Meaning of Accidental Damage by an external means under Package policy
One of the perils under coverage’s of motor package policy is “Accidental Damage by external visible means” and the Surveyor’s generally considers that if any vehicle is damaged by the goods carried in the Vehicle is not an external means and the claim is repudiated. It is wrong assumption of the Surveyor’s.
Practical Example: A truck was carrying coil weighing within the carrying capacity of the vehicle. All of a sudden the driver applied the brakes as a result the chain of the coils was broken and the coil weighing 9 MTs hit the Cabin as a result the cabin got damaged and driver also died. Initially, the Surveyor argued that it is not an external means hence the claim is not payable. It was argued that the vehicle is insured as an independent unit and any goods carried by the vehicle are an external item and it is to be considered as external means. Ultimately the claim was paid.
It is advised be careful under such situation. Now a days, it is very common as the cars and tractors are carried by the goods carrying vehicle and such incidence may occur.
So argue with Insurer as well as with the Surveyor.