Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Insurance companies have received claims worth Rs 23.22 billion for damages to physical infrastructure caused during the protests on September 8 and 9.
According to the latest data provided by the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), non-life insurance companies have already paid out Rs 1.58 billion in compensation for the loss.
A total of 3,099 insurance claims have been filed so far.
The insurance sector regulator said that insurance companies have made advance payments due to its proactive role in facilitating quick and easy access to insurance settlements.
Among the total claims, 653 are property insurance, 2,206 motor insurance, 190 engineering and contract risk insurance, 12 transport insurance and 38 other types.
In terms of provinces, 396 claims were filed in Koshi Province, 355 in Madhes, 1,669 in Bagmati, 212 in Gandaki, 246 in Lumbini, 22 in Karnali, and 199 in Sudurpaschim.
Siddhartha Insurance has received the highest number of claims, totaling Rs 5.61 billion. The company has so far disbursed Rs 594.4 million to policyholders. The Oriental Insurance follows with Rs 5.24 billion worth of claims, of which Rs 579,000 has been settled.
IGI Prudential Insurance has received Rs 2.75 billion in claims and paid Rs 304.3 million, while Shikhar Insurance has received Rs 2.40 billion in claims and settled Rs 319.4 million so far.
Currently, 18 non-life insurance companies, including microinsurance firms, are operating across the country.
According to NIA, while most private properties damaged during the arson and vandalism of the September 8–9 protests were insured, government and public assets were found to be uninsured.
