Hi

I own a 2004 model Maruti 800 car (KL5 R4829), which I have driven for less than 40,000km, driving mostly in Coimbatore city.

I have been having a problem with a peculiar "thudding" noise from the car's left hand front wheel, whenever I negotiate a turning to the left. A visible side effect of the problem is that the left hand front wheel is wearing out more than the other wheels.

On consulting the Maruti authorized service centers in Coimbatore, they have identified the problem as the damaged bearings in left hand side drive shaft.

This item, according to Maruti service, can be replaced, but not repairable. The cost of replacement of the component comes to Rs 3000/- approximate, with the labor charges being additional.

The Maruti Insurance would not cover this component replacement, though I have taken a comprehensive insurance.

What is remarkable is that:-

1. How is that a major component called Drive shaft is not covered under Insurance? Are the insurance companies at liberty to make their decision on what to cover and not, as per their discretion? Is there a regulatory authority which oversees this kind of decisions on the behalf of Insurance companies?

2. Is there no choice to the customer as to choose whether the component be serviced or replaced? Can the manufacturer , Maruti Udyog Ltd, in this case, decide on its own not to service a component and only replace it, and pass on the burden of replacement charges to the hapless customer? It is well known that the dealer outfits and service centers thrive mainly on spare part sales. Can a company force the sale of spare parts on its customers by refusing to repair a particular item?

3. As I mentioned, the issue with the drive shaft did appear as early as 30,000 km of running. Does dysfunction of a component merit replacement without insurance as early as the next day of purchase? Means, if there was a manufacturing defect of the component, which a layman customer wouldn't be able to identify, render the customer claim ineffective against the company and insurer?

I am sure lots of customers are apprehensive of approaching the insurer for a claim, the fact being that, one is at the mercy of the company (MUL) and its tie-up insurers (Royal sundaram, Bajaj, IIFCO Tokio etc all mostly private sector players. You are dished out a list of items which are not "covered", which are "partially covered" , and at the end of it, a fiasco called Insurance survey if effected, where the insurer is always having the upper hand in telling you what not can be done for you rather than what can be done.

Warm regards

Nataraj S Narayan