Car insurance is essential for vehicle owners, offering financial relief in the event of accidents and protection against unforeseen incidents. While it’s common to file a claim immediately after an incident, a pressing question remains—can we file a claim after the accident? What are the conditions for doing so, and what should we be aware of? Let’s explore these details further.
What is a retroactive insurance claim?
A retroactive insurance claim allows you to seek compensation for damages to your insured vehicle after the incident has occurred. This type of claim can also include filing for minor damages before your insurance coverage period ends, commonly referred to as a “dry claim.” These claims are particularly useful for minor damages that don’t require immediate attention but still need to be addressed before your insurance policy expires.
Can you file a retroactive insurance claim?
Yes, you can file a retroactive insurance claim if you can provide complete details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and details of the other party involved (if any). This is particularly important for those without comprehensive insurance, as they need to have contact information for the other party. It is considered an at-fault claim if you have comprehensive insurance and cannot contact the other party. The insurance company will then inspect the damages.
Afterwards, you will receive a claim form or a damage assessment report, which serves as proof for getting your vehicle repaired at a garage or service centre. Depending on the terms specified in your car insurance policy, you may need to pay an excess fee.
How many days should you file a claim retroactively after a car accident?
In the event of a car accident, whether it’s a collision or a minor scrape, you might not always have the time to file a claim immediately. However, if you can communicate with the other party involved and have recorded all necessary details, you can usually file a “dry claim” within 2-3 days. It’s important not to delay beyond this period to mitigate any further complications.
If you wait longer than 2-3 days and additional damage occurs, the insurance will not cover the new damage, and you may have to pay extra or cover the excess fee yourself.
What is an excess fee?
An excess fee is an amount the insured must pay out-of-pocket when filing a claim where they are at fault and there is no other party involved. There are two types of excess fees: excess and deductible. Let’s explore the differences:
1. Mandatory excess fee
The mandatory excess fee is set by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) and applies when there is no other party involved in the accident. This fee is typically around THB 1,000 and cannot be used to reduce your insurance premium.
2. Voluntary deductible fee
The voluntary deductible fee is an amount the insured agrees to pay voluntarily in the event of an accident where they are at fault or cannot contact the other party. This fee is clearly stated in the insurance policy and usually ranges from THB 1,000 to 5,000. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your insurance premium will be.
Steps for filing a retroactive insurance claim
Required documents
To file a retroactive or “dry” insurance claim, you will need the following documents:
- Car insurance policy
- Copy of your vehicle registration
- Copy of your driver’s licence
These documents are essential for both immediate and retroactive claims. It’s advisable to have them ready to avoid any delays.
How to file a retroactive car insurance claim
Filing a dry claim is straightforward. Simply call your insurance company and provide the date, time, location, and cause of the accident. Then, schedule a date to bring your car to a repair shop or service centre. After notifying the insurance company and having the claim inspected, they will issue a claim form. You can then take your car to the repair shop on the agreed date and time.
What happens if you file a claim but don’t repair the car?
If you file a claim but don’t take your car for repairs, several consequences may follow:
- Bad record: If you file a claim but don’t repair the car within the specified time, it will be recorded as a bad claim history. This could increase your insurance premium for the next year and result in losing any discounts.
- Loss of benefits: Your car will remain damaged and won’t be restored to its original condition.
- Claim expiry: Typically, a claim form is valid for about 1-2 years, depending on the insurance company. If you delay repairs, you might forget, and the claim could expire. If you plan to file a claim just before your insurance expires, set a reminder.
- Forfeit compensation: If you file a claim but delay or skip repairs, you may miss out on the loss of use benefit, which covers rental car or alternative transportation costs during repairs. Without repairs, you won’t be eligible for this benefit.
Even if you have comprehensive insurance that covers all accidents, it’s crucial to understand the details of filing both immediate and retroactive claims, as well as the associated costs. To avoid losing benefits unknowingly, always familiarise yourself with the specifics of your insurance policy.
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Definitions
| Mitigate | To reduce the severity of a situation. |
| Compensation | Money paid to cover damages to property or individuals due to a violation or breach of contract, including the return of property to the injured party. |
| Immediate claim | Filing an insurance claim immediately after an accident or incident, with an insurance company representative coming to the scene to assess and evaluate the damage on the spot. Also known as “fresh claim”. |
