Your Action Plan to File a Claim for Lost International Driving License

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Travel is all about discovering yourself in unfamiliar places. But what if you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation? Losing your international driving license while overseas can be overwhelming and may lead to a stressful experience. Without an international driving license, you risk violating legal laws, may face difficulty with local authorities, and have specific identity verification issues etc. However, knowing the risks in advance can help you to stay prepared. This is precisely when travel insurance proves its value.

A travel insurance policy is specifically curated to ease stress due to unforeseen circumstances. From navigating the document recovery process to reimbursing the cost of replacement, your travel insurance is no less than a layer of protection. It ensures that you are never left stranded and gives you the necessary support to recover quickly and continue your journey without disruptions.

Guide to Filing a Claim for Your Lost International Driving License

Losing your International Driving License can bring an unfortunate halt to your trip! But don't worry—the following nine steps to file a claim for a lost driving license can help you recover your driving privileges.

Step 1: Report the loss to local authorities

To stay protected under the law, officially declaring the loss to the concerned authorities is essential. This step serves as official proof that your driving license is lost. Reporting also prevents potential misuse of your document, facilitates the replacement process, improves your credibility, etc.

Even the insurance company expects you to take this responsible step to verify the authenticity of the loss, review the situation, determine compensation eligibility, etc.

Step 2: Get in touch with your travel insurance provider and confirm your coverage

Alert your travel insurer right away to handle travel disruptions smoothly. This step ensures that you respect the limits of the terms and conditions of your sum insured while allowing for a faster claim settlement. By responding quickly, you get access to timely support services, such as driving license replacement, the process of driving license renewal, etc., all of which are essential when you face a travel hiccup.

Step 3: Compile all supporting documents

Gather documents such as the police report, details of your lost driving license, passport, proof of travel, and IDP insurance receipt are necessary to validate your case of losing an international driving permit when seeking a driving license renewal.

You can also access Digilocker's digital benefits to ease a challenging situation. It is an accessible platform for storing all your essential documents in a protected space.

Step 4: Fill out and submit the claim and documents

This step establishes legitimacy and ensures that you follow appropriate procedures to uphold your rights under your travel coverage. Eventually, it helps your travel insurance serve its true purpose, i.e., peace of mind and practical support amid the chaos of losing your international driving license.

Step 5: Keep receipts for any related expenses

These receipts can include costs for document replacement, public transit, notary services, embassy fees, or temporary driving license arrangements. They act as concrete proof of expense, giving the insurance provider a detailed explanation of the costs for which you want reimbursement.

Step 6: Track your claim Status

It is essential to stay updated on your claim. You can access the insurer's dedicated online portal, utilise mobile apps, communicate with customer support, monitor email, etc. You are required to monitor submission deadlines, record all communications, and follow up regularly to avoid discrepancies.

Step 7: Respond to queries or provide additional documents

While claim-related queries can be overwhelming, responding remains essential for moving the claim process. You need to be transparent and proactive to improve the odds of getting your entitled reimbursement. Your timely response to queries demonstrates your cooperation and lends weight to your case.

Step 8: Receive claim settlement or reimbursement

Claim settlement or reimbursement implies that your travel insurance provider has honoured their promise of financial coverage and peace of mind. This dual support contributes to stress-free travel. It also restores your confidence in managing insurance claims in the best possible way.

While the steps may appear overwhelming, travel insurance makes them manageable by incorporating its expert support. In short, travel insurance isn't optional anymore—it's essential.

Also Read: How to Get an International Driving License in India

Case Study: Travel Insurance Support for Lost IDP in France

Background:

Anita, a 28-year-old traveller from India, planned a two-week getaway in France. She carried all the necessary documents, including her International Driving Permit (IDP), travel insurance, and car rental documents. On the third day of her trip to Bordeaux, Anita’s bag was stolen from her temporarily parked rental car. All her essential possessions, including her International driving license, were gone with the lost bag. While her passport was kept protected at the hotel, losing the IDP created a legal complication, i.e. she lost the legal authorisation to drive. 

Actions undertaken:

• She reported the incident to the local Police 
• She  contacted the Indian Embassy in France for guidance
• She notified her travel insurance provider within 24 hours via the mobile app 
• She accessed Digilocker to obtain a copy of her license and other necessary documents 
• She applied for a temporary driving licence online with car rental support.

Travel Insurance Response:

• Reimbursement for obtaining a temporary driving license. 
• Costs of reapplying for a new International Driving Permit 
• 24*7 customer support, which assisted her in understanding her subsequent steps. 

Outcome:

Responding to prompt reporting and efficient document submission, Anita received a claim settlement within 20 working days. She was reimbursed an ample amount, which covered expenses for obtaining a temporary driving license, reapplying for a new IDP, and paying a few administrative charges. 

Closing Remarks: 

This incident demonstrates the role played by her travel Insurance provider in navigating her way out of trip hiccups in a foreign land.

Conclusion:

If travel is all about embracing risks, international travel insurance is there by your side to explore foreign lands without worry. So whether you’re heading on a solo trip or family vacation, Care Explore travel insurance is next to you to offer cashless hospitalisation, emergency support, trip delay, cancellation or interruption to renew your sense of security when travelling overseas. So, before you pack your bags, ensure Care Explore is already on board. 

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.