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Documents you need to file a motor claim, and why each matters
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Introduction
A car insurance claim can be delayed or affected by a missing document. Insurers use these documents to verify the incident, confirm the policy and assess the payout. Knowing what you need for each claim type helps you prepare in advance.
This blog covers the documents required for Own Damage (OD), reimbursement, theft, Third-Party and Personal Accident claims, along with commonly missed documents and a complete checklist by claim type.
Keep in mind
The required documents vary by claim type, so an OD repair claim needs different documents from a theft or Third-Party injury claim
Submit original documents or certified copies where required, as photocopies or screenshots may not be accepted
IRDAI requires insurers to settle claims within 30 days of receiving the complete document set
Take photographs of the damage before moving the car or starting repairs
Keep digital copies of your policy, Registration Certificate and driving licence in the Kiwi app or a secure cloud folder for easy access
The standard document set for an Own Damage claim
An Own Damage (OD) claim covers damage to your own car from an accident, fire, flood, or another covered event. The standard document set for an OD claim is:
Policy document or policy number
Confirms that the policy is active, covers the car and was valid when the incident occurred. The policy number is usually enough to register the claim, while the full document may be needed later.
Registration Certificate (RC)
Confirms the vehicle's registration and identification details, including the registration, chassis and engine numbers. These details should match the policy records.
Driving licence
Confirms that the driver was legally authorised to drive the car when the incident occurred. A valid licence for the correct vehicle category is required for an OD claim.
Photographs of the damage
Show the condition and location of the damage. Take clear photos from multiple angles at the scene, before moving the car or starting repairs.
First Information Report (FIR), where required
An FIR may be needed for theft or certain incidents involving a third party or disputed circumstances. Minor single-car incidents generally do not require one, subject to the policy terms.
Claim form
The insurer's claim form must be completed and signed. For cashless claims, the network garage may help with the form; for reimbursement claims, you submit it with the other documents.
Additional documents for a reimbursement claim
A reimbursement claim involves paying the garage yourself first, then submitting documents to the insurer for the approved amount to be transferred back.
Original repair invoice
Shows the garage details, itemised parts and labour charges, GST and total amount paid. The insurer uses it to assess the claim.
Proof of payment
Confirms that you paid the repair bill. This can be a garage receipt, bank transfer confirmation or UPI payment record.
Repair estimate and approval, where required
If the insurer requires pre-repair approval, submit the repair estimate along with the approval confirmation.
Bank account details
Provide the account number, IFSC and account holder name for the reimbursement. The details should match the policyholder's name where required by the insurer.
GST invoices for separately purchased parts
If parts were bought separately, include their GST invoices along with the garage's labour invoice. GST at 18% applies to labour and parts, and the GST amount shown on the invoice forms part of the claim amount.
Documents required for a theft claim
A theft claim is settled when the car is stolen and not recovered after a specified period, typically 90 days from the date of the FIR. The documents required are different from an OD repair claim.
FIR from the police
Mandatory for a theft claim. It should include the vehicle registration number, date and location of the theft, and relevant details of the incident.
Non-traceable report or untraced certificate
Issued by the police after their investigation when the vehicle has not been recovered. The insurer generally requires this before settling the claim.
Original Registration Certificate (RC)
Submitted as part of the settlement process, as the insurer may take over the rights to the vehicle if it is later recovered.
All sets of keys
The insurer typically requires all available keys when processing the theft settlement.
Loan closure letter or NOC, if financed
If the car was purchased with a loan, the lender's NOC or loan closure letter may be required to process the payout.
RTO ownership transfer documents
After settlement, the vehicle's ownership records may need to be transferred to the insurer. The insurer generally handles this process and may ask you to provide supporting documents.
Documents for a Third-Party claim
A Third-Party (TP) claim covers your liability for injury, death, or property damage caused to another person. Under Section 147 of the Motor Vehicles Act, this liability is unlimited for injury and death. A TP property damage claim is covered up to ₹1 lakh per incident. These are the documents needed:
FIR
A FIR is mandatory for all Third-Party claims involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
Policy document
Confirms the Third-Party cover is active and the car is the insured vehicle.
