Last Updated:
Dense winter fog in north India often causes severe highway accidents.
Motor insurance and fog accidents: Why negligence can lead to claim rejection
Dense winter fog often leads to a spike in road accidents across north India, particularly on highways where visibility can drop sharply. While such incidents can be severe and involve multiple vehicles, the insurance claim process largely remains the same as any other accident, according to industry experts.
Mayur Kacholiya, Head – Motor Product and Actuarial at Digit General Insurance, said that motor insurers generally follow a standard claim settlement process irrespective of whether the accident was caused by fog, rain or any other factor. However, the scale and complexity of claims may vary significantly depending on the circumstances.
He pointed out that fog-related pileups often involve multiple vehicles and extensive damage, making the claims assessment more complicated. Kacholiya cited the example of the recent accidents on the Delhi-Agra Expressway, where extremely low visibility triggered a massive multi-vehicle collision. In several cases, the high-impact crashes led to vehicles catching fire, resulting in total losses and serious injuries.
Because such incidents may involve multiple claimants and severe damage, insurers typically conduct additional assessments before settling claims, he explained.
Experts say motorists should ensure they have adequate insurance coverage to avoid complications after an accident. Kacholiya advised drivers to opt for comprehensive motor insurance rather than relying solely on mandatory third-party cover, as comprehensive policies protect the insured vehicle against damage as well.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining an accurate Insured Declared Value (IDV), which represents the vehicle’s market value in the policy. According to him, setting the IDV too low can reduce the compensation a policyholder receives in cases of total loss.
Adding optional covers can also improve financial protection. Kacholiya noted that add-ons such as zero depreciation cover, return-to-invoice protection and roadside assistance can help policyholders recover higher costs or receive emergency support after an accident.
At the same time, insurers closely examine driver behaviour in such incidents. Negligence can become a key factor during claim investigations, particularly in fog-related crashes where visibility is poor.
Kacholiya said drivers are expected to take basic safety precautions such as maintaining safe speeds, using fog lights or hazard lights, and keeping adequate distance from the vehicle ahead. If investigations reveal that a driver ignored such precautions or provided inaccurate information while filing the claim, insurers may reject the claim.
He added that policyholders should always provide honest and accurate details when reporting an accident, as misrepresentation can lead to claim denial.
March 10, 2026, 16:38 IST
Read More
