How to Make a Motor Claim

Ajay Shah, Head – Motor Insurance, ICICI Lombard GIC Ltd. provides a comprehensive guide to help you accelerate your claim process.

Registering a Claim

In case of a motor insurance claim, you can avail cashless facility for the repair of your vehicle through the insurance company’s ‘Cashless Garage List’. However, if the car is serviced in a garage outside the purview of the insurance company’s network, then you can claim re-reimbursement for the same.

• When an accident takes place, file a report immediately with the insurance company and submit the claim form. If a third party is involved, file a report with the police immediately
• Contact your insurance company’s 24×7 helpline number. Get your claim number / reference number. The company representative will provide you the details of documents required for claim processing, and details of the preferred garage, where the cashless repair facility can be availed
• Provide all the relevant information with respect to the incident, including the location, time, parties involved, passengers in the vehicle, injury to occupant and driver at the time of the incident to the insurance company for the smooth processing of claim

After Registering the Claim

• After the claim is lodged, the insurance company investigates the accident before deciding if it will accept liability or not
• The loss assessor/surveyor contacts you within 24 hours of registering the claim
• Submit the copy of documents to the dealer / surveyor and get them verified with the originals
• The surveyor will get the estimate for the repairs of your vehicle and give spot approval after assessment
• After completion of repairs, the insurance company will make the payment of their share of the loss directly to the garage (in case of cashless settlement)
• You pay the excess amount mentioned in the policy with respect to depreciation and salvage as informed by the surveyor (in case of Cashless Settlement)
• After the completion of repairs, you make the full payment directly to the garage (in case of Non- cashless settlement) and later may claim for the reimbursement after submitting the original invoice and cash receipt to the Insurance Company.

Documents Required for Registering a Claim

In case of Own Damage, the following documents are required:

• Duly signed Claim form
• Valid R.C. copy of the vehicle
• Valid driving license copy
• Policy copy (First 2 pages only)
• FIR if required (For Theft, Third party Injury / Damage; Highway accidents-Major only)
• Original repair bill, proof of release and cash receipt

When does a Claim get Rejected?

The claim gets rejected if:

• The vehicle is driven by an unauthorised person, at the time of accident (without a valid driving license)
• The driver at the time of accident is intoxicated
• The relevant details are suppressed
• The accident date does not fall within the policy period
• The ownership of the vehicle is not transferred in both the R.C. book and the Policy (Insurable interest clause)

Understanding Depreciation

 Deductible is the portion of your claim that is not insured under your policy. Voluntary deductible is the amount that you have to compulsory pay in the event of a claim. For example, if your claim amount is Rs. 10,000 and the voluntary deductible is Rs. 3000, then you have to bear the first Rs. 3000 and the claim will be worth Rs. 7000.

Drive safely and remember to renew your car insurance, because it is your last lifeline when all else fails.

Health insurance tax saving under Section 80D

Health Insurance or Mediclaim is essential for everyone as it provides a comprehensive protection against health related medical and financial emergencies. One major advantage of buying a mediclaim is to incur tax benefits that come under Section 80 D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The rate of income tax is different for different income levels, and thus, the income tax that we pay depends on our total earnings in a given year. Purchasing a health plan can save up this tax. Read on to know more about Section 80 D and invest your money wisely in the health plan that suits you the best.

What is Section 80D?
•    Section 80D of the Income Tax Act is meant for deduction of medical insurance premium for health care of the taxpayers, whether senior citizens or otherwise.
•    According to the Budget 2008-2009, several beneficial changes have been made in Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of India. This amendment is made by the Government as given in Memorandum to Finance Bill 2008.

How to save tax under Section 80D while buying a Mediclaim?
a)    This section covers medical insurance policies taken for self, spouse, dependent parents and children. Section 80D is applicable only on the persons mentioned and the tax law doesn’t admit any other relatives except above in this section.
a)    In case of an individual, deduction is available on the Mediclaim premium paid only by cheque (and not by cash) on his own health or health of a spouse/dependent parents/dependent children.
b)    If part payment is done by self and part payment by the parent, both can claim deduction to the extent of their contribution subject to maximum allowed.
c)    This section provides a deduction of Rs 15,000 for premium paid towards health insurance and also includes coverage of critical illness.
d)    In a case of senior citizens, the deducible amount goes up to Rs 20,000.
a)    Thus,  you can get a further exemption on the health insurance covers purchased for your parents to the extent of Rs 15,000 (Rs 20,000 if they are senior citizens) along with a tax exemption of Rs 15,000 on health insurance bought for your family. This means, you are eligible for Rs 30,000, double the deduction from previous years.

