While the four non-life companies ie; New India, United India, Oriental Insurance and National Insurance which are handling all the earthquake-related claims through a joint committee have settled few claims, LIC has settled three claims totalling Rs 7,50,000 till Friday.

The joint committee of four non-life companies have been directed by the authorities to settle all claims within 30 days of filing with the insurance companies.

According to preliminary estimates, LIC expects about 10 per cent of quake victims in Gujarat to be its policy-holders.

LIC officials have estimated that about 72 lakh of LIC's 11 crore policy holders are from Gujarat.

Around seven to eight per cent of the victims may be LIC's policy holders. This is based on averages of past experiences. The institution is expecting average claims of around Rs 30,000.

The Gujarat government says some 25,000 people died in the quake. Other estimates put the death toll at 50,000 or higher. There was no official estimate of the number of people injured or rendered homeless by the quake.

Meanwhile, Citibank has said that all valid Citibank Cards with the personal accident insurance feature automatically provide cover against loss of life in earthquakes. Citibank Diners (Primary and Add-on) and Citabank Gold (Primary and Add-on) card members are eligible fior a compensation of Rs 2,00,000 and Citibank Silver Primary Card membaers are eligible for a compensation of Rs 1,00,000 for death due to earthquake.

In addition, Citibank Crad members and banking customers who have opted for the New India Assurance good health Personal Accident policy/Mediclaim policy will be eligible for reimbursement of hospitalisation expenses for various limits and loss of life between Rs 2,00,000 and Rs 5,,00,000 depending upon the plan they have chosen.

The process and documentation required for claims is being assessed by New India Assurance Co and will be intimated in the next one week. The New India Assurance is setting up a special cell headed by its regional manager in Ahmedabad and families of card members can contact Dr B Sunderaman for assistance in expeditious settlementy of claims.

Further MN Saha, Manager and officer on special duty has been designated to handle these claims.