Motor Claim Settlement in 30 Days: The Document-Driven Method

By Hari Kotian, IRDAI-Certified Insurance Advisor · 2026

Police FIR where required, RC copy, a valid driving license, photos of the scene and damage from every angle, and a repair estimate from an authorized garage. Most delays trace back to one missing item.

Escalation path

Demand written rejection with the cited clause; file with the Grievance Officer; escalate to IRDAI Bima Bharosa; then the Insurance Ombudsman - free up to Rs 30 lakh and binding on the insurer.

The 15-day rule

IRDAI requires settlement within 15 days of the complete surveyor report. Delays beyond that without cause trigger interest liability for the insurer - keep the clock your ally.

Surveyor interaction

The insurer's surveyor determines your payout. Be present, ask questions, keep copies of everything, and contest an undervalued assessment in writing - surveyor reports are recommendations, not final verdicts.

End-to-end claim handling - documentation, surveyor liaison, IDV disputes, and Ombudsman escalation - is done daily by claim recovery experts. See the motor insurance claim assistance service for free guidance.