How Many Days After an Accident Can You File an Insurance Claim?

(Photo Credit: freepik)

Car insurance is essential for every driver. It helps cover expenses when accidents happen and provides protection against unexpected events like theft, fire, or natural disasters.

Typically, most people report a claim immediately after an accident. But what if you couldn’t file a claim right away?

Can you file an insurance claim retroactively? If so, how many days do you have? Let’s find out!

What is a Retroactive Insurance Claim?

A retroactive insurance claim, commonly known as a "dry claim", refers to filing a claim some time after an accident instead of reporting it immediately. This type of claim is usually applicable to minor damages, like scratches or dents from a small collision.

You CAN file a retroactive insurance claim if:

• You can provide clear details about the incident, including the date, time, location, and any involved parties (if applicable).
• You have first-class insurance (comprehensive coverage) or a policy that allows claims without identifying a third party.
• If you have a lower-tier policy (such as second-class or third-class insurance), you must have contact details of the other party involved in the accident. Otherwise, the insurance company may reject your claim.

How Many Days Do You Have to File a Retroactive Claim?

If your car has minor damages and you couldn’t report it right away, you should file a claim within 2-3 days of the accident. Waiting any longer might cause problems because:

• If additional damage occurs later, the insurer won’t cover it since it wasn’t part of the original accident.
• The insurance company might deny your claim if they can’t verify how and when the damage happened.
• You may have to pay a deductible or an excess fee, depending on your policy.

(Photo Credit: freepik)

What is an Excess Fee or Deductible?

An excess fee or deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance covers the remaining repair costs. There are two types:

• Excess Fee (Compulsory Deductible)
  • This is a mandatory fee set by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) in Thailand.
  • Applies if you have an accident with no identifiable third party.
  • Typically 1,000 THB per claim and cannot be used to reduce your annual premium.
• Voluntary Deductible
  • This is an optional amount you agree to pay in exchange for a lower insurance premium.
  • If you cause an accident or can’t identify a third party, you must pay this deductible before your insurance covers the remaining costs.
  • Usually ranges from 1,000 - 5,000 THB—the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

How to File a Retroactive Insurance Claim

If you need to file a retroactive claim (dry claim), follow these steps:

• Prepare Required Documents:
  • Car insurance policy document
  • Copy of vehicle registration
  • Copy of driver’s license
• Call Your Insurance Company
  • Provide details about the accident (date, time, location, cause of damage).
  • Schedule an appointment for a vehicle inspection at an authorized garage or service center.
• Get a Claim Report & Repair Your Car
  • The insurer will inspect the damage and issue a claim report.
  • You can use this report to get your car repaired at the designated repair shop.

Key Takeaways

• You can file a retroactive claim within 2-3 days after an accident.
• If you wait too long, your insurance may reject the claim or charge additional fees.
• Know your excess fee and deductible to avoid unexpected costs.
• Always keep detailed records of the accident and submit the necessary documents on time.

Even if you have first-class insurance, understanding the claim process is crucial to avoid losing coverage! Always read your policy carefully and file claims promptly to make the most of your insurance benefits.

Read More:  How Many Times Can You Claim Car Insurance?

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