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Originally Posted by MLGuy Hi All, I have made the full payment and PDI is also done.
However, I have encountered an issue with their insurance policy. The dealership is charging an exorbitant insurance premium, offering coverage upto 95% of the Insured Declared Value (IDV). As an alternative, I am considering buying insurance from 'Zuno Insurance,' Mahindra's preferred insurance partner, which is offering a slightly lower premium.
When I informed the dealership about my intention to purchase insurance from Zuno Insurance, they insisted that I sign a bond paper declaring that all the responsibility for the insurance lies with me. Moreover, they have stated that they will not release the vehicle to me unless I sign this declaration.
I am concerned about the ethical nature of this practice and would like to seek advice from the team-bhp community. Should I proceed with signing the bond paper, or are there any other options I should consider? How will it impact my claim in near future if i purchase it from outside? |
Insurance is a personal preference and it doesnt matter which company, it is a contract between the car owner, called the insured and the insurance company, the insurer.
No car dealer or company has any role in this contract between the insured and the insurer. They have absolutely no role to play in this contract.
Ask them why you have to give the bond paper and stuff like that? It's the most ridiculous thing I have heard. I am a Surveyor by profession and you can complain to Mahindra and also IRDA (Insurance regulatory and development authority).
Do Not budge to this blackmail. Simply email them with a CC to Mahindra that you intend to take your own insurance as per your will and wish and the dealer has to abide to the customer's will and wish.
I repeat again, the insurance policy is a two way contract between the car owner and the insurance company only and the dealer has ABSOLUTELY NO ROLE in this matter. Your deal with the mahindra dealer is only for the car and perhaps they will assist you with registration (which you can get it done directly with the RTO, if you choose to) and insurance is your sole discretion.
Ask them to give in writing what ever bond thing they are claiming and tell them that you are taking this to consumer forum, the Mahindra and IRDA and escalate this matter further.
Regarding your future claim, if any, remember you can lodge a claim with any branch of that insurance company in India and get your car repaired at any Mahindra service centre. You are not bound to get it repaired with your dealer nor are you bound by any rule or law that you have to claim at the same insurance branch for the claim. For example you live in Pune and you drive to say Goa and there is a small incident and you wish to claim your insurance. You just visit the local Goa branch of the insurance company, lodge your claim, fill your claim form and inform them where the car is lying ( the workshop) and the surveyor will visit the workshop and do the survey and your claim will be processed in Goa only. All insurance policy now are on a centralised core server accessible from anywhere in India. Did you see the role of your dealer in this whole Goa example I gave you just above? Your dealer has nothing to do with your insurance and you flatly refuse the sign the bond. This is plain blackmail in my opinion and dont succumb to it. Please dont be scared. Your money has not gone anywhere and your car will arrive as you have made the payment. Insurance and RTO you can get it done yourself. Just be careful that the dealer does not tamper with your new car because he is now one angry person. If any thing is wrong with the car, you can straight away lodge a consumer case and send a notice through your lawyer and threaten them to take it public through social media. Also tweet Anand Mahindra about this unethical practice by their dealer. I think the dealer needs some stick from Mahindra as well.
Remember, this bond thing is illegal and unethical. take it in writing from them and lodge a complaint with Mahindra, IRDA and consumer forum. I am an Insurance surveyor for over 3 decades and in my profesion I have done probably thousands of accident claim surveys all over India, and I say, this is the most ridiculous thing ever to hear about the bond to be executed. You sir, should raise your voice and speak sternly and with authority. It's your hard earned money. Say No and put your foot down. contact your preferred insurer and get your policy and ask the dealer to release the car and that's it.
Customer is the king, without the customer there is no business. You seriously need to raise your voice and put your foot down and remind these dealer that you are the paying customer and you want it as you deem fit. Tell them " My Money, My Car, My Wish"