Why would you buy insurance in the first place? For assistance when the times are tough or unforeseen, right? This way, you can get through the situation smoothly or can look into other things rather than worrying about finances. A bike insurance policy is no different. With bike insurance at your side, you can ride safely without having to worry about the usual issues that bike owners face in case of mishaps.
One of the major aspects of having a bike insurance policy is the claims. In the unfortunate event of an accident or other perils that the policy covers, you would need to claim the policy. But what is the right way to claim a policy? Is there a way or a series of steps that one can follow to get through the claims process without having to worry about rejections? You need to know the complete claim process of insurers when you compare two-wheeler insurance policies online and then opt for the one which is the most customer-friendly.
For bike owners who wish to claim their policy, the following steps would aid them in the purpose.
- Call Your Insurer
The first and foremost thing that you should do in the event of an accident is to inform your insurer about the same. Your insurer would then let you know the other steps (specific, in any) that you can follow in order to complete the claim. Of course, the first priority is your safety. After ensuring that you and anyone else involved with an accident is safe, make the call to your insurer.
- Survey of Bike
Insurers usually send an inspector (representative) to assess the situation and survey the damages incurred. If it is a minor accident, your insurer might ask you to take the bike to the nearest authorized garage. The surveyor would then visit the authorized garage to assess the damages. In case of a serious accident, the surveyor would visit the scene at the earliest to survey the damages. Be honest while answering the questions posed by the surveyor.
- Complete Repairs
Once the survey is complete, you can start with the repairs process. Depending on the complexity of the situation, the repairs might take a few hours to a few days. You need to wait for the repairs to be complete to proceed with the next steps.
- File for Claim
Once the repairs are complete, you can claim your policy. Since the survey is already complete, your insurer would be aware of the repair expenses. You still would have to submit all the repair related bills along with the claim settlement form. Should the repairs take place in any of the network garages, your insurer will settle the amount directly. But if you have done the repairs elsewhere, you will have to pay repairs from your pocket, submit the bills and ask for a reimbursement. Note that some insurers might start this process the moment you take the bike to a garage. Online insurers might not need physical documents. You can upload the same on their website and complete the process quickly.
- Other Expenses
Most of the times, the insurance claim might not cover the entire amount spent during repairs. For starters, the compulsory deductible is one such component that you have to pay from your pocket. Similarly, if you have opted for a voluntary deductible, you will have to pay for it as well. Thus, it is good to assess if there are any other expenses that you must shell out of your pocket.
Bike Insurance Online
The above steps will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your claims and reduce any chances of the claims being rejected. If you or any of your friends have repaired a bike post an accident, would know the extent of expenses. If you have not renewed your policy, ensure that bike insurance renewal is done at the earliest.
One of the recommended ways of bike insurance renewal is to do it online. You can compare two-wheeler insurance online and conclude which policy is better. This allows you to buy a policy that is rich in features and light on your pockets at the same time.
