Exploring the types of car insurance claims Filipinos can file

Car insurance protects you and other road users from financial losses that may arise due to unforeseen twists and turns on the road. In the Philippines, third-party liability insurance is mandated to offer protection in case of accidents involving third parties. However, for enhanced coverage and peace of mind, you also have the option to opt for comprehensive insurance. 

Buying car insurance in the Philippines is a cakewalk thanks to online platforms like Carmudi, where you can get free car insurance quotes from different insurers and choose the one that fits your needs and budget. While obtaining car insurance is straightforward, navigating the claims process can be complicated without a clear understanding of how to file a claim and the types of claims covered under your policy. 

Here, we have curated a guide that will discuss various types of insurance claims, giving you a heads-up on how to deal with different situations and make informed decisions. So, let’s get started.

Types of car insurance claims

Here's a detailed breakdown of the various types of car insurance claims that Filipinos can file in different circumstances.

Type of claim	Situations for filling
TPL (Third-Party Liability claim	Accidents where the insured driver is at fault Damages or injuries caused to third parties in accidents Legal liabilities arising from road incidents
Own damage claim	Accidents resulting in damage to the insured vehicle Vandalism or malicious acts causing damage to the vehicle
Acts of Nature claim	Damages caused by natural disasters (e.g., typhoons, floods, earthquakes or other acts of nature)
Excess bodily injury claim	Coverage for medical expenses and lost wages due to injury Personal injury protection beyond basic insurance coverage
Third-party property damage claim	Compensation for damage to third-party properties Damage to buildings, fences, or other structures
RSMD claim	Damages caused by riots, strikes, or civil disturbances Vandalism or malicious acts leading to vehicle damage
Towing reimbursement claim	Reimbursement for towing expenses after an accident Assistance for vehicle breakdowns requiring towing services
Theft claim	Theft or burglary of the insured vehicle

Let’s discuss each type of car insurance claim in detail, starting with TPL.

TPL claim

TPL claim, or Compulsory Third-Party Liability claim, covers the medical expenses of a third party involved in an accident caused by your vehicle. This coverage typically extends up to ₱100,000, providing financial support to the injured individual or their family. It does not cover the expenses of the third party's vehicle or property damage, nor does it provide coverage for you or your passengers. Instead, it's solely focused on assisting with medical expenses.

The process of filing a TPL insurance claim is straightforward. You just need to fill out the claim form and attach all the relevant documents, such as a detailed police report of the accident, photographs of the damaged vehicles, and any medical records or receipts related to the treatment. Additional documents, such as a death certificate, IDs of heirs, and funeral bills, will be required in the loss of life case.

Own damage claim 

When your vehicle is damaged due to collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects, you can file an “own damage” claim. This type of claim provides coverage for damages to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, it will not cover damages caused by natural disasters unless you have opted for specific Acts of God coverage in your policy. 

To file an “own damage” claim, you need to fill out a claim form and get a police report or notarised affidavit detailing the incident, as well as photographs of the damaged vehicle showing its plate number. The additional requirements include - an estimate for repairs and photocopies of your driver's license and car registration documents.

Acts of Nature claim

At the time of taking comprehensive insurance, you need to make sure the policy protects your vehicle from damages caused by natural calamities like floods, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes. The Acts of Nature/Acts of God car insurance claim is only valid for damages that occur from sudden events and not for damages caused by your own negligence. For instance, if you intentionally park your vehicle under a tree during a storm despite knowing that it may fall, any damage caused by this may not be covered due to your negligence.

Excess bodily injury claim

If your car insurance policy offers excess bodily injury coverage, you can file a claim for the medical expenses of third parties that exceed the ₱100,000 limit under the TPL coverage. Similar to TPL, you will be required to provide a range of documents, including medical certificates, bills, and other relevant paperwork, depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Third-party property damage claim

This claim provides coverage for the damage caused to third-party property under your comprehensive insurance policy. It covers damages to vehicles and other properties such as fences, electric posts, and buildings, among others. Along with the form and police report, you will also need to provide photographs of the damaged property and repair estimates while filing the claim.

RSMD (Riot, Strike, Malicious Damage, or Civil Disturbance) claim

You have the option to file an RSMD claim if your vehicle gets damaged due to a riot, strike, malicious damage, or civil disturbance. It provides financial assistance to address damages incurred under such circumstances. To initiate such a claim, you will need to submit a police report, photographs of the damaged area, and copies of your vehicle registration and driving license.

Towing reimbursement claim

If your car insurance policy offers coverage for roadside assistance or towing, you can request reimbursement for towing expenses incurred during an accident or breakdown. While filing this claim, you need to provide an official receipt of the tow service and other essential documents.

Theft claim

You can also file a theft claim in case your vehicle (or any part of it) is stolen. Just ensure that your insurance policy provides coverage for theft claims before proceeding. The essential documents required for a theft claim include - a complaint sheet, alarm sheet, and certificate of non-recovery from the Traffic Management Group (TMG), a full set of vehicle keys, and other relevant paperwork, depending on the circumstances.

Tips for filing car insurance claims

To maximize the benefits of car insurance claims, Filipino drivers should consider the following tips:

• Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy's coverage, including its limitations, exclusions, and deductibles
• Report accidents or damages to your insurance provider promptly and provide accurate documentation to support your claim
• Stick to the claim procedures outlined by your insurance company to expedite the processing of your claim
• Seek legal assistance in case of disputes or complexities to protect your interests
• Keep copies of all relevant documents, such as your insurance policy, claim forms, receipts, and photographs of damages, in an easily accessible place
• Provide honest and accurate information to avoid delays or complications in the claim processing
• Review your car insurance policy from time to time to ensure it still meets your needs and provides adequate coverage

FAQs

What is the difference between TPL and Own Damage claims?

TPL covers the medical expenses of third parties injured in accidents where you are at fault, while Own Damage claims cover damage to your own vehicle.

What should I do if my car is damaged in a hit-and-run incident?

You need to report the incident to the police and contact your insurer to file a claim under your Own Damage coverage.

What should I do if I disagree with the assessment of my insurance claim?

You can contact your insurance company and discuss your concerns, and if necessary, you can seek legal advice.

Is damage caused by natural disasters covered by all insurance policies?

No. It depends on the coverage included in your specific insurance policy. 

To sum up, it’s important to understand car insurance claims to protect yourself from financial liability arising from unforeseen events. Knowing your options, coverage, and how to file claims helps you handle situations better and ensures peace of mind. So, stay informed and drive safe!

Also read: Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance (CTPL) vs. Comprehensive Insurance: What's best for you?