Malay RayRourkela: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), Sundargarh, has directed a general insurance company to pay Rs 15.18 lakh to a vehicle owner after holding that the insurer had wrongly repudiated his accident claim on mere suspicion. The commission also ordered payment of Rs 20,000 towards litigation expenses.The complainant, Pradeep Kumar Thakur of Sargipalli under Lephripada police limits in Sundargarh district, had insured his trailer truck with a zero-depreciation policy valid from July 11, 2024, to July 10, 2025. The vehicle, purchased with bank finance carrying an EMI of Rs 1.10 lakh per month, met with an accident on May 31, 2025, while returning after unloading coal.Thakur lodged an insurance claim on June 1 and sent the damaged vehicle to an authorised workshop in Rourkela. The workshop estimated the repair cost at Rs 17.18 lakh and sought approval from the insurer on June 4. However, no approval was granted for nearly two months. On July 26, 2025 the insurer rejected the claim, alleging misrepresentation of facts.Following the rejection, Thakur approached the consumer commission, alleging deficiency in service and unfair trade practices.The insurer contended that discrepancies existed regarding the accident and the identity of the driver. It relied on reports by a surveyor and a forensic investigator before repudiating the claim. The final survey assessment pegged the repair cost at Rs 14.9 lakh.After examining records submitted by both sides, the commission observed that the accident and the resulting damage were clearly established. It noted that the vehicle asuffered extensive front-end damage and that the driver possessed a valid driving licence, a fact admitted by the insurer.The commission on July 22 held that the claim had been repudiated on the basis of suspicion rather than evidence. It directed the insurer to pay Rs 15.18 lakh within one month, failing which the amount will attract 7% annual interest from the date of claim till realisation.
