Car Insurance Claims Guide | Compare Cover

How to make a Car Insurance claim

Whether you’ve recently been in a fender bender or you’d just like to know how to make a claim on your car insurance for future reference, Hippo.co.za is here to give you all the information you need to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Once you’re clear on whether the damage is worth claiming for and whether you’re covered for the incident, it’s time to get down to making the actual claim.

Steps to Make a Car Insurance Claim

Here’s everything you need to do depending on your specific insurer’s requirements:

Your insurer will send you necessary forms to fill out. Complete these and submit them along with any required documentation.

Collect Information

The first thing you’ll want to do after being involved in an incident is gather key details about the events. If there was another driver or person involved, that would include their name, contact details, and insurance information. The same goes for anyone who might have witnessed the incident.

Document the Incident

A picture is worth a thousand words. Especially on police reports and insurance claims. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any person or property. Then draw a sketch of the scene and note down all road signs, markings, and other details.

File a Police Report

Head to the nearest police station to file a report and obtain a case number. This step is crucial for processing your insurance claim.

Contact Your Insurer

It’s time to get in touch with your insurance company. Most insurers have 24/7 claims hotlines that you can call to initiate the claims process. Have the details of the incident, information about the people involved, and the case number from the police report ready.

Meet the Claims Adjuster

An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim. They may inspect the damage to your vehicle or assess it based on the evidence you provide, such as photos.

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What Happens After I Claim?

Your insurer will either approve or reject your claim. If approved, the next steps depend on your cover, damage and insurer’s process.

Repairs authorised

You may receive authorisation for repairs at an approved auto shop.

Written-off vehicle

If your vehicle is written off, you'll receive a payout based on its insured value.

Repair quotes or centres

For repairs, you may need to obtain multiple quotes or visit specific repair centres chosen by your insurer's instructions.

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When Should I Make a Car Insurance Claim?

Knowing when to claim is crucial for your insurance company. Consider the following before submitting a claim:

Check your cover type

Consider what type of insurance you have, such as comprehensive, third party, or third party, fire and theft.

Compare damage and excess

Look at the extent of the damage and whether the repair costs exceed your excess amount.

Avoid small claims where possible

Before claiming, always compare the cost of repairs to your excess. If the repairs cost less than or only slightly more than your excess, it may not be worth claiming.

Excess and Its Impact

Excess is the portion of the bill you must pay to repair or replace your car.

If, for example, your basic excess is R3 000 and the damages to your vehicle amount to R40 000, you will have to pay the first R3 000 and your insurance provider will pay the balance of the claim, i.e., the R37 000.

Curbing fraudulent and frivolous claims

Excess helps reduce fraudulent and frivolous claims by making sure policyholders contribute to the cost of repair or replacement.

Reducing administrative claim costs

It also helps reduce administrative claim costs for smaller repairs and minor incidents.

Keeping monthly premiums lower

Because you pay the first portion of the claim, excess can help keep monthly premiums lower.

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Will Claiming Affect My Premiums?

Yes, making a claim can impact your premiums. The frequency and nature of claims affect your risk profile and thus your premiums.

Consider add-ons like tyre and rim guard or scratch and dent cover to prevent minor claims.

Conclusion

Understanding the car insurance claims process is essential for every vehicle owner. Be prepared with the right information and documentation to ensure a smooth claims process.

Vehicle Cover: Expert Tools, Tips & Guides

Welcome to our comprehensive Car Insurance Guide, where we've compiled essential information, tools, and insights to help you navigate the world of car insurance in South Africa.

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Covers damage to others and protects your car against theft or fire damage.

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Safeguards against the costs of damage to other people and their property, without covering your own vehicle.

Car Insurance Values

Understand how different value types, like market, retail and trade-in, affect your cover and payout.

Car Insurance Premium

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How to Make a Car Insurance Claim

Steps to Make a Car Insurance Claim

Once you’re clear on whether the damage is worth claiming for and whether you’re covered for the incident, it’s time to get down to making the actual claim. Collect information, document the incident, file a police report, contact your insurer, and meet the claims adjuster if required.

What Happens After I Claim?

Your insurer will either approve or reject your claim. If approved, you may receive authorisation for repairs at an approved auto shop. If your vehicle is written off, you'll receive a payout based on its insured value. For repairs, you may need to obtain multiple quotes or go to a specific auto shop as per your insurer's instructions.

When Should I Make a Car Insurance Claim?

Knowing when to claim from your insurance company is crucial. Factors to consider include the type of insurance coverage you have, such as comprehensive or third party, and the severity of the incident and the cost of repairs versus your excess.

Excess and Its Impact

Excess is the portion of the bill you must pay to repair or replace your car. It helps curb fraudulent and frivolous claims, reduce administrative claim costs, and keep monthly premiums lower. To decide whether to claim, weigh the repair cost against your excess payment.

Will Claiming Affect My Premiums?

Yes, making a claim can impact your premiums. The frequency and nature of claims affect your risk profile and thus your premiums. Consider add-ons like tyre and rim guard or scratch and dent cover to prevent minor claims.

Conclusion

Understanding the car insurance claims process is essential for every vehicle owner. Be prepared with the right information and documentation to ensure a smooth claims process.

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