Motor Insurance Claim Rejected? Recovery Steps That Work in 2026
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.
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.
The documentation list
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.
IDV: know your number
IDV is what the insurer pays on total loss - the vehicle's current market value, not its purchase price. IDV disputes are among the most common motor complaints that reach the Ombudsman.