We, at ICICI Lombard, bring you two innovative health plans that provide tax benefits under the Section 80D -  Health Advantage Plus Insurance and Family Floater Insurance.
The Health Advantage Plus policy enables you to save tax up to Rs.4,635 while purchasing. Plus, you can claim OPD (Outpatient Department) up to Rs. 10,000 (depending on sum insured chosen and age of the insured) . It means your total savings comprise of tax savings plus OPD reimbursement.
The Family Floater Insurance policy also provides the tax benefits that come under Section D of the Income Tax Act where you save up Rs. 5099 on the tax payable. The Floater policy also features benefits such as a health check-up coupon for free and an option to pay in EMIs without any extra charges on every policy, which add up to your savings. Thus, purchasing of the plans mentioned above help you in tax planning and save both your health and money.  Click here to calculate your tax, we provide you a special tax calculator, which will help you to plan your savings smartly.

General Insurance

                 General Insurance is also known as non-life insurance. An individual can avail insurance protection by paying premium to an insurance company. There is a vast scope for the General insurance products in the national market and the insurers are trying to provide the customers with innovative plans to secure their lives. In India, the insurance penetration is improving and it will lead India to the position of the second largest developing economies in the world.

Some of the reputed general insurance companies offer unique plans that protect you against the risks and induce maximum benefits to you.

 

Health Insurance for Family

 Health Insurance

Health Insurance is also known as Mediclaim. There are several types of insurance policies that come under health insurance. Some health insurance plans avail you tax benefits whereas some provide you coverage against accident. Majority of insurance plans cover health and health related issues of the entire family. When you opt for a family health insurance plan, you get benefits like a free health check-up coupon, terrorism cover etc… Purchase health insurance that suits your need, budget and interest.

 

Motor Insurance - Car Insurance and Two wheeler Insurance

 Motor Insurance

Motor Insurance is known as Auto, Vehicle or Car insurance and its basic aim is to provide protection against losses incurred as a result of traffic accidents and against liability that could be incurred in an accident. Two wheeler insurance also comes under Motor Insurance.  

 

 

Fly with Travel Insurance and have a safe journey...

Travel Insurance

 Travel Insurance covers medical and non-medical expenses, financial expenses like money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments and other losses incurred while traveling in the nation or overseas. These days, with the increasing risk of terrorist attacks, buying a travel insurance plan has become a must thing before departure.

 

Protect you home with Home Insurance

 Home Insurance

Home Insurance covers your home, private property and other structures such as furniture, appliances and clothing against fire and theft. An insurance plan for your home from a reputed insurer not only protects your home and your belongings but also provides coverage for the losses that could have taken place due to terrorism and acts of terrorism.

You can also browse through the plan details and premium quotes before making a final decision. Purchasing policies online is a smart option to get apt coverage without any paperwork. You can view, print and manage your insurance policy anytime, anywhere. Insure your life and your most precious assets and live with peace of mind.

Protect your Home this Monsoon!

Protect your Home this Monsoon…
There is one place in the world that makes you feel very secured – Your home. Your home protects you from the external circumstances. Monsoon has arrived and the frequency of rainfalls is increasing. A heavy rainfall can do severe damage to your home structure and interiors. It’s prudent to take special care of your home and protect it against uncontrollable weather risks. Home maintenance during monsoon can be planned in smarter way. It will not only help you maintain your home but also the contents of your home in a better way…

Begin with cleaning the house
Cleaning is very important. Daily cleaning will protect your house against unnecessary moisture and dirt. Divide the house area and do one to one cleaning rather than cleaning the house at one go. Make use of high-quality equipments and solutions as per the necessity to clean, dust or polish the furniture items. Give special attention to cracked tiles and a roof with a leakage hole, particularly in this weather. Repair the damaged tiles immediately and use water-proof shields for your roof. Doors and windows of your home can be protected in the same way.

Try to free the space to channelise ventilation
Avoid buying any new furniture, especially wooden furniture. Keep simple, useful and functional objects. If you’re planning to renovate the house, monsoon is not the best season. Postpone your renovation plans and make use of the old clothes, rugs and carpets. Do not forget to vaccume your carpets and rugs to get rid of the musty smell. This will keep your home neat and tidy by soaking the extra moisture.

Pay attention to electric devices
Electric devices can create trouble in such a wet weather. Limit the use of electronic items. Keep the devices covered before and after using them. Damaged electrical appliances, cords, wires should be replaced immediately. Consult an electrician before repairing any devices on your own. It is wise to call an electrician for major repairs. Keep the electrical appliances away from children and pets.

