Car Insurance Surveyor – Your Guide to Understanding the Who, How and When!
Car Insurance Surveyor – Your Guide to Understanding the Who, How and When!
Published on March 23, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
Who is a car insurance surveyor?
A car insurance surveyor is not someone you would really want to meet, but there are times when you might have to. In other words, your interaction with a surveyor only happens if your car meets with an accident (which you don’t want, of course) and he gauges the damages so that the insurer can decide whether to honour your claim or not. So, whenever your car suffers any damage and you want to raise a car insurance claim, there is a set process that comes into the picture. If your car is damaged in an accident, you will have to inform your insurance company and submit all the necessary documents. The insurer will then send the surveyor.
When is the car insurance surveyor deployed?
According to law, for claim payable amount less than INR 20,000, a general surveyor is deployed by the insurance company. However, for a claim payable amount more than INR 50,000 and above, requires a licensed surveyor. In any case, amount big or small, every policyholder has the right and the access to a car insurance surveyor for a transparent claim settlement.
How to communicate with a car insurance surveyor?
While the meeting with a car insurance surveyor is unfortunate for a policyholder, but what is crucial is how well you can communicate your issues and are able to get the maximum claims for your damage. Therefore, to keep the communication transparent and in your favour, just follow these steps:
1. The accident site must be left untouched: Let the accident site be untouched until surveyed by your surveyor. Any repairs done on the site may go against your favour and the insurance company may reject the car insurance claim. Do not tow the vehicle as this may lead to an unnecessary dispute in your claim.
2. Give a completed claim report: Your claim report has to be extensive and explanatory, giving all minute details and necessary justification. This will give you a strong point while making negotiations with the surveyor.
- Provide the minutest details and facts, down to small scrapes, scratches and dents, while asking for the claim amount.
- Additionally, do not forget to submit a copy of the FIR in case of an accident and any injury done to a third party.
- Click and attach photographs of location, injuries and witness statement, if possible, to strengthen your case.
3. Saving records of communication and dealings: Always keep a recorded copy of any discussions with the insurance agent and surveyor, such as emails or text messages.
4. Old and new damage: Maintain transparency and make sure your claim report clearly differentiates between an old and new damage. If the new damage is not reported on time, your claim may get rejected.
Conclusion
When your car suffers any damage due to an accident or calamity, the insurance will protect you against financial losses. So, to get the right claim amount, keep all the above points in mind while communicating with a car insurance surveyor and remember to have a clear and articulate dialogue, supported by facts and proofs.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
This blog has been written by:
S. Gopalakrishnan | Motor Insurance Expert | 40+ years of experience in insurance industry
A veteran in insurance industry, S. Gopalakrishnan is a name to reckon with in the field of reinsurance; he has headed the Reinsurance department and has rich experience in other fields of motor insurance. He loves to share his opinion on the latest topics in the insurance industry and how he can help people in safeguarding their assets using insurance products.
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