Consumer panel orders insurer to pay ₹10L accident cover to Mohali couple

The Chandigarh consumer dispute panel has ordered an insurer to pay ₹10 lakh as accident cover to a Mohali couple after their son died in 2022.

Raj Kumar and his wife Kusha, who live in Phase 1, Sector 55, Mohali, filed a complaint with the consumer forum after their 22‑year‑old son, Akshay Kumar, was killed in a road accident on April 1, 2022. Akshay worked for ICONMA Professional Services and Solutions at the time of his death.

The family alleged that the insurance policy held by the deceased’s employer did not provide the full compensation they expected, prompting them to approach the consumer panel for relief.

After hearing the case, the panel concluded that the insurer had failed to honour the terms of the policy and directed it to pay the full ₹10 lakh as accident cover to the bereaved couple.

The order underscores the consumer protection provisions under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which allow families to claim compensation for accidental deaths when insurers do not meet their obligations.

Consumer disputes in the region have been rising, with many families turning to the forum to seek quicker redressal compared to civil courts. The panel’s decision may influence how insurers handle claims for employees of private firms.

The couple’s lawyer filed the petition on their behalf, emphasizing that the family was seeking justice for their son’s untimely death.

The case highlights the importance of transparent insurance practices, especially for private sector employees whose families may otherwise face financial hardship after a tragic incident.

The consumer panel’s order is binding, and the insurer is expected to comply with the directive.

Authorities in Mohali say the decision may encourage other families to approach the consumer forum for similar claims, reinforcing the role of consumer protection bodies in safeguarding citizens’ rights.

The incident also brings attention to the need for clear policy documentation and prompt claim processing by insurers, particularly in cases where the deceased is employed in private companies.

With the order in place, Raj Kumar and Kusha hope the compensation will help ease the financial burden caused by the loss of their son and allow them to move forward.

Source: Hindustan Times