How To Claim Third Party Insurance For Car Damage

There will be days when everything you did went just right. And a day for another person when anything they did that day went wrong. On such a day, when an accident happens and the damage comes from someone else’s driving, the whole process can feel like sorting a fresh mess on a crowded table. You want to act quickly, yet your mind jumps between tasks. Do you collect details first? Take a few photos? Call someone? And how do you make sure the other driver’s insurance company is prompt during the claim process, without turning it into a long back-and-forth?

Questions like these tend to linger, even after the cars roll away. Would a clear plan make the whole thing easier to face?

If you want a steady guide that shows how a third party claim moves from the first exchange at the scene to the final approval, the article below walks through each part in a calm, practical way.
 

Understanding Third-Party Car Insurance

If you own a car, you’ll have heard of third-party car insurance. Simply put: it covers someone else’s losses if your car causes harm to them or their property. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 this cover is mandatory in India before you can legally drive your vehicle on the road.

Because it focuses solely on the “other party”, it does not protect your own vehicle from damage or your own medical bills. That’s an important point.
 

What Happens When a Claim Arises?

Imagine you’re driving and, unfortunately, an accident happens in which your car is at fault. A pedestrian is hurt, or another vehicle is damaged. In that case, the third-party insurance cover becomes relevant. On the flip side, if the accident happens to you because of someone else’s fault, the other party’s third-party cover may apply to you.

In short: either way, there’s someone whose legal rights may need protecting and that’s where things begin.
 

Step-by-Step: How a Third-Party Claim Works

Here’s a breakdown of the usual process, something the team at SMC Insurance walks clients through so you’re not left wondering what to do.

• Report the Incident Immediately
  As soon as the accident happens, you should file a First Information Report (FIR) at the police station. This becomes a key document.
• Gather Necessary Information
  Get the other party’s vehicle registration number and driver details. If they have insurance, note that too. You’ll need to collect supporting documents like driving licences, registration certificates, and a copy of the policy.
• Decide Who’s Claiming
  If you caused the damage, then the injured party (the “third party”) will initiate the claim. If you’re on the receiving end, you’ll rely on the other party’s third-party policy. Knowing your role early helps you plan your next steps.
• File the Claim
  • For injury or death: submit your application to the designated tribunal (for example the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal) with all required documents.
  • For property damage: you’ll need FIR copy, inspection report, bills showing expense or damage.
• Wait for Determination
  Here’s where it gets slow. Because fault has to be established, courts or tribunals often take time. And if you caused the accident, you may have to pay excess beyond what the insurer covers (in case claims exceed certain limits).
   

What Does It Cover? And What Doesn’t It?

Covered under third-party insurance

• Injury or death of someone else in an accident involving your vehicle.
• Damage to someone else’s property (up to a cap depending on state regulations).

Not covered

• Damage to your own vehicle. Third‐party cover cannot be used for that.
• Injuries to you or your passengers (unless you have a separate personal accident cover).
• Accidents while driving under influence, or drive without licence or permit.
   

Why It Pays to Have the Right Support

At SMC Insurance, we know that claims don’t always run smoothly. A few common headaches:

• Fault may be contested, delaying settlement.
• A tribunal process might drag on for months.
• The third‐party policy covers liability, not damage to your own car. Many people mix those up.

That’s why it’s wise to work with someone who can guide you step by step. We help you understand documentation, set expectations on timelines, and make sure you’re prepared if you need to initiate or respond to a claim.
 

Smart Tips for Policy-Holders

Here are some simple tips for you to remember:

• Keep all your vehicle documents, policy copy, and driving licence up to date.
• After an accident, photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and obtain contact details of witnesses if possible.
• Don’t delay filing an FIR as a delay can hurt your case.
• Consider upgrading beyond third‐party cover (to comprehensive) if you want your own damages insured.
   

In Summary

Having a third‐party car insurance policy is your safety net for someone else’s accident costs, which otherwise could hit you hard. But the cover has limits. It won’t fix your own car or pay for you being injured. Claims under this cover often involve legal steps and can take time.

If you’re driving a vehicle and want peace of mind, talk to us at SMC Insurance. We’ll walk through your policy, help you understand what’s covered and how to act if something happens. With the right plan and proper support, you’re better equipped for whatever the road brings.