Insurance claim for damage due to tsunami struck down

Hyderabad: Insurance can’t be claimed for tsunami triggered by an earthquake, ruled the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission while dealing with a case of submergence of a dredger (equipment used for excavation in water bodies to remove sediments  from the floor) due to tsunami at Krishnapatnam port in Nellore. The commission ruled in favour of United Insurance stating that the loss is caused due to earthquake, which is an excepted clause.

The  port had sought Rs 1.53 crore compensation The case had begun in 2006, and the final judgement was given on January 30, 2015. The dredger taken on hire had gotten submerged in the sea on December 26 in 2004, due to the tsunami that hit India. The company’s insurance claim was turned down. The insurance firm said since the damage was solely due to the earthquake, the claim was admissible under the policy.