In short
The IC standard Private Car Policy (official source) applies to policies issued from 1 July 2023. It deducts 0.50% of the insured value, at least ₱2,000, from each own damage claim.
Under Insurance Code, Sec. 249 (official source), the insurer must pay within 30 days after proof of loss once the amount is agreed.
- Notice to insurer
- As soon as possible, with full particulars (IC standard policy)
- Carnapping
- Notify the police immediately
- Deductible
- 0.50% of insured value, minimum ₱2,000, per loss (IC standard policy, from 1 July 2023)
- You may settle on the spot
- Up to ₱5,000 without the insurer's consent
- Payment deadline
- 30 days after proof of loss and agreement (Sec. 249)
- Suit after denial
- Within 1 year; a request for reconsideration does not stop the clock
What to do right after a car accident
The IC standard Private Car Policy asks for notice as soon as possible, with full particulars. It sets no fixed number of days, so call from the scene if you can.
On an expressway, the operator's patrol hotline is on our emergency hotlines page.
- Have in the car
- Policy schedule or insurer card with the claims hotline, licence, CR and OR
- Done when
- The insurer gives you a claim reference number
- Call a traffic officer
Bethel's first step at the scene. Note the officer's name and ID for the report.
- Do not admit liability
Leave fault to the police report and the insurers. Help anyone injured first.
- Photograph everything
Shoot the scene, the damage and the full car with the plate visible, from at least 4 angles.
- Photos of damage and plate
- Record the other party
Plate, make, model, colour, licence, contact, CR and OR, and the name of their insurer.
- Notify your insurer
Call the claims line or file online. Give the time, place and what happened. Write down the claim reference number the insurer gives you.
- Do not drive a damaged car
If the car is driven before repair, any extra or further damage is excluded from the claim.
The standard policy lets you pay a claim on the spot up to ₱5,000 without the insurer's prior consent. Anything above needs the insurer's approval first.
Car insurance claims hotlines and turnaround
Use the line printed for motor claims. Turnaround counts from the day the insurer has every document, and only three insurers state one.
| Insurer | Motor claims line | Stated turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| AXA Philippines | (+63) 2 8459 4735 or (+63) 917 1149 994, 24/7 | 3 working days up to ₱50,000; at most 24 days above |
| OONA Insurance | (02) 8876-4400, 24/7 | 1 to 3 working days up to ₱50,000; 7 to 10 above; 15 or more for total loss |
| Cocogen Insurance | (02) 8830-6000 | Contact within 1 to 2 working days of an online filing |
| Malayan Insurance | (02) 8628-8628 | – |
| BPI MS | (02) 8840-9999 or (02) 8840-9966 | – |
| Bethel General Insurance | 0948 935 9950 | – |
| Stronghold Insurance | (02) 8891-1329 to 37 | – |
| Asia United | (02) 8242-1688, 9 am to 6 pm daily | – |
| Prudential Guarantee | (02) 8806-6089 | – |
| Alpha Insurance | 0927 740 3299 | – |
Car insurance claim requirements for own damage
The own damage list is close to identical at Malayan, Bethel, Stronghold and Prudential Guarantee. Standard Insurance accepts its Motor Accident Report Form or a notarized affidavit for a minor collision or self-accident.
BPI MS requires a police report for total loss, theft and substantial third-party claims. IC Circular Letter 2020-92 (official source) (14 September 2020) lets an affidavit replace the police report for property damage and own damage claims.
Theft and third-party claims add papers, shown in the table. When another driver damaged your car and you claim from their insurer, you also need a certificate of no claim from your own insurer.
If the other driver fled, follow the hit-and-run claim steps.
| Claim type | Add to the own damage list |
|---|---|
| Carnapping | Alarm sheet, complaint sheet, certificate of non-recovery, original CR and OR, all keys; Pioneer wants the HPG report within 24 hours |
| Total loss | Original CR and OR, loan balance statement if mortgaged, sales invoice, both keys, manual and warranty booklet (Standard) |
| Third-party vehicle damage | Other car's CR and OR, other driver's licence, repair estimate, certificate of no claim |
| Third-party injury | Medical certificate, hospital statement of account, receipts; death certificate if fatal |
| Acts of nature | Standard's AON questionnaire; Pioneer asks for a tow to the nearest accredited shop |
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The deductible and depreciation on a claim
Every own damage claim under the IC standard policy (official source) loses the deductible first: 0.50% of the insured value, never below ₱2,000. On a car insured for ₱1,000,000, that is ₱5,000 per loss.
Malayan's AutoMaster states a fixed participation instead: ₱3,000 for a car and ₱4,000 for an SUV or pick-up.
Replacement parts on cars over 3 years old are also depreciated. The schedule below comes from the standard policy and does not apply to a total loss.
Choose to claim only when the repair estimate clearly exceeds your deductible; otherwise the claim pays you nothing.
| Age of car | Depreciation |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 years | 0% |
| Over 3 up to 4 years | 20% |
| Over 4 up to 5 years | 25% |
| Over 5 up to 6 years | 30% |
| Over 6 up to 7 years | 35% |
| Over 7 years | 40% |
| Batteries, tyres, ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers (cars over 3 years) | 45% |
If your claim is denied or delayed
Ask the insurer for the denial in writing. Then bring the policy, the denial letter and your documents to the Insurance Commission's Public Assistance and Mediation Division.
It is free under the IC Citizen's Charter 2026 (official source). Call (02) 8523-8461 local 103 or 127, or write to publicassistance@insurance.gov.ph.
A formal case goes to the Commission for claims up to ₱5,000,000. The standard policy requires mediation first and a suit within 1 year of the denial.
In a declared state of calamity, IC Circular Letter 2025-21 (official source) of 13 November 2025 orders insurers to speed up claims. They must also relax documents and extend notice periods.