Accidents are unpredictable and can cause financial stress due to medical bills, hospital charges, and loss of income. Having accident insurance gives you financial protection, but many people are confused about how to make a claim when an accident happens.
If you’ve ever wondered how to claim accident insurance, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the process, required documents, and important tips to ensure a smooth settlement.
What is Accident Insurance?
Accident insurance is a type of policy that provides financial coverage in case of:
- Accidental death
- Permanent disability
- Partial disability
- Temporary total disability
- Hospitalization due to an accident
Depending on your policy, the insurance company will pay you or your family a fixed sum insured or reimburse the expenses.
When Can You Claim Accident Insurance?
You can file a claim under accident insurance in the following cases:
- Accidental Death – The nominee receives the insured amount.
- Permanent Disability – Lump sum compensation is paid.
- Partial Disability – A percentage of the insured amount is given.
- Temporary Disability – Compensation for loss of income due to recovery time.
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, ambulance charges, and treatment costs are reimbursed.
Steps to Claim Accident Insurance
Here’s a step-by-step process:
1. Inform the Insurance Company Immediately
- Call the customer care helpline within 24–48 hours of the accident.
- Share details like policy number, accident date, hospital details, and injury type.
- Ask for the claim form and claim reference number.
2. Fill Out the Claim Form
- Provide accurate details about the accident.
- Mention policyholder details, hospital details, and treatment information.
- Attach supporting documents (see below).
3. Submit Required Documents
Most insurers require the following documents for accident insurance claims:
- Filled claim form.
- Policy copy.
- Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Driving License).
- FIR or police report (in case of major accident or death).
- Medical reports and hospital bills.
- Doctor’s certificate confirming injuries/disability.
- Death certificate (in case of accidental death).
- Postmortem report (if applicable).
4. Hospital/Medical Verification
- The insurance company may verify hospital records.
- In case of accidental death, they may ask for police investigation details.
5. Claim Approval and Settlement
- If all documents are correct, the claim is processed.
- Cashless treatment: If the hospital is in the insurer’s network, bills are settled directly.
- Reimbursement claim: You pay first, then submit bills to get reimbursement.
Claim settlement usually takes 7–30 days, depending on the insurer.
Tips for a Smooth Accident Insurance Claim
Always keep copies of all medical bills and prescriptions.
File the claim within the insurer’s deadline (usually 30 days).
Never provide false or incomplete information.
Inform your nominee about policy details in case of accidental death.
Use network hospitals for faster cashless claims.
Common Reasons for Claim Rejection
Your claim can be denied if:
- Delay in informing the insurer.
- Incomplete documents.
- Accident under excluded activities (drunk driving, self-harm, criminal act, etc.).
- False or misleading information.
- Expired insurance policy
Top Accident Insurance Providers in India
Some trusted insurers offering accident insurance:
- HDFC ERGO Personal Accident Insurance
- ICICI Lombard Personal Protect Policy
- Bajaj Allianz Personal Accident Insurance
- SBI General Personal Accident Insurance
- Tata AIG Accident Guard Policy
- Reliance Personal Accident Policy