Go for Home Insurance
Buying a home insurance plan will be the best way to secure your household and your precious assets against natural calamities. A comprehensive home insurance plan will not only secure your home and home contents against weather issues but also against man-made disasters like burglary, theft, riot, terrorism, strike. We, at ICICI Lombard bring you a complete plan for your home. Our Home Insurance plan safeguards your home including your personal property, household goods and other valuables. You can purchase our home insurance policy online anytime, anywhere and print it as well. This way you can safeguard your home in the extreme weather and other conditions.

5 Tips to get a renewed health this Year

             Being in good health is essential to maintain the quality of life. World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates the World Health Day every year on 7th of April to ensure a better health for people across the globe. The theme of World Health Day 2009 is to focus on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.(Source: www.who.int/) 

Live Healthy

             Many of us may or may not be affected by such emergencies but we can certainly be a part of this mission by creating a healthy environment. See how some simple tips can help you gain sound health at least for yourself: Following factors are in your control and implementing them will certainly bring you good results:

 

Well-balanced diet :A balanced diet means eating the right amount of the right type of food. Consuming appropriate portions of variety of nutritious foods nurture your body and keep you active. A well-balanced diet consists of food groups that provide sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals to your body. These are essential sources of energy, fiber, strength and stamina. Eating right things in a right way also makes you feel good about yourself as your emotional well-being is dependent on it.

 Regular Exercise: It is important to add movement to your life. Regular exercise brings multiple benefits that improve your body and mind. If you have hectic lifestyle, try doing small activities like taking steps instead of elevators, opting for longer routes to your desk, parking further so you walk between the car and the stores, playing with kids, swimming on free days, joining a dance or aerobics class. Simply getting a exercise buddy can also help you a lot in order to be  fit. So, keep moving.

De-stressing:  Timely and adequate sleep is essential and works as natural stress buster. Resting and relaxing are key ‘activities’ that help you manage stress in a better way. Allow yourself to de-stress at least once a day. Listen to music, plant trees, read a book or just sit at a comfortable place and breathe in deeply. Stress management is not very difficult if you’re eating balanced meals and exercising regularly. But if it’s still overpowering you then ensure that you take additional steps to combat stress.

Adopting new healthy habits:  Instead of changing a bad habit, adopt a new habit. If you’re leaving home without having breakfast, it’s a time to adopt a habit of ensuring that you have breakfast before leaving home. Research has shown that people who eat breakfast, tend to take in more vitamins and minerals and less of fat and cholesterol. Quiting to smoke or moderating consumption of Alcohol are difficult habits to change but not impossible. Smoking doesn’t induce any benefits and damages your health in many ways. If you carefully choose your drinks then they might help you to a certain extent. Prefer making your own cocktails. Also, avoid drinking creamy liqueurs after dinner as they contain huge amount of calories.

Positive Attitude:  This is common yet very important. Your attitude towards looking at life alone can change many things. Thinking positive keeps your mind and body active. Find a way to bring joy into your life by pursuing some hobby, be creative, pamper yourself with a massage treatment, get a pet, believe in sharing, make friends, help your neighbors or simply write a blog every week. A lot can be done if you think you can… because when you think you can , you will..!

Ensure yourself a better health this year to live longer… Happier..!

Log on to www.icicilombard.com for more information on Health and Health Insurance.

Traveling to U.S.A? Know about your Health/ Medical requirements

If you are planning to travel to U.S.A, do ensure that you abide by the various requirements. Here are few important pointers regarding the Health and Medical requirements.

