Peru's Indecopi Fines Mapfre Seguros Over $5,000 for Delayed Insurance Payout

Mapfre Peru Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros has been fined over 19,000 soles (approximately $5,200 USD) by Peru's regional Indecopi office in Lambayeque for failing to promptly pay a consumer's insurance claim. The company violated consumer protection laws by not fulfilling its obligation to provide timely compensation for temporary disability following a traffic accident.

The case involved a consumer who sought 3,390 soles for 90 days of temporary disability coverage under their Compulsory Traffic Accident Insurance (SOAT). Mapfre initially contested the claim, citing a discrepancy and referring the case to the National Rehabilitation Institute. However, Indecopi found that Mapfre failed to adequately inform the affected consumer about this process at their registered address.

Indecopi's ruling, upheld in the second administrative instance, determined that Mapfre breached Article 19 of the Consumer Protection and Defense Code, which mandates providers' duty of suitability. Beyond the fine of 3.49 tax units (UIT), equivalent to S/19,195, Indecopi ordered Mapfre to pay the S/3,390 indemnity plus legal interest within 15 business days. The company must also cover the costs of the proceedings.

While this administrative decision is final, Mapfre retains the right to challenge it in court. The ruling highlights the importance of timely and transparent communication between insurance companies and their clients, especially when dealing with claims related to accidents and injuries.