FIR Not Mandatory To Prove Accidental Death For Claim Settlement, Bihar State Commission Holds HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Liable

In a recent case, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bihar, found HDFC Standard Life Insurance liable for wrongfully repudiating a claim related to the accidental death of Prince Kumar. Despite the absence of an FIR, the Commission accepted substantial evidence including a death certificate and local authorities' statements confirming death by lightning. The Insurance Company's refusal was deemed unjustified as the lack of an FIR did not invalidate the presented documents. Consequently, the Commission ordered HDFC to pay Rs. 20,00,000/- with 6% interest from the complaint date and Rs. 10,000/- as litigation costs. This decision highlights consumer rights protection under the Consumer Protection Act and challenges insurers' arbitrary claim rejections.