Motor insurance claims: Report theft quickly to aid investigation, recovery

Excessive delay in reporting can trigger suspicions of fraud or evidence tampering, experts say. Timely notification to both the police and the insurer is critical for smooth recovery

In a recent ruling (Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co. vs. Rajesh Kumar), the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) held that a delay in informing the insurer about vehicle theft does not invalidate the claim if the insured promptly reports the incident to the police. While the court protected the claimant in this case, experts advise that timely intimation to the insurer is critical.

 

First Steps

 

The policyholder must file a police complaint immediately and then inform the insurance company. “In case of theft, the insured should also follow up with the police so that they inform all police stations,