Dense winter fog frequently leads to a sharp rise in road accidents across northern India, especially on highways where visibility can drop drastically within minutes. Although such crashes can be severe and often involve multiple vehicles, industry experts say the motor insurance claim process generally follows the same procedures as any other accident.
According to Mayur Kacholiya, Head of Motor Product and Actuarial at Digit General Insurance, insurers typically adhere to a standard claim settlement framework regardless of whether an accident is caused by fog, rain or other weather conditions. However, the scale and complexity of claims can vary significantly depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Kacholiya noted that fog-related accidents frequently involve multi-vehicle pileups, which complicates the assessment and settlement process. He pointed to recent incidents on the Delhi-Agra Expressway where extremely low visibility triggered large collisions involving numerous vehicles. In several cases, the high-impact crashes caused vehicles to catch fire, resulting in total losses and severe injuries.
Because such incidents often involve multiple claimants and extensive damage, insurers usually carry out additional investigations before processing and settling claims, he said.
Industry experts also stress that motorists should maintain sufficient insurance coverage to avoid financial difficulties after accidents. Kacholiya recommends that drivers purchase comprehensive motor insurance rather than relying solely on the mandatory third-party policy, as comprehensive coverage also protects the insured vehicle against damage.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining an accurate Insured Declared Value (IDV), which reflects the market value of the vehicle listed in the policy. Setting the IDV too low could reduce the compensation a policyholder receives if the vehicle is declared a total loss.
Optional add-on covers can further strengthen financial protection. Kacholiya said features such as zero depreciation cover, return-to-invoice protection and roadside assistance can help policyholders recover higher repair costs or receive emergency support following an accident.
At the same time, insurers carefully review driver behaviour when investigating claims. Negligence may become a critical factor, particularly in fog-related crashes where poor visibility demands greater caution from motorists.
