Things to Know About First Notification of Loss in Car Insurance

Get Car Insurance starting at only ₹2,094/year #
Processing

When you purchase a car insurance policy, you expect it to compensate you at the time of claim without much hassle. However, for the claim to be successful, you will be required to take the first step of informing the insurer as soon as your car meets with an accident. This is the First Notification of Loss that you provide to the insurance company. Let us understand more about FNOL in car insurance in the article.

Read more

  • Renew policy in 2 minutes*

  • 20+ Insurers to choose

  • 51 Lakh+ Vehicles Insured

#TP price for less than 1000 CC cars. All savings are provided by insurers as per IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply.

Get Car Insurance starting at only ₹2,094/year #
Looking for Car Insurance?
    Other models
    Other variants
    Select your variant
    View all variants
      Full Name
      Email
      Mobile No.
      View Prices
      Please wait..
      By clicking on “View Prices”, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
      Get Updates on WhatsApp
      Select Make
      Select Model
      Fuel Type
      Select variant
      Registration year
      Registration month
      Save & update
      Please wait..
      Search with another car number?

      We have found best plans for you!! Our advisor will get in touch with you soon.

      What is First Notification of Loss (FNOL)?

      The First Notification of Loss or FNOL is the initial notice provided to the insurer by the policyholder when the insured car meets with an unfortunate accident. It can be considered as the first required step to file a claim under a car insurance policy.

      Thus, in the event of a total loss, theft, or damage to the insured car due to any unforeseen incident, the initial intimation to the insurer is termed as the First Notification of Loss.

      How to File a First Notification of Loss?

      The procedure of filing an insurance claim entails several steps from the time an incident is reported to the time of claim settlement.

      The First Notification of Loss or FNOL is the first step of this claim process. It takes place when you inform the insurance company about the loss or damage sustained by the insured car.

      In the case of motor insurance, a driver/owner informs the insurer of the accident involving the insured vehicle by calling their customer care team, which is mostly available 24*7.

      Based on this FNOL, the insurance company sends a surveyor who examines the extent of damage sustained by the insured vehicle. Based on the surveyor report, the insurance company settles the motor insurance claim.

      Documents Required to File an FNOL

      The First Notice of Loss in car insurance does not require any document as such but it requires you to provide certain information to the insurance company. This information includes:

      • Your car insurance policy number
      • Date and time of the damage, loss, or theft
      • Location of the incident
      • Police FIR number
      • A personal account of the incident.
      • Details of the party at fault
      • Relevant details of the insured vehicle

      In the case of third party liabilities, the details of third-party damages should also be given to the insurance company.

      Inspection of Damages After FNOL

      Once you have sent the First Notification of Loss to the insurance company, it becomes their responsibility to get the insured car repaired and settle the claim at the earliest. Therefore, the need for inspecting the car damages becomes important after the First Notice of Loss is submitted by you.

      Depending on the surveyor's inspection report, the insurer will determine whether the insured car has suffered a total loss, theft, or damages that can be repaired in a garage. Losses can be irreparable, such as loss due to theft or a total loss in the fire. In such cases, you will receive the Insured Declared Value of the insured vehicle.

      On the other hand, losses can also be repairable when the insured car sustains damages due to an accident or collision. Under a reparable loss, the insurance company will pay for the repairs of the insured vehicle via cashless repairs or reimbursement claim settlement.

      However, all of this is only possible after the First Notification of Loss is submitted to the insurance company.

      Importance of First Notice of Loss in Car Insurance

      Everyone would want their car insurance claim to be settled without much effort and at the earliest hour possible. However, for this to happen, a policyholder needs to intimate the insurer about the loss or damage to the insured car soon after the incident. Even if it is your first claim, you must make sure to duly inform the car insurance company about the accident to the insurer.

      Moreover, make sure to provide accurate information about the incident to the insurance company. Any discrepancy may result in the rejection of your motor insurance claim.

      Thus, a policyholder should consider FNOL as an important step under the car insurance claim process.

      For a car insurance company, the First Notification of Loss is an opportunity to gain the trust of its policyholders. If customers get a faster claim settlement after notifying about the loss to the insurer even if it is their first time making a claim, it will create a positive impact on them. Moreover, by providing an automated omnichannel solution for First Notice of Loss in car insurance, a motor insurance company can provide faster claim settlement with an instant communication process.

      Thus, the first notification of loss is equally important for both policyholders and insurers.

      Wrapping Up!

      As stated above, the First Notice of Loss is the initial but critical step in the car insurance claim process. From a policyholder's point of view, it is the foremost step to get their compensation fast. On the other hand, for a car insurance company, FNOL is an opportunity to improve the customer's trust and reliability in them. Hence, make sure to file the First Notice of Loss as soon as your car meets with adversity.

      Find similar car insurance quotes by body type

      Hatchback Sedan SUV MUV
      Search
      Disclaimer: Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.
       Why buy from policybazaar

      Car insurance articles

      Recent Articles
      Popular Articles
      All You Need To Know About Hatchback Car Insurance

      05 Dec 2023

      Investing in a hatchback can be a great option if you are looking
      Read more
      Does Your Car Insurance Cover Damages By Rat Attack?

      29 Nov 2023

      Considering the population of rats in our country, it is common to
      Read more
      All You Need to Know About Standalone OD Insurance

      29 Sep 2023

      The concept of Own Damage(OD) is not a new one. For those of us
      Read more
      Your Guide to Reducing the Chances of a Rejected Motor Insurance claim

      29 Sep 2023

      Filing a motor insurance claim can be a complex process, and
      Read more
      Top things to keep in mind when Renewing Car Insurance

      29 Sep 2023

      To continue receiving coverage benefits, it's necessary to renew
      Read more
      Check Vehicle/Car Insurance Status Online on Parivahan Sewa, Vahan, IIB & RTO
      It doesn’t matter if you are an excellent driver or take your car out only once in a few months, your car must be
      Read more
      How to Find Car Insurance Details by Registration Number?
      As a car owner, it is mandatory to have a car insurance policy under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Sometimes, you
      Read more
      Getting Your Duplicate Car Insurance Policy is Easy-Here’s How!
      Losing your car insurance documents can be daunting. In such a state of affairs, the first thing that comes to your
      Read more
      How to Transfer Car Insurance Policy?
      An integral part of selling a car for both the buyer and the seller is ensuring a successful car insurance transfer
      Read more
      Comprehensive Insurance Vs Third Party Insurance
      A comprehensive car insurance policy offers protection against third-party liabilities and own damages sustained by
      Read more

      top
      View Plans
      Close
      Download the Policybazaar app
      to manage all your insurance needs.
      INSTALL