In a recent ruling by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Himachal Pradesh bench, significant clarity has been provided regarding the timeliness of claim intimation to insurance companies in cases of accidents. President Inder Singh Mehta presided over the case of Brij Bhushan versus Manager, IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Limited and Another, wherein it was held that delay in informing the insurance company about a claim is insignificant if the incident is promptly reported to the police. This decision arose from a case where the insurance company repudiated a valid accidental claim due to late intimation.
The complainant’s scooter, insured with IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company, was involved in an accident, leading to repair expenses of Rs. 15,721/-. Despite prompt notification to the insurance agent and subsequent repair at Barjeshwari Honda, the claim was rejected due to delayed intimation. However, the State Commission ruled in favor of the complainant, highlighting that the delay was inconsequential as the accident information was promptly conveyed to the police.
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