What Happens After Filing a Car Insurance Claim in Pakistan?

Introduction: The Waiting Period That Confuses Most Policyholders

Filing a car insurance claim after an accident often brings a sense of relief to vehicle owners.

You’ve followed the process:

• Contacted your insurance company
• Filled out the claim form
• Submitted the required documents
• Moved your vehicle to an authorized workshop

Now you wait — expecting your insurer to handle the repair costs.

But instead of immediate approval, you receive calls from the insurance company asking for additional information. A surveyor wants to inspect the vehicle. The workshop informs you that repairs cannot begin without approval.

This stage — after filing the claim — is where most confusion begins.

Many policyholders in Pakistan are unaware of what happens behind the scenes once a claim is submitted.

Understanding the post-claim process can help you:

• Track your claim status
• Avoid delays
• Ensure proper documentation
• Prevent claim rejection

Let’s break down what actually happens after you file a car insurance claim.

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How Comprehensive Car Insurance Works

Comprehensive car insurance provides coverage against:

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

Unlike third-party insurance, comprehensive coverage protects both:

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

Once a claim is filed:

1. Claim is registered with the insurer.
2. A claim reference number is issued.
3. A surveyor is assigned.
4. Vehicle inspection is conducted.
5. Repair estimate is prepared.
6. Claim is evaluated.
7. Approval or rejection decision is made.

The entire process may take several days depending on the nature of damage and compliance with policy terms.

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Who Should Buy It?

Comprehensive insurance is ideal for:

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

Repair costs can quickly add up:

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

Insurance helps reduce the financial burden of unexpected damage.

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Benefits

Financial Protection

Insurance covers repair or replacement costs.

Faster Claim Settlement

Proper documentation may speed up approval.

Theft Compensation

Insurers may compensate for stolen vehicles.

Third-Party Liability

Protects against legal responsibility for damages caused to others.

Peace of Mind

Active coverage ensures financial security.

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Limitations

Comprehensive insurance may not cover:

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

Policy violations identified during claim assessment may affect approval.

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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 vary based on:

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

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Factors That Affect Premium

Insurance premium rates are influenced by:

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

Fewer claims may result in lower premium rates during renewal.

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Real Example Scenario

Saad owns a 2022 Honda City insured under a comprehensive policy.

After a minor accident, he files a claim and submits all required documents.

A surveyor visits the workshop to inspect the vehicle.

Inspection confirms:

• Front bumper damage
• Broken headlight
• Minor scratches

Repair estimate:

• Bumper repair: PKR 30,000
• Headlight replacement: PKR 25,000
• Door repainting: PKR 15,000

The insurer reviews the survey report and policy compliance.

Result:

Claim is approved after deductible adjustment.

Saad pays part of the repair cost while the insurer covers the remaining amount.

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Tips Before Buying

Before purchasing insurance:

• Review policy exclusions
• Understand deductible clauses
• Keep authorized driver details updated
• Report accidents immediately
• Store policy documents safely
• Compare insurer claim settlement ratios

Preparation helps ensure smoother claim processing.

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FAQs

What happens after filing a claim?

Surveyor inspection and claim evaluation take place.

How long does claim processing take?

Usually several days depending on documentation.

Can claims be rejected after filing?

Yes, if policy violations are identified.

Is survey mandatory?

Yes, for most claims.

Does deductible affect claim payout?

Yes, policyholders may need to pay part of repair costs.

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Conclusion

Filing a car insurance claim is only the first step in the claim process.

Understanding what happens afterward — including survey inspection, documentation review, and claim evaluation — can help avoid delays or rejection.

Maintaining policy compliance and submitting accurate information ensures smoother claim processing and financial protection.

Insurance is not just about filing claims — it’s about understanding the process that follows.

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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