Theft & Natural Disaster Claims: What’s Covered?
Both theft and natural disasters fall under “Own Damage” coverage in most comprehensive insurance policies. But what’s actually covered (and what’s not) depends on the type of policy and any add-ons you’ve chosen.
🔐 1. Theft Claims: What’s Covered
✅ Covered Under:
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance
- Home Insurance (Contents)
- Shop/Office Insurance
| Covered Items | Notes |
|---|---|
| Stolen Vehicle (Car/Bike) | If not recovered, insurer pays IDV (Insured Declared Value) after FIR & verification. |
| Stolen Car Accessories | Covered only if accessory insurance is included. |
| Theft from a Home/Business Premises | Covered under contents insurance (home, office, shop). |
| Theft from Locked Garage | Covered if there are no signs of negligence (e.g., unlocked doors). |
❌ Not Covered If:
- Keys were left in the vehicle.
- No FIR was filed.
- Theft occurred due to owner negligence (e.g., leaving doors/windows open).
- The policy is third-party only — it won’t cover theft.
🌪️ 2. Natural Disaster Claims: What’s Covered
✅ Covered Events (in most comprehensive plans):
| Disaster Type | Covered? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Floods | ✅ Yes | Water damage to vehicle, engine, or home contents. |
| Earthquakes | ✅ Yes | Structural damage to house, vehicle crushing, etc. |
| Storms, Cyclones | ✅ Yes | Tree-fall, flying debris, roof damage, etc. |
| Landslides | ✅ Yes | Damage due to shifting earth, boulders. |
| Lightning/Fire (from storm) | ✅ Yes | Covered under fire/natural peril clause. |
🛑 Common Exclusions:
- Damage due to pre-existing cracks in the structure.
- Engine damage from starting a flooded vehicle (unless engine protector add-on is taken).
- No coverage if policy has lapsed or is third-party only.
- Delayed intimation of claim beyond specified window (often 24–72 hours).
🧾 Claim Process: Theft
- File an FIR immediately.
- Notify your insurer within 24 hours.
- Submit required documents:
- FIR copy
- Insurance policy
- RC book
- ID proof
- Claim form
- Wait 90 days (in most cases) — if the vehicle is not recovered, the insurer pays the IDV.
🧾 Claim Process: Natural Disaster
- Take photos/videos of the damage.
- Notify the insurer immediately (preferably within 24–48 hours).
- Submit:
- Insurance policy
- Claim form
- Photos of damage
- Repair estimate (if applicable)
- Surveyor visit → Damage assessment → Approval and payout/repair.
✅ Add-Ons That Strengthen Your Coverage
| Add-On | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Engine Protection Cover | Covers engine damage from water ingress during floods. |
| Zero Depreciation Cover | Full claim on parts without deduction for wear & tear. |
| Return to Invoice Cover | In case of total loss/theft, you get invoice price, not depreciated IDV. |
| Loss of Use/Conveyance Cover | Pays for transport while vehicle is under repair. |
🔍 Theft vs. Natural Disaster Claim Comparison
| Factor | Theft | Natural Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| FIR Required | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always (unless there’s external damage) |
| Surveyor Inspection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Time to Process | 60–90 days (vehicle not found) | 7–15 days (post survey) |
| Full Payout Possible | ✅ Yes, up to IDV or invoice value (if add-on) | ✅ Yes, depending on assessed damage |
🏁 Final Tips:
- Always keep copies of your RC, policy, FIR, and claim forms.
- Avoid starting a submerged vehicle — claim may be denied for engine damage.
- Choose comprehensive insurance with essential add-ons to stay fully protected.
- File claims within timelines (check your policy for exact limits).
- For frequent flood zones, consider engine protection + zero depreciation.
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