Even a minor scrape in the Amanora Mall parking lot or a rear-end bump on the Fursungi road can be stressful — mostly because people don't know what happens next. The insurance claim process in India is actually quite structured once you understand it. This guide walks you through each step, from the moment of the accident to collecting your repaired car, and explains how denting, painting and parts replacement work under a claim.
Step 1: At the scene
Your first priority is safety. Switch on hazard lights, move the car out of traffic if it is drivable, and check that everyone is unhurt. Then collect evidence while it's fresh:
- Photos of all damage, from close-up and a few metres away
- Photos showing the position of vehicles and the road
- The other vehicle's registration number, if one was involved
- Names and numbers of any witnesses
- For major accidents, injury or third-party damage, a police report (FIR) is usually required
Step 2: Inform your insurer quickly
Most policies require you to inform the insurer promptly — often within 24 to 48 hours. You can usually do this through the insurer's app, website or toll-free number. You'll receive a claim number; keep it handy, because every step afterwards refers to it.
Don't get the car repaired before the insurer's surveyor has inspected it, unless your insurer specifically allows it. Repairs done before inspection may not be reimbursed.
Step 3: Cashless or reimbursement?
There are two ways an own-damage claim is settled:
Step 4: Documents you'll need
Keep these ready — scanned or photographed — to avoid delays:
- Insurance policy copy
- Registration certificate (RC)
- Driving licence of the person driving at the time
- Claim form (provided by the insurer or workshop)
- FIR copy where applicable
- Photos of the damage
- Cancelled cheque or bank details for reimbursement
Step 5: Survey and estimate
Once the car reaches the workshop, the workshop prepares a detailed estimate listing parts to be replaced, panels to be repaired, and paint work. The insurer's surveyor then inspects the car, compares it with the estimate and approves the claim amount.
A good workshop works with the surveyor on your behalf, pointing out hidden damage — such as bent brackets behind a bumper or a cracked radiator support — that isn't obvious from outside. Missing this at the survey stage can mean paying for it yourself later.
Understanding what you'll pay
Even with a valid claim, some costs usually come out of your pocket:
- Compulsory deductible — a fixed amount set by the policy
- Depreciation on parts — unless you have a zero-depreciation (bumper-to-bumper) add-on
- Consumables such as nuts, clips, oils and coolant — unless you have a consumables add-on
- Any unrelated repairs or damage not caused by this accident
Step 6: The repair — denting, painting and parts
Accident repair typically involves a combination of panel straightening (denting), replacement of parts that can't be safely repaired, and painting. Quality painting depends on proper surface preparation, accurate colour matching and a clean paint area.
Pune Automotive has a dedicated denting and painting area in our Hadapsar workshop — you can see it on our [Our Garage page](/garage). We share progress photos on WhatsApp so you can see the car at each stage.
Step 7: Delivery and final check
Before accepting the car, check the repaired area in daylight for colour match and panel gaps, test all lights and sensors near the damaged area, and take a short drive. Pay only the amount due under the settlement and make sure you receive the final invoice.
Accident repair support in Hadapsar, Amanora and Fursungi
If your car has been in an accident, [contact us](/contact) and we'll explain the next steps for your specific insurer and policy. We can arrange towing or pick-up from Amanora, Hadapsar, Fursungi, Handewadi and nearby areas. For minor scratches and dents you'd rather not claim for, see our denting and painting options on the [Services & Pricing page](/services), or [book an inspection](/book).
Book a service with Pune Automotive
Written estimates, old parts returned, and free pick-up & drop across east Pune.