Dealing with car damage after an accident can be stressful, but knowing how to claim your insurance can make the process smoother and less overwhelming. Whether it’s a minor scratch or a major collision, filing a car insurance claim correctly ensures you get the financial support needed for repairs.
This guide walks you through the steps of claiming insurance for car damage, from reporting the incident to getting your car fixed, so you can get back on the road without unnecessary hassle.
Hit-and-Run Cases/Own Damage
Hit-and-run cases are generally considered as “own damage” under comprehensive car insurance policies.
Here’s why:
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Since the other party is unknown or cannot be held accountable, your insurance treats the damage to your car as your own property damage.
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You will have to claim through your own “Own Damage” coverage and pay the participation fee (deductible).
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The insurance company will then cover the remaining repair cost, subject to the policy limit.
If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, your insurance company may attempt subrogation (recovering the costs from the at-fault party). If successful, you might get your participation fee refunded.
The whole process took us 1 month and 2 weeks to get our unit back from the casa.
✅ July 2, 2024 – Incident happened
✅ July 5, 2024 – Claim registered
✅ July 17, 2024 – First approval (₱38,000)
✅ July 27, 2024 – Ordered parts completed
✅ July 29, 2024 – Unit surrendered
✅ August 2, 2024 – Additional bumper for replacement
✅ August 6, 2024 – Second approval (₱52,000)
✅ August 16, 2024 – Unit released
Steps
Here are the steps we took when my mother was involved in a hit-and-run situation
1. Take Photos Immediately
Take clear photos of the incident and damage. In our case, my mom panicked — so we had none. Tip: Always snap pictures before moving the car.
2. Talk to the Other Party
If another vehicle is involved, talk to them. Try to ask if they can help cover the participation fee for the insurance claim.
3. Hit-and-Run Situations
If it was a hit-and-run, unfortunately, you’ll need to shoulder the participation fee yourself. No other party = no one else to charge.
4. File a Police Report
A police report is required for your claim. Visit the nearest precinct right after the accident. Include full details of the incident.
5. Visit Your Casa for a Repair Estimate
Go to your authorized dealer (casa) and ask for a repair estimate. This document will be submitted to your insurance provider.
6. Contact Your Insurance Provider
I emailed Malayan Insurance directly since my policy wasn’t from the casa. Note: Even if you didn’t get insurance from your casa, they can still help process everything for you.
7. Prepare These Documents
Malayan Insurance asked for the following:
- Police report or Notarized Statement of Claim Form with date, time and place of incident (please see attached file below)
- Copy of Certificate of Registration and Latest Official Receipt with readable Engine and Chassis No.
- Copy of Driver’s License Card Front and Back and Latest Official Receipt
- Colored photo of the damaged portion and with plate number/conduction sticker of the insured unit and photos at the accident place, if any.
- Repair Estimate from Casa
- Letter of Preferred shop signed by assured if repairer is non-casa/dealer (please see attached below)
- Stencil of unit (for Trucks and 10yrs and above age unit)
For Individual Policy
- Fill-out mandatory fields Name, Address, Email Address and Contact Number of Individual Client Information Sheet by Assured (please see attached below)
- Government Issued Photo ID of Assured
8. Claim Status
Your insurance provider will confirm when your claim is registered and when it’s approved. Once approved, the casa will begin repair work and parts ordering.
Third Party Property Damage
Key Points:
- The “first party” is you (the policyholder).
- The “second party” is your insurance company.
- The “third party” is the person whose car, property, or body is damaged or injured because of your car.
Example:
Steps
1. Ensure Safety First
Make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe. Move the vehicle to avoid blocking traffic (if possible).
2. Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Take clear photos of both vehicles, the damage, and the accident scene. These will serve as documentation for your claim.
3. Exchange Information with the Third Party
Get the other driver’s details, including:
- Full name and contact number
- Plate number and vehicle details
- Driver’s license information
- Insurance details
4. File a Police Report
Report the incident to the nearest police station. A police report is often required by insurance companies to verify the accident.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Inform your insurer right away. Provide them with the photos, police report, and all third-party details.
6. Submit Required Documents
These may include:
- Police report or Notarized Statement of Claim Form with date, time and place of incident (please see attached file below)
- Copy of Certificate of Registration and Latest Official Receipt with readable Engine and Chassis No. of Insured unit and Third Party unit
- Copy of Driver’s License Card Front and Back and Latest Official Receipt of Assured’s Driver and Third Party’s Driver
- Colored photo of the damaged portion and with plate number/conduction sticker of the Third Party unit and photos at the accident place, if any.
- Repair Estimate from Casa
- Letter of Preferred shop signed by Third Party Owner if repairer is non-casa/dealer (please see attached below)
- Certificate of No Claim
- Proof of Ownership
7. Inspection and Evaluation
Your insurer may inspect the damage on the third party’s property/vehicle to evaluate the repair cost.
8. Claim Approval
Once approved, your insurance company will pay for the third party’s repair costs, based on your TPPD coverage limit.
Take Care
Accidents can be stressful, but knowing how to properly file a claim for third-party property damage makes the process smoother and less overwhelming. By documenting the incident, filing the necessary reports, and coordinating with your insurance provider, you can ensure that the claim is processed efficiently.
Always remember to review your policy to understand your coverage limits and responsibilities, this knowledge can save you time, money, and stress when unexpected situations occur.
