If your car met with an accident, the first question that comes to your mind is: “How do I claim my insurance?” If your vehicle is insured with Universal Sompo General Insurance, the claim process is simple if you follow the correct steps.
In this blog, I will explain the complete claim process with a real-life example, required documents, tips, and mistakes to avoid.
Real-Life Example: Santosh’s Car Accident Claim Story
Let’s understand with a practical example.
Santosh, a marketing manager from Assam, had insured his Hyundai i20 with Universal Sompo.
One evening, while returning home, a bike suddenly came in front of his car. To save the biker, Santosh applied sudden brakes and hit a roadside pole.
Damage:
- Front bumper damaged
- Headlight broken
- Bonnet dented
Estimated repair cost: ₹28,000
Santosh was worried. But since he had Universal Sompo comprehensive insurance, he claimed insurance and paid only ₹2,000.
Let’s see how he did it.
Step 1: Inform Universal Sompo Immediately
After the accident, inform the insurance company as soon as possible.
You can inform by:
• Calling toll-free number: 1800-22-4030
• Email
• Mobile App
• Website
• Inform your insurance agent
Important: Inform within 24 hours
Santosh called Universal Sompo customer care within 1 hour.
They registered his claim and gave him:
• Claim Number
• Instructions
Step 2: Do NOT Repair Car Without Survey
This is the biggest mistake people make.
The insurance company will send a Surveyor to inspect the damage.
Surveyor will:
• Take photos
• Check damages
• Approve claim amount
Santosh waited for the surveyor.
The surveyor came the next day and approved the repair.
Step 3: Take the car to Network Garage (Cashless Claim)
Universal Sompo has cashless garages.
Benefits:
• No need to pay the full amount
• Insurance company pays directly
Santosh took his car to an authorized garage.
Repair cost: ₹28,000
He paid only:
• Deductible: ₹1,000
• Consumables: ₹1,000
Total paid by Santosh: ₹2,000
Insurance paid: ₹26,000
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
You need to submit these documents:
Mandatory Documents:
• Claim Form
• RC Copy
• Driving License Copy
• Insurance Policy Copy
• FIR (only if major accident or theft)
• Repair Bill
Garage usually helps with paperwork.
Step 5: Claim Settlement
After repair:
• Insurance company pays the garage
• You take delivery of the car
Santosh received his car in 4 days
Claim successfully settled.
Types of Claims in Universal Sompo Car Insurance
1. Cashless Claim
Best option
• Pay less
• Easy process
2. Reimbursement Claim
You repair the car first
Insurance pays later
The process takes longer
What is Covered
Universal Sompo covers:
• Accident damage
• Natural disasters
• Flood
• Cyclone
• Fire
• Theft
• Riot
What is NOT Covered
Not covered:
• Drunk driving
• No driving license
• Policy expired
• Mechanical failure
Claim Process Summary (Simple)
Follow this checklist:
- Inform the insurance company
- Get claim number
- Wait for the surveyor
- Take the car to the network garage
- Submit documents
- Repair done
- Get car
How Much Claim Will You Get
Depends on:
• Policy type
• Deductible
• Car age
• Depreciation
Example:
Repair Cost: ₹30,000
You Pay: ₹2,000
Insurance Pays: ₹28,000
Important Tips to Get a Full Claim
Always remember:
Tip 1: Take Photos Immediately
Take accident photos
Tip 2: Inform Insurance Fast
Delay can cause rejection
Tip 3: Choose Cashless Garage
Saves money
Tip 4: Never Repair Without Survey
Claim may reject
Universal Sompo Claim Settlement Ratio
Universal Sompo has a good claim settlement record.
Fast claim processing
Good customer support
Common Mistakes People Make
Avoid these mistakes:
• Not informing insurance
• Repairing a car without a survey
• Policy expired
• No valid license
How Much Time Claim Takes
Usually:
Survey: 1–2 days
Repair: 3–7 days
Total: 5–10 days
Santosh got his car in 4 days.
Final Conclusion
If your car is insured with Universal Sompo, don’t worry after an accident.
Just follow these steps:
• Inform immediately
• Wait for the survey
• Choose a cashless garage
Your claim will be settled smoothly.
Santosh saved ₹26,000 using insurance.
Insurance is not an expense; it is protection.