Motor Claim Settlement in 30 Days: The Document-Driven Method

By Hari Kotian, IRDAI-Certified Insurance Advisor · 2026

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.

Surveyor interaction

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.

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.

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.

End-to-end claim handling - documentation, surveyor liaison, IDV disputes, and Ombudsman escalation - is done daily by claim recovery experts. See the motor insurance claim assistance service for free guidance.