How to file a car insurance claim?

Car insurance is one of those things that may not seem essential at first. It may not be a top priority for some local car owners, yet its importance cannot be overstated. Let's take a look at the statistics. In 2020 alone, the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) logged over 65,000 accidents in the metropolis. That's about 178 accidents on the road every day. In an area where hundreds of thousands of vehicles ply the streets each day, getting into an accident is not outside of the question. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a hatchback or an SUV, when you’re out on the road, anything can happen. So, if you ever find yourself in a car accident, here's how to file a car insurance claim in the Philippines.

Before you get to filing any insurance claims, you need to know what to do immediately after getting into a car accident. If the accident is significant, the authorities should already be at the site. If not, you may have to call the police yourself. You'll need to have a police report filed as a requirement for the insurance claim. If there are other parties involved, make sure to have them included in the report.

Next, you'll need to take photos of the accident. Thoroughly sweep through the area, taking wide shots of the accident location as well as close-ups of your car, license plate included. You should also take photos of other vehicles involved if there are any. If you have a dashcam, all the better. Dashcam footage can be pivotal evidence for filing an insurance claim, so keep the video files saved for later.

You will also need to collect information from the other party. Write down the names, home addresses, phone numbers, driver's license information, and insurance details of all involved. Ask for the make and model of the other party's vehicle, as well as its plate number. If there are witnesses, note their basic information if possible. You may also need to obtain a medical certificate to assess your physical state post-accident. Doing all these can help your chances of successfully filing a car insurance claim.

Once you've taken care of everything in the aftermath of the accident, you may proceed to file a claim with your insurance provider.

You will need to provide them with the information you've gathered. Promptly disclose your contact details, car insurance policy information, the exact time and date of the accident, and the extent of the car damage or loss. 

The following are the basic requirements you'll need to fire a car insurance claim. You might need some additional requirements depending on the nature of the accident and the type of claim you're making.

• Police report 
• Photocopy of driver’s license with official receipt (OR)
• Photocopy of certificate of vehicle registration with MVRR number
• Accomplished insurance claim form 
• Car repair estimate
• Photos of the damaged car, including the plate number

As previously mentioned, you may be asked for more requirements depending on the type of claim you're making. Make sure to connect with your insurance provider for the complete requirements. They will also tell you the next steps for your car insurance claim.