The Importance of Trusted Guidance in Insurance: The Case of Mr. Pankaj Gupta
Late Mr. Pankaj Gupta, an engineer with M/s TUV India Pvt. Ltd., embarked on an official trip to Bangkok, Thailand in March 2019. Tragically, during a boat ride at Ta Waen Beach, Koh Lan Island, the boat capsized, causing Mr. Gupta to fall unconscious into the sea. He was rescued and hospitalized in Thailand before being airlifted to Max Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi. Despite efforts, he passed away on 4th May 2019.
Mr. Gupta had purchased a personal accident policy for ₹15 lakhs online, but his family was unaware of this policy until after his death. When the claim process began, our investigation revealed no autopsy had been conducted—a mandatory requirement for claims of this nature. Despite this, on humanitarian grounds, the insurance company approved the claim following our recommendation.
Lessons from This Tragic Case
This case highlights crucial realities about purchasing insurance online without adequate knowledge or guidance:
- Many policyholders—and their families—lack awareness of their coverage details.
- Online purchases may lead to missing essential documents or procedural knowledge needed to support claims.
- Without expert guidance, families may struggle to validate claims and receive their rightful benefits.
IRDAI’s Warning on Online Insurance Fraud
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued a caution on 20th April 2020 warning against fake insurance offers online, urging people to exercise vigilance:
Read Economic Times article on insurance fraud
Why Insurance Is Not Like Buying Groceries
Buying a T-shirt delivers a physical product instantly to your doorstep. Insurance, on the other hand, is an intangible promise of financial protection that may only be realized years later, often when policyholders are no longer around. Without the right product selection and trusted advice, families risk losing out on claims.
Recommendations for Insurance Buyers
- Purchase insurance through agents or intermediaries with strong product knowledge and claims experience.
- Disclose insurance purchases to trusted family members and advisors.
- Avoid online purchases of complex insurance products without full understanding.
- Share your insurance advisor’s contact details with your family for emergencies.
How We Can Help
If you need assistance with claim settlement or selecting suitable insurance products—whether personal, business, or family insurance—we are ready to serve you and help recover your rightful claims quickly.
Contact Us:
Abad Khan (F.I.I.I.)
AK Insurance Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
A-918, ATS Bouquet, Sector-132, Noida-201303
Email: abad@bimasathi.in
Phone: +91 99996 82324, 0120-4360776
