Claim Settling Process (Fire and Marine Insurance)

Claim Settling Process (Fire and Marine Insurance)

1)    Intimation to Insurance Company: The insured must give immediate intimation to the insurance company regarding the loss. The necessary details like the day, date, time and causes of fire and in case of marine insurance, ship and voyage taken should be mentioned.

2)    Assessment of the loss: The insured makes an assessment of the actual loss. Such assessment is required to fill the claim forms correctly in respect of the loss of goods or property.

3)    Submission of the claim form: the insured must fill all possible details in the claim form. He must lodge the claim form within 15 days of the fire to claim compensation. In case of marine insurance, the insured should lodge a claim with the following documents:

• Ø Original Insurance Policy
• Ø Copy of Bill of Lading
• Ø A copy of commercial Invoice
• Ø A copy of packing list
• Ø Survey repot
• Ø Claim Bill

Delay in submission of claim form may result in non-acceptance of the claim.

4)    Evidence of Claim: Along with the claim form, the insured must send certain proof of fire and other records, if available and if necessary. The evidence should enable the insurance company to determine the amount of loss.

5)    Verification of Form: The claim form along with the supporting evidence is verified by the insurance company. The insurance company then appoints the surveyors to conduct an assessment of the actual loss.

6)    Survey: After the receipt of the form, and necessary verification, the insurance company appoints the surveyors to assess the actual loss. The surveyors conduct the necessary investigations. They investigate into the cause of fire, the actual amount of property lost and other relevant details. The surveyors then make the report of their findings and assessment of the loss.

7)    Landing Remarks: In case of marine insurance, the insured should obtain landing remarks, from the port authorities, if survey report is not obtained.

8)    Appointment of the arbitrator: There may be a dispute regarding the amount of claim. In such a case, an arbitrator is appointed, acceptable to both the parties, to settle the amount of the loss.

9)    Settlement of Claims: If there is no dispute between the two parties, as to the amount of loss, the insurance company then makes necessary payment to the insured. In case of marine insurance, the amount of money is paid to India Exporter in Indian rupees. If the claimant is not a resident of India, payment maybe made in foreign currency.