Aathira Varier

Stories by Aathira Varier

Irdai proposes internal ombudsman to address claims up to Rs 50 lakh

Irdai proposes internal ombudsman to address claims up to Rs 50 lakh

Rediff.com   2 days ago

The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (Irdai) on Wednesday proposed setting up an internal insurance ombudsman for insurance companies -- except reinsurers-- with over three years of operation, to address unresolved complaints. The ombudsman will have power to hear complaints for claims up to Rs 50 lakhs.

Compensation Assured for Crash Victims

Compensation Assured for Crash Victims

Rediff.com   14 Jul 2025

The only case where there could be a change in insurance payout is if Air India's management were found to be aware of the accident and the accident was deliberate.

'Future Generali always wanted to outgrow the industry'

'Future Generali always wanted to outgrow the industry'

Rediff.com   12 Jul 2025

'This will be our first large-size bank partner, and hence, the partnership will be a game-changer for us.'

AI 171 Crash: Insurance Cost: $475 Million

AI 171 Crash: Insurance Cost: $475 Million

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2025

'$125 million for the hull and the remaining of over $350 million for liability.'

Mishaps push up helicopter insurance premiums

Mishaps push up helicopter insurance premiums

Rediff.com   27 Jun 2025

Additionally, rates in the aviation sector are also expected to increase due to huge claim outgo in the Air India crash.

$150 Million Insurance Claims Loom After AI 171 Crash

$150 Million Insurance Claims Loom After AI 171 Crash

Rediff.com   23 Jun 2025

The claims will include three kinds of liabilities: Damage to the aircraft; loss of lives who were aboard the aircraft; including the crew members; and third-party liability because of loss of lives where the aircraft crashed; and cargo liability.

'The demand for health insurance is fine'

'The demand for health insurance is fine'

Rediff.com   22 Jun 2025

'The retail industry is still growing in double digits.'

Will ATMs Dispense Rs 100, 200 By September?

Will ATMs Dispense Rs 100, 200 By September?

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2025

Filling of Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes result in faster depletion and more frequent cash replenishment. This will cost banks and managed service providers more.

'Bharti AXA's First Goal Is To Achieve 3x Revenue'

'Bharti AXA's First Goal Is To Achieve 3x Revenue'

Rediff.com   11 Jun 2025

'Our new business premium is around Rs 700 crore, which we want to take to Rs 2,000 crore.'

RBI's draft circular seeks to standardise gold loan regulations

RBI's draft circular seeks to standardise gold loan regulations

Rediff.com   10 Apr 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday came out with comprehensive draft guidelines to harmonise and regulate gold loans across all financial entities, including putting a cap of 75 per cent on loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. The draft guidelines also aim to address concerns related to certain lending practices, provide clarity on specific aspects, and strengthen the conduct-related standards in the sector.

Motor Insurance Growth Slows Amid Weak Vehicle Sales

Motor Insurance Growth Slows Amid Weak Vehicle Sales

Rediff.com   2 Apr 2025

'The slowdown in motor insurance premium growth is due to slower growth in vehicle sales. Also, there has been minimal hike in third-party rates in the past three years which is affecting the growth rate of third-party premiums.'

Terrorism Premiums To Drop 15% From April 1

Terrorism Premiums To Drop 15% From April 1

Rediff.com   31 Mar 2025

'India has not faced a major terrorism loss since the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008.'

Meet India's first private reinsurer

Meet India's first private reinsurer

Rediff.com   15 Mar 2025

In Debasish Panda's last board meeting as chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), the regulator approved the "R2" licence for Kamlesh Goyal and Prem Watsa-backed Value Attics Reinsurance, making it the first private-sector Indian reinsurer after GIC Re, the public-sector reinsurer. "The authority reviewed and approved the R2 application of Value Attics Reinsurance, making it the first private-sector reinsurer after GIC Re, the public-sector reinsurer.

Why health insurance premium growth is in slow lane

Why health insurance premium growth is in slow lane

Rediff.com   11 Mar 2025

Health insurance premium growth has slowed after touching record highs during the Covid-19 pandemic due to tapering demand from retail consumers amid affordability issues. According to General Insurance Council data, health insurance premiums grew by 10.44 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in the Apr-Jan period of FY25 in comparison with 20.79 per cent in the year-ago period. It was around 23.57 per cent in FY23, and 25.89 per cent in FY22.

An insurer can now effectively manage market volatility

An insurer can now effectively manage market volatility

Rediff.com   10 Mar 2025

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's (Irdai's) decision to allow insurers to hedge risks through equity derivatives will help them manage market volatility and protect policyholder returns. However, this move is unlikely to alter their investment strategies.

'Insurance companies will need more capital'

'Insurance companies will need more capital'

Rediff.com   3 Mar 2025

'I now see rates rising again, particularly after recent losses - especially the January wildfires in Los Angeles.'

'How Will I Survive Without My Monthly Withdrawals?'

'How Will I Survive Without My Monthly Withdrawals?'

Rediff.com   24 Feb 2025

'I don't know when I will be able to access those funds.'

'Goal for Axis Max Life Insurance is to become listed entity'

'Goal for Axis Max Life Insurance is to become listed entity'

Rediff.com   17 Feb 2025

'However, this process will take some time. Depending on the approval timeline, it may span a few quarters.'

Budget And ULIPs: Should You Invest?

Budget And ULIPs: Should You Invest?

Rediff.com   3 Feb 2025

'The incentives to switch to the new tax regime... are viewed as a negative due to potential loss of customers who buy policies for saving tax.' 'The tax-saving value proposition for the sector reduces.'

'Post acquisition funding cost will come down'

'Post acquisition funding cost will come down'

Rediff.com   29 Jan 2025

'Earlier, our cost of funds was higher than most in the peer group.'