Air India Crash: Insurance Companies Expedite Support and Compensation

In the wake of the Air India Flight 171 tragedy, insurers and Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, are extending financial help and making it easier for affected families to submit their insurance claims.

Insurance Firms Set Up Helpdesks at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital

To provide quick and compassionate service, insurers have opened special helpdesks at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Here, policyholders can submit documents and get their payments processed promptly.

• LIC of India and New India Assurance have set up 24×7 camps at the hospital.
• LIC has already processed and disbursed ₹35 lakh in payments.
• New India Assurance has cleared 5 passenger and 1 cargo claim.
• Both companies will keep their helpdesks operational until the last victim is identified.

Easier Claim Process with Alternate Death Proof

To ease the financial stress on affected families, LIC will accept alternative documents instead of a death certificate. These include:

• Official documents from Air India or the central or state government.
• Any government record confirming death due to the plane crash.

A special desk has also opened through Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for policyholders affected by the incident. The company announced it will process payments if a hospital or civic body certifies a death, in cases where a death certificate is unavailable.

Insurance Regulator’s Guidelines to Provide Immediate Support

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed insurers to:

• Reduce paperwork and simplify procedures.
• Appoint senior officers to handle large or complex cases.
• Set up helpdesks at key locations, including hospitals.
• Expedite process for policyholders to submit documents.

The regulator stressed the need for fairness, urgency, and compassion in all claim settlements.

Air India’s Immediate Compensation of ₹25 Lakh

In addition to Tata Sons’ ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore, Air India is now providing ₹25 lakh in initial financial aid to each victim’s family and the lone survivor.
This amount — roughly ₹21,000 GBP — is meant to help ease financial burdens during this difficult time.

Who Is Eligible to Claim?

• Passengers and crew: Covered under Air India’s airline liability policy and possibly their own travel or credit card insurance.
• Victims on the ground: Eligible under the airline’s third-party liability policy.
• Cargo companies: Cargo is insured under separate policy coverage.
• Families may also be eligible for additional benefits from their own life insurance policies. LIC, Bajaj Allianz, and other insurers are helping to identify these policies.

Where to Get Assistance?

New India Assurance helpline numbers:

• 1800 209 1415
• 99099 67594
• 99986 21811

Relatives and policyholders across India can also contact their nearest branch or agent to submit a claim.