Inform the insurer about the damage within two to three days Atarecent seminar of insurance brokers and surveyors, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) ChairmanTSVijayan admitted that delays with regard to settlement of commercial claims like motor, fire, marine and others continued to be an issue. Lack of access to surveyors´ reports is another hurdle, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Besides, while retail (individual) policy holders can approach the Insurance Ombudsman withagrievance, in the case of commercial claims there is no such recourse. According to Irdai guidelines, any nonmotor claim where the estimated amount is more than Rs.50,000 would require the appointment of an independent surveyor. Are surveyors truly independent? “These surveyors, though appointed by the insurance company, are independent intermediaries, as they are licensed and regulated by Irdai. They are accountable for the loss they assess to Irdai and n