I travelled to USA in September 2006 and had my travel insurance from Cholamandalam but wasn’t aware that this was the worst travel insurance one can have! The policy which I had covered all the usual things such as lost baggage, delay in baggage, lost passport, medical reimbursement, cancel trip and delay in flight. On my way back to India, I had a flight from Chicago to India that was delayed by 24 hrs.
When I came back to India, I claimed for my ’Trip Delay’ from Cholamandalam. And this is when my worst nightmare started. First of all, they asked me to provide them with a proof that the flight was delayed. I provided them with all the communication that I had from my airlines in which they clearly stated that the flight was delayed by 24 hrs. As if this was not enough for Cholamandalam, they asked me to provide them with a letter from airlines stating the delay. Why the heck shall I provide them with the letter when I have already given them the ample proof from the airlines that the flight was delayed??. When the airlines provided them the letter they asked me to get a letter from airlines stating the "Reason for Delay". Now this is something which is least expected. I mean I am travelling and my flight was delayed, which my airlines has clearly said, Why should I be bothered about the reason for delay and if insurance company need it so desperately why shouldn’t they ask the airlines about the reason?? All said and done, the airlines also satisfied them with the reason.
Something bigger and unexpected waited for me, now Cholamandalam asked me to produce the bills for the expenses made during the period of delay. Come on guys, I am not asking for reimbursement; I am asking for the claim of ’Trip Delay’! Why the hell do you need the bills ?? My flight was delayed, which has been stated by my airlines, now just give me my claim. I took a taxi from airport to hotel, the taxi driver didn’t gave me any bill and I didn’t bothered for it too because I never thought that I would be asked for the taxi bill for the ’Trip Delay’ claim...strange ??!? Isn’t it..!??!?
Finally they closed my claim case saying that they cant give the ’Trip Delay’ claim until and unless I provide them with the bills.
PLEASE DON’T get your travel insurance from CHOLAMANDALAM.