Surveyor Assessments Should Adhere To Insurance Act's Code Of Conduct: NCDRC

In the case of S.P. Singh Yadav vs. National Insurance Company, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission addressed the denial of an insurance claim by National Insurance Company following a fire incident at a poultry farm insured under a fire policy. \r

Despite the complainant's timely notification and completion of required formalities, the insurer deposited a significantly lower amount than claimed, citing a surveyor's report. The Commission found the insurer liable for deficiency in service, emphasizing that surveyor reports must adhere to the Insurance Act's code of conduct. Citing legal precedents, the Commission highlighted that insurers cannot arbitrarily reject surveyor assessments and must justify any deviation or appoint a second surveyor if necessary. \r

Upholding lower forum decisions, the Commission dismissed the insurer's revision petition, affirming the complainant's entitlement to the claimed damages along with additional compensation for mental agony and litigation costs.