General Insurance: Rakesh Jain

My car was stolen from a paid parking lot near the railway station. Can I claim insurance for it?
Yes, you can claim under insurance as the motor insurance policy is an all-risk cover. Please ensure that you file a First Information Report immediately and lodge a claim with the insurer at the earliest.

I am a non-resident Indian working in United Arab Emirates (UAE). If I get treated in India during my holiday, can I use my medical insurance issued by my employer?
Generally, the health insurance plans allow the insured to take treatment only within a defined domestic geography. You will have to check with your UAE insurer whether they provide reimbursement of expenses incurred outside UAE.

I had a health insurance claim and I was not happy with the service. If I want to switch my insurance company, will it be possible? Will my claim be held against me?
Yes, you can switch your health insurer under the portability guidelines. This would require you to approach the new insurer at least 45 days prior to the expiry date of your policy and applying for portability. If portability is granted by the new insurer then you would get credit for the number of continuous years you had been covered under the incumbent insurer policy also with your new insurer, as far as waiting period for pre-existing disease is concerned.

Like health insurance policies, do personal accident covers also have a waiting period?
Generally, personal accident policies do not have a waiting period and the cover commences from the policy period's start date and time.
Rakesh Jain, chief executive officer of Reliance General Insurance, answers your questions
The views expressed are expert's own. Send your queries to yourmoney@bsmail.in