‘Damage claims stabilising now’

As a result of the devastation caused by Mekunu, the chamber of commerce office in Dhofar opened its doors to accommodate insurance companies.

“The Chamber allowed the affected insurance companies to open offices for free in the Chamber building so that they could work and limit the damages and compensate the affected people,” Al Bat’hari added.

Benefits

Having insurance can provide many benefits to property owners, as it reduces losses due to disasters, hurricanes, thefts, fire and other damages that people’s properties may be exposed to.

“Insurance can reassure them, in case of damage to their property,” said Al Bat’hari. Philip K Philip, Chief Executive Officer of Muscat Insurance Company, confirmed there had been an increase in the number of claims since Cyclone Mekunu struck.

“Between the dates of the incident and today, from our books, I can say that the number of insurance claims has gone up, and although the figures are changing, the amount is beginning to crystallise now,” explained Philip.

“In order to change the public’s mind-set with regard to insurance, insurance companies should provide offers to the public to motivate them to apply for insurance, as the idea of insurance is new to the community,” Al Bat’hari added.