Step 1: Understand Your Policy Coverage

Before initiating any claim, it’s crucial to know what your insurance policy covers. Every policy comes with a set of inclusions, exclusions, claim limits, and terms.

Key details to check:

• Coverage benefits

• Sum insured

• Waiting periods (especially in health insurance)

• Exclusions (e.g., self-inflicted injuries, driving under influence, etc.)

• Claim filing time limits

💡 Tip: Always keep both digital and physical copies of your policy and related documents for easy access.

Step 2: Inform the Insurance Provider Immediately

Once the event occurs (accident, hospitalization, theft, or death), the first step is to notify your insurer as soon as possible. Quick intimation ensures the claim process begins without delay.

How to notify:

• Call the insurer’s customer care

• Use the insurer’s mobile app or website

• Visit the nearest branch

Timely notification is especially crucial for cashless claims in health and motor insurance.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Each type of claim has its own set of documentation requirements:

🏥 Health Insurance:

• Policy copy

• Hospital bills, discharge summary

• Doctor’s prescription

• Diagnostic reports

• Pre-authorization form for cashless claims

🚗 Motor Insurance:

• RC book, driving license

• FIR (for theft or major damage)

• Photos of the vehicle damage

• Repair estimate

⚰️ Life Insurance:

• Death certificate

• Original policy document

• Identity and bank details of the nominee

🗂 Ensure all documents are clear, complete, and accurate before submission.

Step 4: Choose Claim Type — Cashless or Reimbursement

✅ Cashless Claim:

Available for health and motor insurance if services are availed at network hospitals or garages. The insurer directly settles the bill with the service provider.

✅ Reimbursement Claim:

If services are availed outside the network, you pay the bills first and then submit the documents for reimbursement.

In both cases, proper documentation is key.