Does the owner need to be present when filing the first insurance claim for a new car?
2 Answers
For the first insurance claim of a new car, the owner does not need to be present. After a vehicle accident occurs, it is not mandatory for the owner to file the insurance claim; the insured can apply for the insurance compensation. Generally, the subsequent processing requires the owner to handle it personally. The owner does not need to be present when reporting the accident, but during the claim settlement, the owner's bank account details are necessary for the insurance company to process the payment. The insured applies for the insurance compensation: Article 18 of the "Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles" stipulates that in the event of a traffic accident involving the insured motor vehicle, the insured shall apply to the insurer for compensation. When filing a claim, the insured shall provide the following materials to the insurer: The insurance policy for compulsory traffic insurance; a claim application issued by the insured; valid identification documents of the insured and the victim, the driving license of the insured motor vehicle, and the driver's license, etc.
Two years ago when I bought a new car, I handled the insurance entirely online without needing the vehicle to be present. I remember sitting at my home computer, logging into the insurance company's official website, entering details like the license plate number and engine number of my new car, uploading a scanned copy of the purchase invoice, and completing the policy by paying the premium. The whole process took less than half an hour – simple and time-saving. Actually, getting first-time insurance for a new car was quite straightforward since there were no historical issues with a brand-new vehicle, eliminating the need for on-site inspections (which might be required for used or modified cars). I recommend preparing all documents in advance, such as ID cards and purchase contracts, to avoid delays due to missing materials. This online method also allows comparing quotes from different insurers to choose cost-effective coverage – for instance, comprehensive insurance is advisable for new cars to cover minor scratches. Overall, it's quite convenient to leverage digital tools for easier car ownership.