• Visitors’ Medical Health Insurance is mandatory while traveling to U.S.A. You are therefore recommended to take a comprehensive medical insurance, which also covers unforeseen medical expenses.
•  As a visitor or new immigrant, you will not be eligible for domestic health insurance plans. An insurance is therefore necessary because treatment in U.S.A., particularly in case of hospitalization is very expensive. Even a visit to the doctor for minor problems may cost several hundred dollars. This does not include the medication or laboratory tests fees.
•  A Health Insurance is mandatory to maintain a legal visa status if you hold a F or J Visa (non-immigrant student visas). If you are an Indian student going to U.S.A. for higher studies, do check our University Search for your university specific student medical insurance requirements.
•  Only emergency cases are handled without prior payment. In case of other services, treatment is refused without evidence of medical insurance or upfront payment.
•  Any medications you buy over the counter in U.S.A. requires a doctor’s prescription.
•  Long-term visitors with children need immunization certificates against measles, diphtheria, rubella and poliomyelitis to enroll them into a school. In certain states, immunization against mumps, tetanus and whooping cough is also required.
•  Act 212 (1) of Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) lists individuals inadmissible into U.S.A. on health grounds. In general, individuals with communicable diseases of public significance, a history of/suffering from physical and mental disorders perceived to be a threat to public property and safety, non-compliance to vaccination requirements and drug abusers/addicts are inadmissible foreigners. Click here for more details.
•  It is recommended that you take a Hepatitis B vaccination when traveling to United States of America.
•  Take precaution against mosquito-borne diseaseWest Nile Virus (during the summer and autumn months) and that by infected-tick bites-Lyme Disease.
•  Under the 96 Act, foreigners intending to immigrate permanently are inadmissible unless they have received vaccinations for mumps/measles/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis(whooping cough)/tetanus (DPT), polio, influenza, Hepatitis B and others as recommended byAdvisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
•  Apart from Hepatitis B, all the vaccinations mentioned above are “routine vaccinations” and must be taken even if one is not traveling.

For more information on Visa Laws, Baggage Guidelines, Prohibited and Permitted items and other important Custom Laws, click here.

When terror strikes again…

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Frequent terror strikes in the recent past clearly indicates our vulnerability towards terrorism. A series of five synchronized bomb blasts within few minutes on September 13 in Delhi, the capital of India, has shaken the country’s sense of security. At least 100 people were wounded and 20 killed in the blasts at Delhi’s busiest areas: Karol Bagh market, Kailash market and Connaught Place. 

The blasts in Jaipur on 13 May, the serial bombings in Bangalore on July 25 and blasts in Ahemdabad on July 26 can be viewed as black days in the history of our country. Hundreds of lives were lost due to these attacks.

The evil mess created by the terrorists largely affects the victims and his family. Though we at once, cannot uproot these terror strikes, we can still do a lot to reduce the toll it can have on our family and ourselves. Insurance against terror attacks, hence, has become more necessary than ever before.

Keeping this in mind, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company offers terrorism cover through Personal Accident insurance policy,  thereby providing relief and a source of replacement income to the victims of terrorism. In case of death of the insured due to terrorist attack or act of terrorism, the nominee is compensated with the sum insured. If the insured is permanently disabled losing his limbs, sight, etc. he receives the sum insured in the form of a lump sum payment.

The toll of terrorism is unthinkable. Obviously, the need for having proper coverage cannot be undermined. It is necessary for everyone and if you are an earning member of your family, the need demands greater attention.

Personal Accident Insurance is available in 4 easy plans with 4 different sum insured. You can also choose the period of coverage that varies from 3 to 5 years.

Anyone in the age group of 18 to 70 years can buy this policy without undergoing a medical check-up. With our Buy Online service you can buy this policy online, without any paperwork, in as few as 10 minutes.

Looking at the frequent terror strikes in the country, it becomes important to secure ourselves and our families at the earliest possible.

Click here to insure against terrorism instantly….

For further queries, call 1800-209-888 (toll-free) or visit www.icicilombard.com for more information and to buy online.

Set your policy renewal reminder now

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We all have commitments, both personal and professional to live up to. The result is a  busy schedule where we are racing against time and thus, tend to forget important activities and dates. One such important date, which one usually tends to miss out, is the insurance policy renewal date.

ICICI Lombard GIC, the pioneer of general insurance products in India, brings to you a service to ensure you renew your insurance policies on time.

The Policy Renewal Reminder is an online initiative to help customers renew their policy before the expiry date and prevent it from lapsing. All one has to do is fill up some basic details and set a reminder.

How does it work?
Simply go to the Online Policy Renewal Reminder tool and fill up the basic details such as your name, email address and your mobile and telephone numbers.

You then choose the insurance policy you want to set a reminder for (e.g. car insurance, health insurance, home insurance etc), put in the expiry date and set a reminder either 5, 10 or 15 days before the lapse date (as per your discretion). Just click on submit and its done!

We shall send you a reminder via Email and SMS when your renewal is due.

What sets this service apart is that you need not be n ICICI Lombard customer to avail this. Any general insurance policy holder, irrespective of where he got his insurance from, can set a reminder with this tool.

You can set reminders for multiple policies in one go itself. E.g. if you want to set reminders for your car and health insurance, you need not go to renewal reminder tool  and submit details twice. You can choose multiple policies at the same time.

