BHPian fordfreak recently shared this with other enthusiasts: The 23rd of September, 2025 turned out to be a proper nightmare for us (and numerous other residents of South Kolkata). A clouldburst dumped unimaginable amounts of rain in a very short span of time over the city. Our area (Ballygunge) was the worst hit. Our basement parking filled up so fast that no one could react quick enough to save any of the cars parked inside. In total, our building lost about 30 cars. We lost all our 4 cars in this too. Will make a seperate thread on this later. As all our cars were under about 14 – 15 ft. of water, all of them are being declared a total loss (since repair estimate is >75% of the IDV). The process of claiming insurance has been slow and grinding so far due to the sheer number of claims being lodged in Kolkata. We are patiently working with all involved to move this process along, as we understand they (insurance agent / companies, tow trucks, service centers, etc.) are also overloaded. I have done the following steps so far.Lodged claims for each of our vehicle with the respective insurance companies.Prepared all necessary documents to submit to the insurance companies.Had all our vehicles surveyed on-site by the insurance company appointed surveyor.I am splitting my questions relating to each carHonda City – The car is 9 years old. Insurance has advised me that the salvage buyer will be taking this car and I will need to sign form 28, 29, 30. The salvage buyer will pay me a part amount and the balance will be paid by insurance. Insurance has also clarified what all documentation is needed for the entire process, which I have kept ready. Question – How can I safeguard myself if the salvage buyer / reseller does not transfer the name when they sell the car?Toyota Corolla Altis – The car is 7 years old. Insurance has advised to cancel the registration, following which the salvage buyer will tow the car away. Question – Can anyone guide me on the process (whom to approach, process steps, documents needed, approx. costs, time taken, etc.) of cancelling a car’s registration in Kolkata / West Bengal?Volkswagen Passat – The car is a little under 7 years old. Waiting for the Insurance Company’s advice on the next steps. Nothing to be done from my end as yet.MG ZS EV – The car is 2 years old. Car finally got towed to the service center. Waiting for the repair estimate to be generated before learning about the next steps. The car still has an active loan. Question (dumb) – What is the process of foreclosing a loan?fordfreak Here’s whatBHPian GoBabyGohad to say on the matter:You have explained the situation really clearly, good on you for staying organized with all the paperwork. Here is what I would suggest for each car:1. Honda City (9 years old)You are absolutely right to be careful about the transfer. A few safeguards:Sign Form 29 and 30 only in the name of the salvage buyer mentioned by the insurer (not blank).Take a delivery note or receipt from the salvage buyer stating they have taken possession of the vehicle on behalf of the insurer.Drop a short intimation letter/email to your RTO (preferably visit personally) saying the car has been handed over to the insurer’s salvage buyer post total loss. Attach a copy of the buyer’s ID, handover note and the insurance settlement letter.That way, even if the buyer delays transfer, you have officially informed the RTO and you are protected from future misuse.2. Corolla Altis (7 years old)To cancel registration in Kolkata, WB:Visit the RTO where the car is registered.Carry: RC, insurance total-loss declaration, surveyor report (if available) and a short written application requesting RC cancellation.They may do a quick inspection or verify details with the insurer.The fee is nominal (a few hundred rupees) and the whole thing generally takes 2-4 weeks.Once cancelled, keep the acknowledgment and cancellation letter safe, that is your final closure.3. Passat (7 years old)Good call waiting for the insurer’s update. It will probably follow the same salvage or total-loss process.4. MG ZS EV (2 years old, on loan)Foreclosing a loan is not complicated:Ask your lender for a foreclosure statement.Clear the balance amount (they may charge a small penalty depending on the loan terms).They will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Form 35.Submit both to your RTO to remove hypothecation from the RC.Keep scanned copies of all the docs, they often come handy later.You seem to have everything well under control, just a few formalities left now. Curious to know what your replacement plan is, looks like you are about to have a big garage update soon!Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
