How to File Claim for Third-Party Motor Insurance

One of the biggest challenges that vehicle owners face in Nigeria is filing claim for third-party motor insurance.

If you want to protect yourself from unplanned expenses, road delays, and embarrassments, you’ll need to be smarter with your car insurance policy. Simply put, you’ll need to know how to make a claim to offset the financial and medical expenses when an accident occurs.

The 2003 Nigerian Insurance Act gives you the right to make a claim, but you must be covered by third-party motor insurance. By buying the policy with ₦15,000, you’re covered for damages up to a limit of ₦1,000,000 and for unlimited (but reasonable) liability for death or bodily injury to third parties.

Moreover, benefiting from third-party insurance requires your knowledge of the claims process.

What is Third-Party Motor Insurance Claim?

In simple terms, a third-party motor insurance claim covers you for a crash caused by your vehicle. While you’re directly not insured by the policy, it covers you against claims made by the third party. However, to make your vehicle eligible for repairs and to protect yourself from injuries or permanent disability, consider getting comprehensive motor insurance. 

8 Steps to Process a Third-Party Motor Insurance Claim

Processing a third-party motor insurance claim is easier than you think. It’s much simpler, however, if you have good knowledge of auto insurance. But even if you don’t, you can use the following steps to settle claims for an accident.

1. Establish Who is Liable at the Point of Accident

At this important stage in the claims process, make sure you and the opposing driver decide who takes liability for the collision. If you admit to causing the accident, tender a signed letter accepting responsibility. Additionally, if the collision is minimal, then it’s best to conclude with an on-the-spot resolution since this reduces the time you might spend processing a claim. But if maximal, you can proceed with the claim.

2. Prepare Evidence

Preparing evidence is necessary after an accident. Since this aids your claim, it lets you understand the details of what you are liable for. Some of the evidence you’ll need includes pictures of the damaged vehicle, a copy of your insurance policy and a police report.

3. Estimate Repair Cost

Without delay, estimate the car repair cost. Fetch a competent mechanic to the accident scene to measure aspects of the damage. After the police officer has taken a report, convey the third-party vehicle to the mechanic’s workshop so that diagnostics can be done on it. Then get the total cost of what needs to be fixed in writing and agreed upon by the third party.

4. Review Your Insurance Policy

Endeavour to check the validity of your vehicle insurance policy. This helps you note the renewal date and other general information needed for a claim. Your claim might be rejected if your vehicle’s insurance has expired. So, make sure you form the habit of checking your vehicle’s insurance online to avoid surprises. You can check the status of your third-party insurance online by visiting the website of the insurance company or the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) at askniid.org and searching by policy number or registration number.

5. Report the Accident to the Insurance Company

Notify the insurance company about the accident so you can get a third-party claim form to fill out. 30 days is the general notification period to file a claim. However, if you are confused about how to contact your insurer, check your third-party insurance certificate to find the company’s phone number. Call the number on the certificate for guidance on how to file a claim.

6. Send the Claim Form

After filling out the claim form, you’re to send it back to your insurer. By sending the details, the company will begin the investigation. But, be sure you send all the supporting documents and pictures mentioned earlier.

7. Trust Your Insurer to Handle the Claim

Avoid panic but trust your insurer to handle the third-party insurance claim. After receiving your claim form, they’ll process your documentation and remit the funds to the third-party’s bank account. Equipped with information about your insurance policy, your insurer understands how best to handle your claims, so trust them to help you in this situation.

8. Payment

This is the stage where the third party receives funds to repair the damaged vehicle. One thing to note is that each insurance company has a timeline they send their payment, so make sure you find out from them during the claim process.

Channels to Claim Third-Party Motor Insurance with Cornerstone

Besides getting third-party car insurance to the tune of ₦1 million, you’ll need a trusted company to help with the claims. Choosing Cornerstone motor insurance for your third-party policy lets you get quick access to claims when you need it. Below are the channels to use when filing claims with us.

• Electronic Mail

Use our email channel to send your details. Send an email to claimscare@cornerstone.com.ng. You’ll receive a notification acknowledging the email while our personnel advice you on the documents to submit.

• Website

Alternatively, visit our website at www.cornerstone.com.ng to make the third-party insurance claim. For the steps, click on “Make an online claim.” Then click on the applicable class of claim you want. Complete the online form and submit it.

• Letter Writing

Write a letter addressed to Cornerstone Insurance Plc., and receive relevant details of the policy. The details include the loss description, the insured name, the policy number, etc.

• Phone Call

Lastly, a claim can be made by phone via 012806500.

To learn more about our 3rd party insurance:

Visit cornerstone.com.ng | Call: 07086216957 | Email: brand@cornerstone.com.ng

FAQS

What are the Required Documents for a Third-Party Motor Insurance Claim?

You are to submit the following documents for your third-party motor insurance claim:

• A duly filled and signed claim form.
• A photograph of the damage vehicle
• Police report
• Vehicle registration certificate
• A copy of your valid driver’s license
• A copy of your car insurance policy

Conditions that May Deny You a Claim for Third-Party Motor Insurance

The following are circumstances that might deny you a claim on third-party car insurance.

• Driving without a driver’s license
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• When the damage was caused by a natural disaster
• Driving with a learner’s permit
• If false proof and a report were provided
• When the damage occurred because of contributory negligence (when your actions contributed to the accident, such as driving at excessive speed or with faulty brakes)
• If the claim form was filed late.

Read: 5 Insurance Policies Every Family Needs