The best part is that this service is absolutely free and can be availed online anytime, anywhere. The procedure is extremely simple and it hardly takes a minute or two.

So, simply log on to www.icicilombard.com to set a reminder and forget about it! We shall do the remembering on your behalf.

Now, get Pre-existing Diseases covered in your Travel Insurance

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If you are planning a trip abroad, availing travel insurance is a must. However, choosing the right plan and the provider from the the numerous options available in the market can get quite tricky.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, the pioneer of travel plans amongst the private insurers in India, offers Individual Overseas Travel insurance that also covers pre-existing diseases (in case of emergency). Yes, you read it right. ICICI Lombard offers coverage for pre-existing disease in life-threatening situations, thereby making it one of the most opted travel insurance amongst the many plans available.

ICICI Lombard has also tied up with UnitedHealth Group (UHG), one of the largest health care companies in the US, thereby providing exclusive health care services to its customers. This assures the travelers access to 86% of acute care hospitals, more than 554,000 physicians, 4,800 medical facilities & OPD centers and 60,000 pharmacies throughout the U.S. 

What also sets this travel policy apart form others is that the premium is charged on a unique pay per day basis and not the usual slab rates. If you travel for 15 days, you pay exactly for 15 days and not for 20 days according to the slab system.

Travelers up to the age of 85 do not have to undergo any health check-up. What’s more, we also offer you the convenience of calculating premium and buying insurance online in just a few minutes. When you buy online, a digitally signed document is generated which is saved online and can be accessed from any place any time. The secure online platform allows you to not only buy but also renew and track your claims online.

The benefits mentioned above, makes our Overseas Travel Insurance, one of the most preferred travel insurance plan for Indians going abroad. 

In its 7 successful years of operations, ICICI Lombard has kept the promise of providing good deals to the customers for the simple reason that we prioritize our customer’s emotions with their hard-earned money. Our Individual Overseas Travel Insurance Plan is no exception.

Travel Worry Free with ICICI Lombard’s travel insurance. That’s what a holiday is meant for!

For further queries, call 1800-209-888 (toll-free) or visit www.icicilombard.com for more information and to buy online.

Going to U.S. for studies? Get comprehensive Student Medical Coverage

Travelling abroad for further studies is an important chapter in one’s life. Before you tread on this exciting path, it is necessary that you prepare for yourself a safety net for the new environment that can act as a shield against unforeseen emergencies. Purchasing a student medical insurance can remove these worries and make your study abroad a pleasant experience.

When people plan to study abroad for higher studies, the United States of America is their first preference. U.S. is known for top rated universities, varied and conventional courses and specialization, and state-of-the-art training and research facilities. There are number of must haves while you leave your home country to study in the States. Student Medical Insurance is one such requirement. Current U.S. laws require international students to carry student medical insurance. Universities in the US do provide international students with a health insurance but it is always recommended that you carry your health insurance in the home country and get a waiver from the university plan simply because you can avail the same coverage a lesser cost.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance offers Student Medical Insurance that covers medical & non-medical benefits at a comparatively low cost. Buying in India means that you pay premiums in rupees and get the benefits in dollars!

To ensure quality health care, ICICI Lombard has now tied-up with United Health Group, the best, and the most diverse health care company in the US which serves more than 70 millions Americans. More than 86% of all acute care hospitals and huge number of physician and OPD facilities are in their network. This tie-up will benefit the students going to U.S. because of the hospital network and give all the students access to United Healthcare’s network of hospitals and physicians.

All our students traveling to the US will now receive a co-branded ICICI Lombard and UHI card printed along with the policy and get access to 86% of acute care hospitals, more than 554,000 physicians, 4,800 medical facilities, OPD centers and 60,000 pharmacies throughout the U.S.

Our student medical insurance is one of the most preferred because we cover pre-existing disease in life-threatening emergencies. The plans are tailor made according to the requirement of universities.

With Student Medical Insurance from ICICI Lombard you get good cash value because you can avail the same coverage at 1/3rd the cost of insurance premium abroad. What’s more? You can also buy policy online without any paperwork and get the documents instantly.

Facilities as attractive as these makes it compelling to get insurance from Student Medical Insurance from ICICI Lombard.

Indian students enrolled at a U.S. university can purchase insurance in India and activate the policies prior to their departure and the commencement of their academic session.

So the next time you or any of your loved ones is planning a study abroad in U.S., call 1800 209 888 and get your comprehensive Student Medical Insurance from ICICI Lombard GIC.

Click Here to buy online.

For further details, please log on to www.icicilombard.com