Some information on What to Do If Your Insurance Company Denies Claim Post Accident
Why Insurance Claims Are Denied in India
Insurance companies may reject accident claims for various reasons such as policy lapses, non-disclosure, late reporting, lack of documentation, or alleged negligence. Common scenarios include:
- Claims filed after policy expiration
- Alcohol or drug use during the accident
- No valid driving license
- Violation of traffic rules like Section 279 IPC
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Under Indian law, policyholders have consumer protection rights and can dispute unfair denials. You can file a complaint with:
- Insurance company’s grievance redressal cell
- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
- Insurance Ombudsman
- Consumer Court
Steps to Challenge a Rejected Claim
If your claim is denied, take the following steps:
- Request a written explanation from your insurer
- Collect and organize all accident-related documents
- Submit a written grievance to the insurance company
- If unresolved, file a complaint with the Insurance Ombudsman
- Consider consumer court or legal notice if no resolution
Also read: What to Do If You’re Summoned to Court for a Traffic Offense
Legal Options Beyond the Insurer
You may consider civil litigation against the insurer for breach of contract or negligence. Courts will look into whether the insurer acted in bad faith, and may award damages or order settlement.
If the claim denial stems from accident fault disputes, you may also need to address liability under Indian Traffic Laws.
How to Avoid Claim Rejections
To minimize the risk of claim denial in the future:
- Renew your policy on time
- Disclose accurate information at the time of purchase
- Report the accident promptly and file FIR if needed
- Ensure all vehicle documents are valid
- Never flee the accident scene
Relevant reading: How to Request CCTV Footage for Road Accidents in India
Conclusion
Insurance denial isn’t the end of the road. With the right steps, documentation, and persistence, you can challenge unfair rejections and get the compensation you deserve.
Also see: Can a Traffic Fine Lead to a Criminal Record?
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