Non-life insurance companies have so far paid out only 18.7 percent of the total claims filed for losses arising from the GenZ protests of Sept 8 and 9, according to updated figures from the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA). The two days of violent unrest, marked by arson, vandalism and clashes between security forces and protesters, resulted in extensive damage to public property, business establishments, vehicles and private homes.
Of around 3,300 claims amounting to approximately Rs 23.44bn received by insurers, companies have made advance and parietal payments totaling Rs 4.38bn to policyholders, the NIA said.
Property insurance has accounted for the largest share of losses. Out of 710 property claims worth Rs 19.88bn, insurers have so far settled about Rs 3.21bn. Similarly, out of 2,308 motor insurance claims valued at Rs 3.47bn, payments totaling Rs 1.08bn have been made as of Dec 3..
Engineering and contractor’s risk policies have seen 225 claims worth Rs 555.5m, of which insurers have settled Rs 68.1m. Transport insurance accounts for 12 claims valued at Rs 16.8m, with payouts of Rs 6.6m. Under the “other” category, insurers have paid Rs 4.9m against 45 claims totaling Rs 384m.
According to the NIA, 1,984 of the total claims are linked directly to arson and vandalism in Kathmandu and several districts. Seventy-four people were killed in the protests, which escalated after police used excessive force to disperse crowds. Hotel Hilton Kathmandu alone reported damages of around Rs 8bn, making it one of the largest individual losses.
All fourteen non-life insurance companies and four microinsurers have reported exposure to losses from the protests. Seven companies have liabilities exceeding Rs 1bn each.
Oriental Insurance has received the highest claim totaling Rs 5.14bn from 40 policies, followed by Siddhartha Premier Insurance with Rs 4.93bn across 258 claims. Shikhar Insurance ranks third in terms of claim value, with 366 cases totaling Rs 2.39bn. IME Prudential Insurance has 24 claims worth Rs 1.59bn, while Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance has reported 233 claims amounting to Rs 1.47bn.
