All you need to know about Cashless Bike Insurance Claims

The bike insurance industry has evolved a lot over the last few years and now, with the advent of technology, most parts of the claim can be digitally solved. There are 2 significant ways of claiming for bike insurance, namely cashless and reimbursement.

What is a cashless claim in Bike Insurance?

The cashless claim is a facility provided by the insurer wherein you can get your bike repaired in any of the listed network garages and the payment would be done directly to your garage by your insurer, without involving you in the interim. This would save a lot of hassles such as a survey or inspection, checking the detailed repair work and its associated costs, as well as paying for the same initially and then submitting all documents for reimbursement.

The objective of this approach is to help avoid individuals burning a big hole in their pockets. The insurer directly pays the repair expense of their bikes right after an accident. Another major advantage of the cashless bike insurance claim process is that it requires very little documentation and fewer formalities to complete as compared to the reimbursement claim process.

What is a reimbursement claim in Bike Insurance?

When you need to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket and then get the same reimbursed from the insurance company, it is called Reimbursement Claim in Bike Insurance. This can be because of getting the repairs done from a non-network garage or any other reason. However, a survey needs to be done beforehand to get the approval for the repair work before getting tbelhe vehicle repaired, else the claim would not be admitted.

Advantages of cashless bike insurance 

When you opt for cashless bike insurance, you attain enormous benefits. Some include:

1. Effortless process
   In case you avail of services at a cashless bike garage, the insurance firm, in most cases covers a big chunk of the expenses. This eases the process as then there is no need for you to run around arranging finances.
2. Rapid services
   Opting for cashless two-wheeler insurance helps you avail of fast-and-quick services. This is because garages offer priority to the policyholders thus, speeding the repair and keeping them tension-free.
3. Reliable garages
   Insurance companies continuously keep upgrading their cashless bike garage list. Such garages hold a proven track record of phenomenal customer satisfaction and updated services. In addition, these garages are genuine and offer reliable spare parts.
4. Seamless claim settlement
   Cashless garages render a swift and efficient claim settlement process, unlike other processes that might take quite a few days.
5. Peace of mind
   Unusual and unseen accidents leave individuals affected physically and financially. However, when individuals opt for cashless two-wheeler insurance, they obtain instant cash arrangements right from inspecting the damage to the claim settlement. 

How does a cashless bike insurance claim work?

A cashless claim bike is supposed to make the claim process simple and quick, and that is exactly what you get when you take your bike to a network garage for repair. Post notifying the company about the accident, you can take the bike for repair to a nearby network garage, if need be you can ask for towing services. At the network garage, the damages will be analyzed by the mechanics and the company surveyor collectively. The insurance company surveyor may do the survey via a video call also if your company allows it.

Post the survey, an estimate of the repair cost will be made and then the repair process will begin. Once the repair is complete, the company will settle the bill with the garage. You will only have to pay a small percentage of the total cost. The amount you pay depends on the deductible, the cost of depreciation and a few other factors.

A cashless bike insurance claim is possible under 2 types of plans:

1. Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plans
   Wherein you have both third party as well as own damage coverage. So, in order to claim for your own two-wheeler or bike, as a result of an accident, you can opt for a cashless claim at any of the network garages of the insurer.
2. Standalone Bike Insurance Plans:
   Wherein you have a standalone bike plan with third party coverage, you can also avail cashless bike insurance claim for repair work done on your own bike.

Steps to claim cashless bike insurance in a network garage:

Listed below is a step-wise guide to claim cashless bike insurance. Follow these if you wish to opt for the same. 

• Step 1: Filing an FIR or an MCR
  If there is third-party damage, ensure registering an FIR right from the location of the accident. Don’t forget to take a copy of the FIR.
  For regular accidents, an MCR or a Motor Collision Report is sufficient. 
• Step 2: Notifying the Insurer
  As quickly as possible, you need to reach out to your insurance company (online or offline). Consequently, the company will notify you about the nearest cashless garages and send a surveyor as per its partner garage list. In case you are unable to drive, you can also request towing assistance.

  Tip: Ideally, keep proof of your claim intimation, so send an email or a letter and then keep a copy of their receipt with you.

• Step 3: Network Garage
  Once you shortlist a particular garage, get in touch with them for repairing your bike which needs to be part of the network garages of the insurance company.

  Tip: Try to select a network garage that matches the brand/manufacturer’s speciality.

• Step 4: Actual repair work
  The network garage needs to get the bike surveyed, either online or offline, i.e. either through a video or photos or someone would physically come to the garage to check the status of the repair work needed. Once the repair work is approved, the garage would intimate you about the same before starting the work, so that you are aware of the possible additional expenses that you might have to pay.
• Step 5: Settlement of Bill
  The bill will be settled directly by the insurance company. However, note that you might have to pay the amount required in repair that exceeds your bike insurance coverage or the approved amount for the repair work. The amount you need to pay depends on the uncovered expenses, deductible selected, and the add-ons that you have opted for or additional work done on your vehicle.

