Kerala, in over a century had never faced such a calamity, with 20 million people being affected and 150,000 people being displaced to relief camps due to incessant rains and subsequent floods.

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The state continues to receive rainfall, with the water levels to rise further, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

While rescue and relief efforts are underway, thousands of properties and vehicles lay damage in the state.

According to Irda, here’s how you can claim your insurance if your vehicle or property has been damaged:

How To Make a Claim – Motor:

Third Party Claim

In a third party claim, where your vehicle is involved, it is important to ensure that the accident is reported immediately to the police as well as to the insurance company.

On the other hand, if you are a victim, that is, if somebody else’s vehicle was involved, you must obtain the insurance details of that vehicle and make an intimation to the insurer of that vehicle.

Own Damage Claim

In the event of an own damage claim, that is, where your own vehicle is damaged due to an accident, you must immediately inform insurance company and police, wherever required, to enable them to depute a surveyor to assess the loss.

Do not attempt to move the vehicle from the accident spot without the permission of police and the insurance company.

Once you receive permission for removal of the vehicle and for repairs, you can do so.

If your policy provides for cashless service, which means you do not have to pay out of your pocket for covered damages, the insurance company will pay the workshop directly.

In either of these situations, you must intimate the insurance company immediately.

How To Make a Claim – Property

There could be several types of policies that cover property and the property itself could be stationery - like a building, or moving around - like your household goods being transported.

When you receive your policy familiarise yourself with the documents required for a claim as well as the procedures to be followed.

Whether or not a claim arises you must follow the various dos and don’ts in respect of your property for the duration of the policy. These dos and don’ts are termed warranties and conditions in your policy document.

In general, losses and damages, including those due to theft, fire and flood need be intimated to the relevant authorities such as the police, the fire brigade and so on. It is important to ensure that you intimate your insurance company to enable it to send a surveyor for surveying and assessing the loss.