Mon Dec 08 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
In light of recent flooding in Southern India, The Hindu e-paper emphasizes the importance of homeowners and business owners having adequate and up-to-date fire and flood insurance. The article highlights the IRDAI’s standardized “Bharat Griha Raksha” policy, available from all general insurers, which offers broad coverage for buildings and contents against a range of risks, including fire, flood, earthquake, and even terrorism-related theft. The piece urges readers to ensure their properties are insured at reconstruction cost, not market value, and to consider useful add-ons like loss-of-rent coverage and personal accident cover. With increasing extreme weather events, securing comprehensive home insurance is critical.
News Article:
Southern India Floods Prompt Insurance Check-Up: “Bharat Griha Raksha” Policy Highlighted
Chennai, December 8, 2025 – As Southern India grapples with intense rain and flooding, insurance experts at The Hindu are urging homeowners and business owners to review their fire and flood insurance policies. The advisory comes in the wake of widespread damage caused by recent weather events, prompting a renewed focus on adequate property protection.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has created a simple, standardised policy named Bharat Griha Raksha designed to meet the needs of home and business owners.
“Insurance often comes to mind only during a crisis,” said Ramya Kannan, business journalist writing in The Hindu e-paper, “Now is the right time to check whether your home fire and flood cover is active, adequate and up to date.”
The Bharat Griha Raksha policy, offered by all general insurers, provides broad coverage for both the building structure and its contents. This includes protection against fire, explosion, earthquake, various storm types, tsunami, flood, landslide, impact damage, and even damage resulting from riots, strikes, and acts of terrorism.
The policy covers buildings, contents, or both. Contents coverage includes personal possessions such as furniture, as well as valuable items like jewelry and artwork. Additionally, add-ons such as loss-of-rent coverage and personal accident insurance (₹5 lakh for the insured and spouse) are available.
Experts advise that properties should be insured at their current reconstruction cost, not their market value. Claims are settled based on actual repair or rebuilding bills. A three-year policy for a ₹10-lakh sum insured can cost under ₹6,000.
“With extreme weather becoming more frequent, now is the time to ensure your home – your largest asset – is fully safeguarded,” Kannan emphasized. The Hindu urges readers to contact their insurance providers or visit the IRDAI website for more information on the Bharat Griha Raksha policy and other relevant insurance products.
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