  Once you settle this amount, you are free to take your bike home and have a great ride ahead!

Steps to file a reimbursement claim for two wheelers:

Given below is a list of 4 steps required to make a reimbursement claim settlement amount for two-wheelers. Let’s have a look. 

• Step 1: Inform and begin the claim:

  Initiate the claim process by informing the insurance firm about the accident along with the details of the insured bike. This can be done via email or tele-calling. You can connect with the customer care executive team directly.

  Some insurance companies have the option of registering claims online, via their web portal or a mobile application. Upon doing this, you will receive a claim reference number from the insurer.

• Step 2: Surveyor allotted by the Insurance Company:

  Insurance companies assign surveyors for accessing and inspecting the damage incurred on the bike throughout the accident. At this stage, policyholders are required to submit each of the mandatory documents to the surveyor so that the claim process can begin immediately.

• Step 3: Bike repairs:

  After receiving approval from the surveyor, you can choose to get the bike repairs done from any garage at your convenience. The entire payment for the repair work needs to be done by you initially and then it can be claimed back from the insurer.

  Sometimes, insurance companies provide free towing facilities. However, note that towing services might vary from company to company. 

• Step 4: Reimbursement of claim:

  To get the reimbursement claim, you need to provide the following documents along with a duly signed claim form to the insurance company:

  • FIR (First Information Report) or MCR (Motor Collision Report) copy
  • Your valid driving licence
  • The bikes pollution certificate, registration copy, tax certificate, etc.
  • Your two-wheeler insurance policy copy
  • The surveyor’s estimation of the approved amount for the repair work according to the damage done due to the accident
  • The original receipt for the entire repair work done along with details
  • Your bank account details for the money to be credited along with a cancelled cheque.

List of documents needed to file a Cashless Bike Insurance Claim:

As per distinct claim categories, you need a series of documents to file a cashless bike insurance claim.

Below is a list of documents that you might need for all bike insurance claims, be it cashless or not.

• For accidental claim
  • FIR copy
  • Bike’s Registration Certificate
  • Driving Licence 
  • Two-Wheeler Insurance Copy 
  • Tax receipt and registration book (copy) 
  • Additional documents as asked by the provider, if any Additional documents provided by the network garage are:
  • Original receipt of payment and repair invoice
  • Complete break up of the expenses mentioned in the invoice
  • Total garage repair (estimate) along with the surveyor’s approval
• For two-wheeler theft claim
  Here the claim would not be cashless as there is no expense that needs to be done initially. Thus, once the policy declares that the vehicle is stolen, a complete payment of the bike, as per the insurance policy would be payable.
  The documents needed would include:
• Original FIR 
• Registration copy of the two-wheeler policy document 
• Subrogation Letter 
• Claim Discharge Voucher 
• Duly filled claim form 
• Acknowledgement letter to RTO stating about the incident (copy) 
• NOC (No Objection Certificate)
• Details of your Policy Number, Insurance Provider, etc. (if required) 
• Additional documents as asked by the provider 
• For third-party claims
  This is for any damages done to a third person, vehicle or property. The claim needs to be filed at the MACT, i.e. Motor Accident Claim Tribunal along with the following documents:
• FIR copy 
• Copy of Driving licence 
• Duly filled claim form
• Police Document 
• Vehicle’s RC Certificate 

Points to keep in mind so that your cashless bike insurance claim is not rejected:

Making a claim is probably the most important part of an insurance policy. The process is quite simple and common for most companies. However, it is crucial that you follow the proper procedure so that your claim does not get rejected. Sometimes, due to the following reasons, a claim may get rejected:

• Your bike insurance has expired
• You do not have a driver’s license
• You were driving carelessly 
• Your claim is fake
• Regular wear and tear can not be claimed
• The damage was self-caused 
• Mechanical and electric failures are not accepted
• You were using the bike for different purposes. For example, if a private bike gets damaged when used for commercial purposes, the claim will not be acceptable
• You intimate the company very late
• There are unreported modifications to your bike
•  Uncovered expenses cannot be claimed.

Reasons to choose Turtlemint for a cashless bike insurance claim:

The best part of your bike insurance is that it not only comes with incredible coverage, but it also has the option to opt for a cashless settlement! When you connect with Turtlemint for your cashless two-wheeler insurance, you receive extensive benefits including:

• Smartphone enabled quick and paperless claims, i.e. Total Digital procedure 
• Hassle-free processes 
• Super quick claim settlements of all types 
• 24*7 call assistance facility for your support 
• Highly Safe and Trusted Platform.

Conclusion

Generally, after an accident, individuals seek instant facilities and insurance assistance to help them get their bike repaired at any bike garage as enlisted by the bike insurance provider. As the name suggests, cashless bike insurance in such cases is best. Policyholders don’t have to fret over the repair cost as the insurance companies take care of it.