General Insurance: Bhargav Dasgupta

My wife (58) got both her knees operated. She is covered under a comprehensive health policy. While I was in the process of buying this policy, my agent did a lot of rounds to my residence for documentation work. But, today when I wish to file a claim, the agent said I will have to go to their office myself to submit the required documents. Can I complain against the agent to the insurer for his behaviour?
An agent, who is professional in his approach, will always provide assistance to his customers during the claim filing process, as it helps him in establishing long-term relationships with his customer base and generating references of prospective customers. If you feel that the agent has been completely uncooperative, you can complain to your insurance company, who I am sure will take it up with the agent. If the resolution provided by the insurance company is not satisfactory, then you may also approach the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) for assistance.

I recently shifted to a new house in Kandivali. Since I stay on the top floor, I have had leakage problems this monsoon. The leakage has damaged my important documents and other wooden articles kept in that room. I have a householder’s policy, will I get compensated for the loss suffered.
A home insurance policy protects an individual from damage to his home caused by natural calamities like fire, lightening, storms, cyclone, landslides and earthquakes. It also covers losses arising from aircraft crashes, terrorism, riot, strike, malicious damage and burglary. I understand from your query that the damage to your valuables was caused due to leakage in the walls or the roof, which may have occurred primarily due to improper workmanship or a construction defect. Such defects are typically not covered under a householder’s policy or a home insurance policy. Therefore, you may not be reimbursed for the loss under your insurance policy.

I am 33, and going abroad in October on a six-month project. I would like to know that which travel policy would be more feasible to buy, an online or an offline one? Also what is the difference in the ailments covered and the sum assured offered? Please advice on the same.
The benefits offered in an ‘overseas travel’ insurance are the same, irrespective of whether you buy it online or offline. That being said, the online mode becomes especially useful if you have deferred the purchase of your travel policy till very close to your travel date. An online purchase offers the convenience of purchasing the policy instantly while on the go. Irrespective of the mode of purchase, you will have the option of extending it online in case you decide to extend your trip. ‘Overseas travel’ insurance provides medical coverage and a host of non-medical covers including, in the case of some companies, pre-existing diseases in life threatening emergency situations during your trip.

The writer is the MD & CEO, ICICI Lombard General Insurance.