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.
Three claim types
Third-party claims cover damage you cause to others; own-damage claims cover your vehicle from accident, theft, fire, or calamity; total-loss claims apply when the vehicle is beyond economic repair or stolen beyond 90 days.
Escalation path
Demand written rejection with the cited clause; file with the Grievance Officer; escalate to IRDAI Bima Bharosa; then the Insurance Ombudsman - free up to Rs 30 lakh and binding on the insurer.
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.