Eight years after a firm whose Mercedes-Benz E220 was damaged due to waterlogging in the infamous 26/7 deluge of 2005, a consumer court on Wednesday awarded compensation of Rs 8 lakh while observing that the insurance firm sat on their claim for several months, instead of either accepting or rejecting it.

A Kalbadevi-based firm, Hilton Builders and Textiles Pvt Ltd, had bought an insurance policy for the years 1997-98 and renewed the policy annually. But during the July 26 deluge, the vehicle was severely damaged for which a total repair bill incurred was Rs 8,58,520. The company represented through their authorised signatory, Prakash Khulchiani, then filed a claim with the insurance provider.