New Delhi, Oct. 13 -- A consumer commission has directed United India Insurance Company to pay more than Rs.70 lakh to a BMW owner whose car was completely gutted in a fire after a tyre puncture left him stranded on a highway in Maharashtra. The insurer had rejected his claim, arguing that leaving the vehicle unattended overnight violated the policyholder's obligation to take reasonable precautions to prevent further loss.

The ruling brings an end to a 14-year-long legal battle fought by Ravikant S Patil, who had parked his damaged vehicle near a roadside eatery before arranging alternative transport to return home.

The commission rejected the insurer's contention, holding that the insurance policy did not impose an absolute prohibition...