Easier insurance claims for Kerala flood victims

The floods in Kerala have been tagged as a calamity of severe nature and in this time of crisis, many have extended a hand of help to save lives and minimise damage to property. The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, has also come forward with means to ease insurance claims of the victims of the floods in the state.

LIC has always been in the forefront at the time of utmost need of people affected by the natural calamities. In order to ease the difficulties of individual policy holders, the zone, division and branch authorities of LIC are fully alerted and are in touch with the state district authorities for settlement of claims reported due to floods. The death certificate is not being insisted upon and LIC will accept the certificate from authorised government officials. LIC will also accept the proof that the claimant has received ex-gratia from the government as the alternate proof of death. In deserving cases, a certificate issued by the concerned agent, subject to certain conditions or a confirmed development officer, can also certify the death of the life assured. The late fees on due premium has been condoned for a period up to 30 days from the date of declaration of the calamity. Also, the claim investigation has been waived off irrespective of the duration of the policy and the formalities have been simplified for accident benefit.

LIC is also working in coordination with the partner banks for the expeditious settlement of insurance claims for the people covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). The associates of the company are coordinating with the local administration in the relief work and the employees have voluntarily contributed and collected food packets, water and so on which can be distributed in the flood affected areas. Instructions have been issued to set up Special Help Desk at divisional and branch offices to respond to policy enquiries and assist in expeditious settlement of claim. A special task force has been created to ensure that concessions and benefits reach the needy policy holders.