IRDAI says surveyors not required for motor, aviation, health policy claims

IRDAI has recently stated that licensed surveyors are not necessary for settling any claims in the line of business (LoB) like claims under insurance policies inclusive of travel and personal accident covers, aviation hull insurance, motor, health and cyber insurance policies. In accordance with the IRDAI, any claims, in respect of loss or damage to crop, trees, plantations and forests which are covered by the government-sponsored schemes and claims under policies of motor vehicle insurance where the claim is on account of theft or injury or death to third parties can now be settled without mandatorily involving a certified surveyor. In a notification, Sujay Banarjee, Member (Distribution), IRDAI, said the regulator has enlarged the exemptions of some more portfolios where use of a surveyor is not mandatory now. However, industry sources said that in segments like fire and engineering, the general insurers will have to continue the mandatory practice of appointing a surveyor to settle any claims which are above Rs 50,000. IRDAI has exempted claims under policies in respect of which documentary evidence of the value of loss is available in the form of police reports, short-landing or non-delivery certificates issued by port trusts, railways or other public or semi-government authorities, claims in respect of which excise authorities give a certificate for dutiable items and sling loss claims certified by harbour authorities are now exempted from involving a surveyor for settling claim.