How Car Insurance Works After a Natural Disaster

Diversity is synonymous with India’s vivid and vast collection of ethnicities and geographical locations. With every few 100 kilometres distinctly changing dialects, it’s no surprise that India has a variety of regions. Though, these regions come with temperamental weather conditions. If you aren’t careful enough, one natural calamity could wipe your car…and savings!  In recent years, India has held the global rank of #3 for countries that experienced the highest volume of natural calamities. Over 108 crore Indians suffered from natural disasters in 2021 - with over 79.7 thousand casualties. Startling, isn’t it? Depending on the region, India faces a host of destructive natural disasters. Some tragedies include,

•  Kashmir Flood (2013): With over 550 fatalities, the swelling of the Jhelum river caused a massive flood that led to damages worth Rs. 6,000 crores

• The Boxing Day Tsunami (2004): Caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3, it struck households in India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka 

• Gujurat Earthquake (2001): Lasting over 120 seconds, it damaged nearly 4 lakh homes and measured 7.6 on the Richter scale 

•  Odisha Super Cyclone (1999): The “most dangerous tropical cyclone” that struck the North Indian ocean, it destroyed nearly 2.57 lakh houses and claimed over 15,000 fatalities

• Bengal Famine (1770): British East India company’s exploitative policies paired with poor weather conditions led to a historic famine that lasted two centuries, claiming one crore fatalities 

By purchasing car insurance, you receive financial support if your vehicle suffers damages caused by natural calamities and other man-made disasters. It includes accidents, fires and thefts. Purchase a comprehensive policy for your car and avail compensation with an adequate sum insured to cover damages caused by natural disasters.  To prevent unforeseen financial brunts, apply for car insurance that handles these expenses on your behalf.. That said, there are two kinds of damage your car is prone to in the events of a disaster:

1. Exterior or interior damages: Easily compensate for the expenses using the own-damage insurance part of your comprehensive cover
2. Engine damages: Repairing extensive damages like these is tricky and drives up a hefty bill 

Before installing expensive accessories and add-ons like pricey stereos or fancy GPS systems, inform your insurer! By paying an additional premium, you can cover the cost of damages to these items.  

Tip: During a dreadful flood, is your car submerged? Don’t start it! If water seeps into the engine, it may be too damaged to repair. However, such policies exclude consequential losses caused by these disasters. 

Calm down! Has your car suffered damages caused by natural or man-made calamities? If you already have a comprehensive car insurance policy, here are some common steps for filing a claim. 

• Step 1: Let the scene remain untouched and collect photographic evidence of the damages. It includes photographs from all angles and any published new articles on the topic. 

• Step 2:Note down the date, location and the general timeline of events since the disaster struck. The vehicle must remain unmoved during this period. 

• Step 3: With the evidence and timeline in hand, inform your car insurance provider. Intimate them about the damages suffered by your vehicle. 

• Step 4:Your insurer will dispatch a surveyor to investigate the matter. The investigator will inspect the damages incurred and verify the details provided by you regarding the events that occurred. Once the survey report is submitted, your claim will be approved shortly. 

• Step 5:The insurer will have your car towed to the nearest garage for repairs. However, ensure all documents are submitted as specified by the insurance company. Post-repair completion, you can collect your car from the garage. 

• Step 6:For Cashless Claims, the expenses are billed to the insurer. In case of Reimbursement Claim Settlement, you must submit all the bills and payment receipts to the insurer. Post-verification, the reimbursement will be disbursed into your account.  Do you live in regions prone to natural disasters? Consider purchasing a comprehensive car insurance policy today! Avoid letting your precious four-wheeler become susceptible to damage and disrepair.