The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered United India Insurance Company to pay a compensation of Rs 35,000 to a policyholder, Jabeen L Zacharias, due to a delay in settling her claims and deficiency in service. The compensation includes payment for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
Zacharias had insured her office building, furniture, and electronic equipment under a compact policy issued by United India Insurance Company, which was valid from April 26, 2009, to April 25, 2010. In February 2010, an electrical fault damaged several electronic items in the office, prompting Zacharias to intimate the insurance agency and follow their directives for inspection and repair estimates.
However, due to the delay in inspection, the office was closed, and upon reopening, a break-in and theft were discovered. Zacharias lodged a police complaint and four claims with the insurance company. Despite her repeated reminders, the insurance company failed to decide on three of the claims, citing “delay” as the reason. The only response from the insurance company was a denial of the theft claim after months of silence.
The consumer commission found the insurance company liable for the delay and ordered them to pay the compensation within 30 days. The commission’s decision highlights the importance of timely settlement of claims and fair treatment of policyholders by insurance companies. The ruling emphasizes that insurance companies must fulfill their obligations and provide adequate service to their customers, failure to do which can result in penalties and compensation for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices.
The case serves as a reminder to insurance companies to prioritize their customers’ needs and settle claims in a timely and efficient manner. It also underscores the role of consumer commissions in protecting the rights of policyholders and ensuring that insurance companies adhere to fair trade practices. By ordering the insurance company to pay compensation, the commission has sent a strong message that deficiency in service and unfair trade practices will not be tolerated.