Summary
After Bangalore's July 2024 floods, a Koramangala resident's car was completely submerged. The surveyor declared it a total loss (repair cost > 75% IDV). Bajaj Allianz offered only 60% of IDV, claiming 'partial damage'. We contested with the surveyor's own report, IRDAI Motor Tariff guidelines, and got full IDV within 35 days.
How We Solved It
S Situation
Car submerged in 5 feet of water for 48 hours during Bangalore floods. Independent surveyor confirmed total loss — repair estimate 8.2 lakh vs IDV 9.5 lakh. Insurer's in-house assessor downgraded to 'partial damage' to reduce payout.
T Task
Prove the vehicle meets total loss criteria (>75% of IDV) per IRDAI Motor Vehicles Tariff. Get full IDV instead of 60% offer.
A Action
- 1. Obtained independent surveyor's total loss certificate with photos
- 2. Cited IRDAI Motor Tariff: 'constructive total loss if repair > 75% IDV'
- 3. Submitted flood water level reports from BBMP for the area
- 4. Got the insurer's own surveyor to confirm total loss in writing
- 5. Escalated to GRO with IRDAI circular reference on flood claims
R Result
Bajaj Allianz GRO approved full IDV of 9,50,000 within 35 days. The approval cited the independent surveyor's report as decisive.
Lessons Learned
- Total loss = repair cost > 75% IDV (IRDAI rule, not insurer's opinion)
- Independent surveyor trumps in-house assessor
- Government flood reports strengthen the case
- Escalate to GRO with specific IRDAI circular references
"They offered 5.7 lakh for a car that was underwater for 2 days. The surveyor said total loss. Hari Sir quoted the IRDAI tariff rule and got the full 9.5 lakh. The insurer's own surveyor had to agree."
— They offered | Koramangala, Bangalore
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