How Car Insurance Survey Process Works in Pakistan

Introduction: The Most Important Step That Decides Your Claim

Many vehicle owners in Pakistan believe that filing an insurance claim is just about informing the insurance company after an accident.

But in reality, the most critical step that determines whether your claim gets approved or rejected is the car insurance survey process.

Let’s imagine this:

You meet with an accident on a busy road in Karachi. Your car’s front bumper is damaged, headlights are broken, and the side panel needs repainting. You contact your insurance company and file a claim.

After that, the insurer sends a surveyor to inspect the vehicle.

Now here’s where things get serious.

The surveyor checks:

• Nature of damage
• Cause of accident
• Driver details
• Policy compliance
• Vehicle condition

Based on this inspection, a report is prepared that decides:

✔ Whether your claim will be approved
✔ How much compensation you will receive
✔ Whether negligence was involved

Many claims in Pakistan are delayed or rejected simply because policyholders do not understand how the survey process works.

Understanding this process can help you avoid claim complications and unnecessary financial loss.

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How Comprehensive Car Insurance Works

Comprehensive car insurance provides protection against:

• Road accidents
• Theft
• Fire damage
• Natural disasters
• Vandalism
• Third-party liability
• Riots or civil disturbances

Unlike third-party insurance, comprehensive policies cover both:

• Damage to your own vehicle
• Damage caused to other vehicles or property

When an insured event occurs:

1. You notify the insurance company.
2. Required documents are submitted.
3. A surveyor is assigned.
4. Vehicle inspection is conducted.
5. Survey report is prepared.
6. Claim is approved or rejected.

The surveyor’s report plays a key role in determining the outcome of your claim.

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Who Should Buy It?

Comprehensive insurance is particularly useful for:

• New car owners
• Daily commuters
• Owners of financed vehicles
• High-value vehicle owners
• Drivers living in urban cities like Karachi
• People parking vehicles outdoors
• Individuals living in flood-prone areas

Repair costs can be significant:

• Bumper replacement: PKR 15,000 – 40,000
• Headlight replacement: PKR 20,000 – 60,000
• Door repainting: PKR 10,000 – 25,000

Insurance helps manage unexpected expenses arising from accidents.

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Benefits

Accurate Damage Assessment

Surveyors inspect the vehicle to determine the exact nature of damage.

Transparent Claim Processing

Survey reports help insurers evaluate claims objectively.

Financial Protection

Insurance helps cover repair or replacement costs.

Fraud Prevention

Surveyors ensure claims are genuine and compliant with policy terms.

Faster Settlement

Proper inspection may speed up claim approval.

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Limitations

Despite its advantages, comprehensive insurance may not cover:

• Mechanical breakdown
• Wear and tear
• Damage due to negligence
• Driving under intoxication
• Unauthorized driver usage
• Commercial use of private vehicles

Surveyors may also reject claims if policy violations are identified during inspection.

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Estimated Cost in Pakistan

Insurance premiums in Pakistan usually depend on vehicle value:

Vehicle Value	Estimated Annual Premium
PKR 10 Lakh	PKR 18,000 – 25,000
PKR 15 Lakh	PKR 25,000 – 40,000
PKR 20 Lakh	PKR 40,000 – 55,000
PKR 30 Lakh	PKR 55,000 – 80,000

Premiums may vary based on:

• Vehicle make & model
• Claim history
• Geographic location
• Coverage type

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Factors That Affect Premium

Several factors influence insurance premium rates:

• Driver’s age
• Driving experience
• Claim frequency
• Vehicle usage
• Installed safety features
• Deductible selected
• Location risk level

Safe driving behavior may help reduce premium rates.

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Real Example Scenario

Imran owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla insured under a comprehensive policy.

After a minor accident, he files a claim expecting full coverage.

A surveyor visits the workshop and inspects the vehicle.

Inspection reveals:

• Damage to front bumper
• Broken headlights
• Minor scratches

However, the surveyor also notes that:

• The accident occurred due to unauthorized driver use

Repair estimate:

• Bumper repair: PKR 35,000
• Headlight replacement: PKR 30,000
• Door repainting: PKR 20,000

Due to policy violation, claim is partially approved.

Understanding policy terms earlier could have helped avoid this outcome.

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Tips Before Buying

Before purchasing insurance:

• Review policy exclusions
• Maintain safe driving habits
• Understand survey process
• Keep authorized driver details updated
• Report accidents immediately
• Store policy documents safely
• Compare insurer claim settlement ratios

Preparation can help ensure smoother claim processing.

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FAQs

What is a car insurance survey?

It is an inspection conducted after an accident to assess damage.

Who conducts the survey?

A licensed surveyor appointed by the insurance company.

Can survey affect claim approval?

Yes, survey findings determine claim outcome.

How soon is survey conducted?

Usually within 24–48 hours after claim filing.

Is survey mandatory?

Yes, for most insurance claims.

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Conclusion

The car insurance survey process plays a crucial role in determining claim approval and compensation amount.

Understanding how surveyors inspect damage and assess policy compliance can help policyholders avoid claim rejection.

Insurance is meant to provide financial protection — but successful claim processing depends on compliance with policy terms and accurate damage assessment.

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Author Bio

Ahmad Raza is an automotive insurance researcher and financial writer with over five years of experience analyzing motor insurance policies in Pakistan.

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Sources / References

Adamjee Insurance Motor Insurance Guide

Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)

State Bank of Pakistan Insurance Guidelines

Pakistan Insurance Association Reports

EFU General Insurance Motor Policy

Jubilee General Insurance Coverage Terms