IRDAI suggests changes in norms for Insurance surveyors

A Working Group of the IRDAI has suggested modifications in the norms for surveyors and loss assessors for speedy settlement of claims. On timelines for submission of survey report, the panel said that within seven working days of the claim intimation, “inform insurer/claimant of the essential documents and other requirements that the claimant should submit in support of the claim.” Where documents are available in public domain or with a public authority, the surveyor should obtain them, it added. The survey should start immediately and in an interim report the physical details of the loss should be submitted to the insurer within 15 days from the date of first visit. “Submit final survey report to the insurer within 30 working days from date of submission of last relevant and necessary document by the insured,” the group said. The panel suggested that the requirement of practical training may be done away with as it does not seem to serve the purpose that was envisaged. “It is recommended that instead of training requirements, examination of high quality based on relevant syllabus with proper testing that has a quantitative and practical orientation that will ensure that surveyors have the required wherewithal to carry out survey and loss assessment,” the report said. In respect of crop insurance, the recognised qualifications of surveyors and loss assessors may be expanded to include graduation with at least one subject being agricultural science from a recognised university. However, government schemes may be exempted from this.