The Third party car insurance covers your legal liability if you cause injury, death, or property damage to another person. It does not pay for repairs to your own car. Since third-party claims often rely on police records and formal procedures, the process is typically more document-driven than a standard car insurance repair claim.
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Before You Start: Confirm What Third-Party Cover Will Pay For
Third-party cover is meant for the other person’s loss. It generally provides coverage for third-party bodily injury or death and third-party property damage, subject to policy terms and legal requirements.
It does not pay to fix your own car. For that, you need your own damage cover. This is the core difference between third-party and comprehensive cover.
Who Files the Third-Party Claim
In most cases, the affected person files a compensation claim against the at-fault driver/owner and the insurer, using the applicable legal route for motor accident compensation. If you are the insured driver, you still have important responsibilities: prompt reporting, sharing documents, and cooperating with the insurer and any legal compliance insurance notices.
Step-By-Step: How to Claim Third-Party Car Insurance
Follow these steps to report the accident correctly, submit the right documents, and support the claim process without delays.
Step 1: Prioritise Safety and Record the Accident Clearly
First, ensure medical help if anyone is injured and move to a safe spot if possible. Then capture evidence because it will be used later:
- Photos or short videos of the scene, vehicle positions, and visible damage.
- Number plates of all vehicles involved.
- Date, time, location, and a brief note of what happened.
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses, if available.
Step 2: Inform the Police and Obtain a Written Record
For third-party claims, a police record is often crucial. Report the accident and ensure there is an official acknowledgement. Keep copies safely.
Step 3: Notify the Insurer Promptly
As the policyholder, inform your insurer as soon as you can. Share:
- Policy number and vehicle details.
- Accident location and time.
- Parties involved and basic incident description.
- Police station details and reference number.
Prompt intimation helps avoid disputes and speeds up document coordination.
Step 4: Collect the Documents You May Be Asked For
Exact requirements can vary, but commonly requested documents include:
- The driver’s driving licence at the time of the accident.
- Vehicle RC and your policy copy.
- Police documents and accident report references.
- Details of the third party.
- Photos, videos, and witness details.
If the third party is claiming for injury, medical records and bills will be relevant for them.
Step 5: Cooperate With the Investigation and Survey Requirements
Your insurer may verify facts, ask questions, or request further proof. Respond clearly and keep your statements consistent with police records. If any inspection is required, coordinate quickly.
Step 6: Legal Claim Filing and Proceedings, If Applicable
Third-party vs compensation is often decided through the legal process for motor accident claims. The third party typically files the claim petition with supporting documents. As the insured party, you may receive notices or requests for statements. Share them with your insurer immediately and follow the guidance provided.
Step 7: Settlement as Per the Final Decision and Documentation
Once the legal process concludes and the award or settlement is determined, payment is made as directed, subject to the final order, policy terms, and submitted documents.
If Your Car is Damaged Too: What You Should Do
A third-party policy will not cover your repairs. If you have a plan that includes own damage cover, file a separate own-damage claim for your car. If you only have third-party car insurance, you will have to pay for your repairs yourself.
Mistakes That Commonly Delay Third-Party Claims
Here are a few pointers:
- Weak evidence, i.e. no photos, unclear vehicle numbers, no witness details.
- Missing or inconsistent police records.
- Trying to negotiate an informal settlement without documenting it properly.
- Confusing a third-party procedure with a normal repair claim under comprehensive cover.
Final Thoughts
Claiming under third-party car insurance is a structured process because it deals with legal liability to others. If you document the incident properly, file a police report, notify the insurer promptly, and follow the required legal and insurer steps, the claim journey becomes far smoother and less stressful.
