Air India crash: LIC, Bajaj Allianz relax documentation, fast-track claim settlements
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In the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed 241 lives, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on Friday announced a series of relaxations in its claim settlement process to assist the families of the victims. The move is aimed at expediting payouts and easing documentation requirements for grieving families.LIC said it is committed to providing timely support and financial assistance to those affected by the crash of the London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday."LIC has announced many concessions to mitigate the hardships of the claimants of LIC policies. In lieu of death certificates, any evidence in government records of death of the policyholder due to the plane crash or any compensation paid by central/state government /airline authorities will be accepted as proof of death," the insurer said in a statement.The state-run insurer added that all possible steps are being taken to proactively reach out to claimants and ensure quick processing of claims."All efforts will be taken to ensure that the claimants are reached out and claims are settled expeditiously to the affected families," it said.For assistance, LIC has advised claimants to contact the nearest branch or division office, or reach out to its dedicated helpline at 022-68276827.Private insurer Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance also announced similar steps to streamline the claim process. The company has set up a special claims settlement desk to prioritise death and disability claims linked to the tragedy.'With utmost urgency, an expeditious process has been established to swiftly settle these policy claims,' Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance said in a statement.'In response to this unfortunate incident,' the company added, 'it has activated special measures to assist families of its policyholders affected by the crash.'To reduce delays, Bajaj Allianz said it has simplified the documentation process for nominees, legal heirs, or policyholders to submit their claims.The Air India flight was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, when it crashed into a medical college complex moments after takeoff. Only one passenger survived.
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