to put your case strongly in court in case of any criminal offence filed.
If it is a hit and run case, try to note down the registration number of the vehicle, and the best way to do is, dictate the registration number to the witness present at the scene, because they are at comparatively calm state of mind and can react in much controlled manner than you. The make and color of the vehicle is also as important as the registration number, as the culprit's vehicle after being traced will be matched with your given description of it.
Coming to the insurance claim, there are broadly two approaches that can be taken- one, you can bring your motorcycle to your SVC and present your insurance paper and they will do the rest of the work. Or you can take the estimate from your SVS for the repair and yourself call your insurance agent so that he can do survey and do his own estimation. Generally, if you don't have cashless insurance policy, initially you have to pay for the repairs being done by the service center, which later you will get reimbursed by the insurance company in couple of weeks time.
Now, if your motorcycle sustained only minor damage in the accident, like only plastic parts are being damaged then, normally what people do is, they do not make any claim to the insurance company and pay the repair/replacement charges from their own pocket. They do it simply because of one reason that the plastic parts are not fully covered in insurance and you get less than 50% reimbursed for those parts. But even 50% of the amount is not less? you must be thinking why anybody would even leave that amount and pay from his pocket? then what is the purpose of insurance left? The answer is, once you claim for any accident you are no more entitled for the "No Claim Bonus" and will be charged with more premium on renewal of the insurance next year.
At times the lack of "No Claim Bonus" and extra premium to be paid because of the claim you made exceeds the amount you actually get against the claim for those cheap plastic parts. The proposition sounds practical as you save your insurance benefits for the bigger and more severe damage in the future.
Points discussed here intends to help you dealing with insurance company and getting you claims settled with ease. Do share your experiences regarding insurance issues in the comments section.
By: Farhan Kashif
