The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, led by Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal and member Pinki, has ruled in favor of the National Insurance Company Ltd. The bench upheld the insurance company’s decision to reject a claim for burglary coverage, based on the surveyor’s report and the claimant’s failure to provide essential documents.
The case revolved around M/s Chadha Tyre Store, which had secured a policy with the National Insurance Company covering various risks including burglary. During the policy period, the store reported a break-in and theft by unknown individuals. The store owner reported the incident to the police and the insurance company, which in turn appointed M/s Aditi Consultant Pvt. Ltd to survey the incident.
Despite the store owner’s claim of providing necessary documents such as sales bills and cash books, the insurance company rejected the claim. This prompted the owner to bring the case before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kashmere Gate, Central Delhi.
Upon reviewing the case, the District Commission sided with the insurance company. It agreed that the company was correct in rejecting the claim based on the surveyor’s report, which was considered unbiased. The commission also pointed out that the claimant had not provided all necessary claim documents to the surveyor and noted the absence of a stock register prior to the incident.
Unsatisfied with the District Commission’s decision, the store owner appealed to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Delhi. The Commission, after examining the evidence, agreed with the District Commission’s decision. It noted that the claimant had not provided any substantial reasons to doubt the surveyor’s report. The Commission also emphasized that the surveyor was a neutral party and its report could not be dismissed without compelling reasons.
The Commission concluded that the insurance company’s rejection of the claim was justified. It found the complaint to be without merit and dismissed it accordingly.
The key takeaway from this judgement is the importance of maintaining proper documentation and providing all necessary documents when filing an insurance claim. Failure to do so can lead to the claim being rejected, as seen in this case. The judgement also highlights the role of surveyors as unbiased parties whose reports are considered credible and vital in such disputes.
