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Despite filing an FIR and notifying the insurer and bank, Puneet Agarwal’s claim wasn’t processed, leading him to seek help from the consumer forum
After a prolonged battle, the District Consumer Commission ruled in his favour, awarding him Rs 1,43,689 and Rs 5,000 as compensation. (Representative/Shutterstock)
Car thefts are on the rise across the country, affecting both small towns and major metro cities. While vigilance remains important, understanding the insurance claim process has become equally essential in such cases. Recently, a resident of Ghaziabad experienced this firsthand. Although his car was insured and he believed it was secure, the insurance company failed to meet expectations when it was time to file a claim.
In a significant ruling that underscores consumer rights, Puneet Agarwal of Ghaziabad has finally received his insurance claim for a stolen car 22 years after the incident. The car theft occurred during his Haridwar Yatra in 2003, but the insurance company initially refused to pay out. Agarwal took the matter to the District Consumer Commission, which ordered the company to pay 75% of the claim amount and Rs 5,000 as compensation.
Agarwal’s car was insured, and upon theft, he promptly lodged an FIR and informed National Insurance Company Limited along with ICICI Bank, his loan provider. However, despite following the correct procedures, the insurance claim was not processed, forcing Agarwal to approach the consumer forum. After a prolonged battle, the Commission ruled in his favour, awarding him Rs 1,43,689 and Rs 5,000 as compensation.
To expedite the insurance claim process in case of car theft, one should follow these steps:
- Register an FIR immediately: The first step after a car is stolen is to report the incident to the nearest police station and file an FIR. This document is essential for establishing the theft with the insurance company.
- Notify the insurance company and bank promptly: The insurance company and the bank that issued the car loan must be informed as soon as possible. To initiate the claim process, essential documents such as the FIR, vehicle papers, and insurance policy must be submitted.
- Complete the claim form: The insurance company’s claim form must be filled out with all necessary details about the vehicle. This form, along with the FIR copy, vehicle registration papers, driving licence, and other relevant documents, should be sent to the insurance company via email or post.
- Inform the RTO: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) must be notified of the car theft to ensure the vehicle is blacklisted, thereby preventing any potential misuse in the future.
- Submit the non-traceable report: After the police issue a non-traceable report, the vehicle registration must be transferred to the insurance company’s name. Both car keys should be handed over, along with a subrogation letter authorising the insurance company to claim ownership if the vehicle is recovered in the future.
By adhering to these steps, car owners can streamline the insurance claim process and avoid unnecessary delays.
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- Location :
Ghaziabad, India, India
- First Published:
