3. SHORTAGE PROVED TO BE SHORT SUPPLY |TOP|
C.I.D. Mumbai had imported an X-Ray M/c for detecting sudden explosive objects once a call is received from the public. Along with the X-Ray M/c., X-Ray plates were reported to have been shipped but received short. The surveyor on behalf of the consignee certified the shortage and probable cause was given as theft/pilferage i transit.
The said claim was referred to us for Investigation.
On making enquiry with Airlines, Customs, Suppliers’ service engineers and making detailed investigation it was revealed that there was no space in the package to hold the X-Ray plates reported as missing. We came to this conclusion by comparing the weight of X-Ray machine with packing material, which matched with the gross wt. shown on Airway Bill. The and had subsequently dispatched the reported the matter was then referred to suppliers with our findings along with the weight, dimension of the packages. Although at initial stage suppliers maintained that there is no case of short supply, but when we gave the details particularly tallying the gross wt. with X-Ray Machine, they understood the point.
Hence shortage proved to be due to short supply.
4. TRANSIT DAMAGE PROVED TO BE PRE-SHIPMENT DAMAGE |TOP|
One of the renowned industries imported watch modules from U.S.A. and they claimed total loss due to water stains/oil stains/chemical powder.
The survey was entrusted to us by one of the Underwriters namely National Insurance Company Ltd. During our survey apart from assessment of loss, we also carried out investigation and on our careful scrutiny it was observed that the labels inside the modules were defective, non-functioning etc.
We pointed out that these were not transit related loss and on the basis of our report huge claim was avoided.
5. INVESTIGATION PROVED SKILLFUL PILFERAGE |TOP|
One of the leading Chemical factory namely Indian Organic Chemicals Ltd. (with their plant at Khopoli which is about 80 kms away from Bombay) dispatched DOPP in liquid form packed in sealed intact drums to various clients through out the country.
Upon receipt of many complaints that instead of invoiced chemical consignees received water, a claim was lodged with the Underwriters and in turn Underwriters appointed us to investigate the matter.
During our detailed investigation it was observed that the driver and cleaner who lifted the material from the said plant had cleverly changed the mater after stopping between Khopoli and Mumbai, since from Mumbai. We had to do very extensive investigation which revealed our above findings.
The Police authorities arrested the driver and cleaner which lead to the main culprit who was working on the master plan of skillful pilferage.
6. INVESTIGATION ON CHEMICAL ITEMS (ONLY PAPER WORK EXPORT NOT IN REALITY |TOP|
One of the leading Exporters of chemicals manufactured at their plant at Baroda and shipped the material to various European countries. The company had exported a consignment of chemicals in a FCL Container from CF S at Kalamboli. However when the container was received at importers premises the drums were found missing from the sealed container.
A claim was then lodged with the local insurance Company.
On investigation it was observed that all the documents like challan, Gate pass, invoices, L.R. showing dispatch from Baroda to Kalamboli were in order. We also observed loading report of drums into container certified by warehouse surveyors, B/L issued accordingly. However on detail checkups, we observed the same to be only paper work and no actual shipment made.
7. HIGHWAY SKILLFUL ROBBERY |TOP|
One of the leading Pharmaceutical Company, Hoechst Pharmaceuticals imported Pharmaceutical’s from abroad for their plant at Gujarat. However when received, shortages were noticed in intact drums.
A claim was then lodged with the Underwriters for above shortages.
We visited the works premises at Mulund and on inspection found the seals fitted on the lock rings intact. The drums were also in sound condition.
However on careful scrutiny we observed that the metal rings fitted to the base of the drums though appeared to be intact were found to have been skillfully removed and refitted back.
8. MASTER MINDED CLAIM PROVED TO BE FRAUD |TOP|
Khatmandu Dyeing had imported wool from Australia and put up a claim on AIU for water damage (total loss).
AIU appointed us for investigation of the subject claim.
Instead of utilising the services of the surveyor nominated on Policy, the consignees had got the survey done by a surveyor of their own choice. He assessed the damage as total loss for a huge amount. When we investigated it was revealed that Australian wool mixed with Tibetian wool for blending with water was shown as damaged. It was reported that damaged wool was destroyed.
On our inquiries and investigation it was revealed that there was no rain at the time in between Calcutta and Nepal and even if the said material would have got damaged by water the question of destroying salvage should not arise since there was a market for damaged wool.
The whole claim was therefore proved to be fraud.
9. CAUSE OF EXPLOSION ON PART OF EMPTY TANKER |TOP|
A tanker truck after unloading chemical product from its tanker reached a Petrol Pump of parking. However after some time the tanker burst and caught fire.
The case was handed over to us for investigation to determine if the claim is tenable under the terms of the Policy.
On investigation we checked various angles for the cause of the tanker truck explosion.
The tanker had just unloaded a chemical consignment. After unloading it had left the works premises. However, vapours of the chemical should have remained in the tank. These vapours should have been released through the vent pipe.
While the tanker was stationery at the Petrol Pump the vapours emitting from the vent pipe should have come in contact with sparks (near Petrol Pump) resulting in the cause of fire and subsequent explosion.
10. 340% OF CLAIM RATIO REDUCED TO 50% |TOP|
A.E. Ltd., Thane - manufacturers of Current/Potential Transformers for sub stations where the same were received in damaged condition.
Insurance companies received several claims.
Insurance company approached us to investigate.
We then visited the company at Thane and studied the mode and method of packing of the transformers.
It was observed that 2 to 3 transformers while secured to the bottom planks were packed i one wooden crate. There was movement of transformers and body to body contact resulting in damages to the Porcelain insulators, leakage of oil.
We then advised them to pack each transformer individually in a wooden crate with springs at base/top 4 corners as suspension.
The loss ratio thereafter showed considerable improvement.
11. PHARMACEUTICAL CLAIM BY ORGANISED GANG TRACED |TOP|
One of the leading Pharmaceutical companies at Ankleshwar had Imported from Austria
108 drums Rifamycin. The consignment arrived at Mumbai Airport in sound/intact condition and when received at Ankleshwar after a transit period of 3 days from Mumbai
Airport. Contents in sound drums were found to be red plain powder.
On investigation we found the inner polybags in sound condition and on weighment found to be in accordance with invoice declared net wt. Seals on lock rings of lids found sound.
On careful scrutiny however we observed seals were removed skillfully and replaced after change of bags in drums.
An organized gang traced at Khopoli
Apparently some organised gangs with the connivance of the driver/cleaner of the truck stole the valuable cargo enroute and cleverly replaced the bags inside the drums.
LB. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals - Importers of Actovigin in glass bottles from Austria. Breakages of bottles in transit and loss of precious liquid. We studied the cause for loss and suggested improvement in packing, for example that the material be sent in S. Steel drums having proper sealed lids
After change of packing losses dropped drastically.
13. TOTAL LOSS BECOMES PARTIAL LOSS |TOP|
Tetra Pak Ltd., Pune had imported Aseptic filling Machine in a opentop FCL Container. While the container was being transported by a truck in Port premises, container fell off the truck resulting in unit falling on the ground with an impact causing damage to several parts.
After initial survey at port premises unit was shifted to works premises at Pune where detail joint survey was conducted.
The consignees in the first instance were of the opinion that the unit was beyond repair and were insisting that the same be treated as total loss. However after various meeting/discussions it was decided that the unit be sent back to the manufacturers.
The unit was subsequently sent back to the manufacturer where it was repaired and reshipped back to consignees.
14. LOSS M1NIMISATION OF ELECTRONIC ITEM DAMAGED BY WATER |TOP|
One of the giant Cement manufacturers imported FLS-QCX System which was damaged by water in transit.
The claimant refused to accept the damage unit on the ply that electronic parts once damaged cannot be utilised and software should be treated as total loss.
Software components were 3/4 of the cost of huge claim. We insisted that suppliers should provide this since they have master CD available with them and therefore cost of the claim should be only floppy cost.
The case is still pending with the local Underwriters, The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. and we hope the minimize the loss considerably.
15. CNC LATHE MACHINE DAMAGED BY WATER WAS SALVAGED |TOP|
One of the giant group in India imported CNC Lathe Machine and rejected the same unit on the ground that once the electronic circuit namely PCB is damaged by water it cannot be repaired and they wanted total loss.
We took the expert opinion who declined to accept that once the Printed circuit is damaged by water it cannot be utitlised/salvaged. In fact our expert opined that once the printed circuit is manufactured, it is washed with detergent and water and hence the question of party’s claim of rejection does not arise. With the ordinary hair dryer our expert proved the function in operating of the damaged circuit resulting into total acceptance of the said unit while minimising the loss in to of the huge claim amount.
16. SETTLED MAJOR WINDMILL CLAIMS DURING CYCLONE IN GUJARAT RANGING FROM RS.1 CR. TO 20 CR. EACH |TOP|
Handled major Hull surveys on behalf of Local/Foreign Underwriters including the latest 4 Million Claim on Behalf of French Underwriters represented by Global Insurance Services Pvt. Ltd.