A rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu caused a stampede, killing 39 people, including women and children, and many were injured. This accident shocked the families emotionally and financially. The Tamil Nadu government has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1-1 lakh to the injured. In such a situation, the question also arises whether the insurance amount is available for death in the stampede.
Death and insurance coverage due to stampede
Death in stampede is generally considered ‘accidental death’. In such a situation, a family or designated person can get insurance amount under term insurance or personal accident insurance. Insurance companies consider it to be a sudden and unnatural death, which is usually covered under the policy.
When can the claim be obtained?
The most important condition for obtaining insurance claim is that the policy is active and death is suddenly, unexpected and casual. This applies to both general term insurance and personal accident insurance. The claim is usually required for death certificate, police report or post mortem report and incident verification.
Death Certificate Policy Document First Information Report (FIR) Post mortem report (if applicable) Identification proof of the contender
Based on these documents, the insurance company confirms the cause of death and the status of the policy.
When will the claim not accept
LIC development officer Mohanlal Verma said that if a person was involved in an illegal activity, illegal gathering or drunk, the insurance company could reject the claim. Some policies do not include incidents such as stampede or civil disturbance, so no claim will be made even in such a situation.
Special ‘stampede insurance’ policy
Some insurance companies also provide stampede insurance, which cover the stampede death, injury, disability and ambulance expenses. This policy is specially designed for such situations.
Expert advice is required
If the case is complex or the claim is disputed, it is beneficial to seek the help of an insurance advisor or expert. They can help understand the terms of the policy, prepare the document and follow the correct procedure.
Death due to stampede is usually considered accidental death and families may get the benefit of term insurance or personal accident insurance. Note that it is very important to read the conditions of the policy properly and submit all the documents on time.
Let me tell you, this rally of Tamil Nadu Vatri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay started from Velusamipuram in Karur at 7:20 pm on Saturday evening. As the rally moved forward, the crowd increased rapidly and turned into a stampede, in which many people lost their lives.