RC and driving licence
Confirm the vehicle and the driver's legal status at the time of the incident.
Medical bills and treatment records (for injury claims)
If a third party was injured, the insurer needs medical documentation of the injuries, the treatment provided, and the associated costs. These documents come from the injured party, not the policyholder.
Death certificate and post-mortem report (for fatal claims)
In a fatal accident, the insurer and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) require the death certificate and, where applicable, the post-mortem report to establish cause of death.
Witness statements and photographs
Corroborating evidence of the incident, witness accounts, photographs of the scene, and any other documentation that supports the account of events.
MACT claim petition (for compensation claims)
For Third-Party injury and death claims that proceed to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, the formal MACT claim petition is the primary document in the tribunal process. The full Third-Party claims process is detailed at kiwiinsurance.com/motor-third-party-claims/.
kiwiinsurance.com/motor-third-party-claims/
Documents for a Personal Accident claim
The compulsory Personal Accident (PA) cover of ₹15 lakhs for the owner-driver pays a fixed lump sum on death or permanent disability from a car accident. The claim documents are different from an OD repair claim.
FIR
Required for any accident that results in death or serious disability.
Medical records and hospital discharge summary
Required for disability claims to document the injury, treatment and whether the disability is permanent. Temporary disability is not covered under the standard PA lump sum.
Disability certificate
Confirms the nature and extent of permanent disability. The payout depends on the disability category and the applicable percentage of the ₹15 lakh sum insured.
Death certificate and nominee details
Required for death claims to process the payout to the nominee. Identity documents such as Aadhaar, PAN or passport may be required.
Post-mortem report, where applicable
May be required to establish the cause of death in connection with the accident.
Documents that are commonly missing, and how to prepare in advance
These are the documents most frequently absent or incomplete when a claim is raised, and the practical steps to have them ready before an incident occurs.
Expired driving licence
Check your licence validity and set a reminder 60 days before expiry. Renew it through the RTO or Parivahan portal before it expires.
Parivahan portalRC in the previous owner's name
If you bought a used car, complete the RC transfer promptly to avoid a mismatch between the RC and policy details.
Photographs not taken at the scene
Take clear photos of the car and surrounding area before moving the vehicle or starting any repairs.
Original garage invoices
For reimbursement claims, ask the garage for a proper GST invoice showing the repair details and amount paid.
All keys for a theft claim
Keep all sets of car keys in a safe and consistent place so they are available if a theft claim is raised.
Loan NOC for financed cars
If the car is financed, contact the lender when registering a theft or total-loss claim to confirm the documents needed for settlement.
What Kiwi Insurance does differently
Knowing which documents are required is one thing. Knowing exactly which documents your specific claim needs, in which format and by which deadline, is what most insurers leave car owners to work out on their own, often after the claim has already been delayed by a missing item.
One point of contact for your claim
Once you register a claim, Kiwi assigns a dedicated Claims Specialist who explains which documents are needed, the required format and what to expect at each stage.
Support throughout the claim
Your specialist remains reachable through the Kiwi app and can help if any document is missing or needs clarification.
Help with multiple claims
If one incident involves different claims, such as an OD repair and PA claim, your specialist can help coordinate the required documentation for both.
Conclusion
A car insurance claim needs a different document set depending on the claim type, OD repair, reimbursement, theft, Third-Party, or Personal Accident. The most common delays come from a handful of preventable gaps: an expired driving licence, a missing original invoice, photographs not taken at the scene, or a loan NOC not prepared in advance.
With Kiwi Insurance, a dedicated Claims Specialist is assigned once you register a claim, and tells you exactly which documents are needed for your specific situation before the process begins.
About to raise a car insurance claim and not sure which documents you need?
Head to Kiwi Insurance to register your claim and get a dedicated Claims Specialist to guide you through the document process.
Frequently asked questions
For an Own Damage claim, you generally need your policy details, Registration Certificate (RC), valid driving licence, claim form and photographs of the damage. An FIR may be required in certain cases. For reimbursement claims, you also need the original repair invoice and proof of payment.