Kerala is facing its biggest flood in a century that killed over 300 people and has left more than 3.5 lakh people homeless. As the rain refuses to subside, rescue and relief operations are being undertaken to stranded individuals across the state. Property, land, vehicles and especially precious lives have been lost on a large scale and belongings lay damaged.

If you are a victim of the floods or know someone who has been affected by it, inform them of the relaxed procedure to claim insurance for lives lost or damaged property. The rules have been asked to be eased by the insurance regulator IRDAI for the affected victim. It has issued guidelines to settle claims faster. Claims made to insurance companies have been ordered to be initiated immediately.

• Contact person: As per IRDAI's instructions, a nodal officer is to be appointed in the state of Kerala to co-ordinate with the settlement of all claims made there.

Nominees and legal heirs of the deceased can claim insurance on the loss of the insurer's life without death certificates. Due to the natural disaster, have a hold of the original insurance document and death certificate will be difficult because of the non-recovery of the body and existing havoc in the state. The IRDAI has, therefore, notified insurance companies to consider process followed at the time of Chennai floods in 2015.

Special help desks and helpline numbers will be set by the insurance companies to help victims file claims. A waiver in any fees may also be done by the insurers.

IRDAI in its circular also asked insurance companies to:

• publish details of offices/special camps set up for the purpose in the press and through State Government to enable filing of claims.
• Ensured that all claims are surveyed immediately and claim payments/on account payments are disbursed early.
• An adequate number of surveyors may be engaged immediately in the affected Districts.
• Launch extensive awareness campaign in the State, duly highlighting the measures taken by them.
• ln order to gauge the magnitude of the loss, all non-life insurers (including Standalone Health insurers) are advised to submit information relating to insurance claims in Kerala on a daily basis.