If anyone is hurt, call for help first
These numbers work across India and are free to call
Under the Good Samaritan law, people who help accident victims can't be held liable or forced to give their details.
Car broke down?
Pull over safely, switch on hazard lights and stay away from traffic. Then find your problem below.
Flat or punctured tyre
- Stop on firm, level ground away from traffic and put the warning triangle out.
- Use the spare and jack from the boot. Loosen the wheel nuts before you jack the car up.
- Tubeless tyres can often be driven slowly to a nearby puncture shop.
- Not confident? Call roadside assistance. Most comprehensive policies include a tyre change.
Battery dead or the car won't start
- Clicking sound or dim lights usually means a flat battery.
- Jump-start with cables from another car: red to positive on both, black to the other car's negative and to bare metal on yours.
- A battery over 3–4 years old that keeps going flat needs replacing.
Engine overheating
- Pull over and switch off. Don't open the coolant cap while the engine is hot.
- Wait 30 minutes, then check the coolant level and top up with coolant or water.
- If the temperature warning comes back, don't drive on. Get it towed.
Ran out of fuel or filled the wrong fuel
- Out of fuel: roadside assistance can bring a few litres.
- Wrong fuel: don't start the engine. Get it towed so the tank can be drained.
Keys locked inside or lost
- Roadside assistance or the dealer can help with a spare key. Keep the spare somewhere you can reach.
- Key replacement is an add-on in many insurance policies.
A warning light came on
- Red (oil pressure, temperature, brakes): stop as soon as it's safe and don't drive on.
- Amber (engine, tyre pressure, ABS): drive gently to a garage soon.
Roadside assistance: the helpline is on your insurance policy or your carmaker's warranty card. On a national highway, call 1033.
What to do, step by step
In this order, from the accident to getting your car back
- 1
Make the spot safe
Switch on hazard lights and place the warning triangle about 50 metres behind the car. Move to the roadside if the car can't be moved.
- 2
Take photos before anything moves
They are the strongest evidence for your claim.
- All damage on every vehicle, close up and from a distance
- Number plates of every vehicle involved
- The road, signals, skid marks and landmarks
- The other driver's licence and RC, if they agree
- 3
Exchange details
Note the other driver's name, phone, vehicle number and insurer, and the names and numbers of any witnesses. Stay calm and don't sign anything or admit fault on the spot.
- 4
Report to the police when needed
File a report at the nearest police station if anyone is injured, if a third party's vehicle or property is damaged, or if the car is stolen. Get a copy of the FIR. For minor damage to your own car only, most insurers don't need one.
- 5
Tell your insurer within 24 hours
Call the helpline on your policy or use the insurer's app. Note down the claim number, as you'll need it at every step.
- 6
Get the car to a network garage
A garage in your insurer's network can settle the claim cashless. Ask the insurer to arrange towing if the car can't be driven.
- 7
Wait for the surveyor before repairs
The insurer sends a surveyor to inspect the damage. Don't let the garage start work until the surveyor has approved it.
- 8
Settle and collect the car
Pay your share, which is usually the compulsory deductible and depreciation on parts unless you have zero-depreciation cover. Check the repairs before you sign the delivery note.
Claim documents
Towing and pickup
When the car can't be driven, or shouldn't be
- Use the insurer's roadside assistance first. Most comprehensive policies, or a roadside assistance add-on, include free towing to the nearest network garage. The number is on your policy and insurance card.
- Don't drive with warning lights for oil or temperature, a leak under the car, a damaged wheel, or airbags that have opened.
- Before the tow truck leaves, note the odometer reading, take your valuables, documents and spare key out, and photograph the car being loaded.
- Get a receipt from the tow operator with the garage address. If you paid for towing yourself, keep the bill for reimbursement.
- On a national highway, call 1033 for help and towing to the nearest point where repairs are possible.
Good to know
- Making a claim usually resets your No Claim Bonus at renewal. For small repairs, it can cost less to pay yourself than to lose the bonus.
- Third-party claims for injury or damage to others are handled by your insurer and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, so inform your insurer even if the other party says they won't claim.
- This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Your policy wording decides what is covered.