Total Loss Motor Claim: 9.5 Lakh Settled After IDV Dispute
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.
The 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.
The Challenge
Prove the vehicle meets total loss criteria (>75% of IDV) per IRDAI Motor Vehicles Tariff. Get full IDV instead of 60% offer.
How We Solved It
- Obtained independent surveyor's total loss certificate with photos
- Cited IRDAI Motor Tariff: 'constructive total loss if repair > 75% IDV'
- Submitted flood water level reports from BBMP for the area
- Got the insurer's own surveyor to confirm total loss in writing
- Escalated to GRO with IRDAI circular reference on flood claims
The Result
Bajaj Allianz GRO approved full IDV of 9,50,000 within 35 days. The approval cited the independent surveyor's report as decisive.
Key Lessons
- 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
Client Testimonial
"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."