Visual Guide
How to File a Term Insurance Claim
Everything your family needs to know — from intimation to payout — in one clear, visual guide. No jargon, no confusion.
Claim Settlement by the Numbers
6-Step Claim Filing Process
Intimate the Insurer
Call helpline, use online portal, or visit a branch. Get a claim reference number. Don't wait for documents.
Gather Documents
Death certificate (get 3-4 copies), policy document, nominee ID, address proof, bank details, and medical records.
Fill Claim Form
Use block letters, fill every field (write N/A if not applicable), double-check bank details and policy number.
Submit Everything
Online is fastest — scan and upload as PDF. Or mail via registered post. Keep copies of everything.
Cooperate with Verification
Insurer checks policy validity, cause of death, nominee details, and medical history. Respond to requests the same day.
Receive Payout
Money transferred via NEFT/RTGS to nominee's bank account within 2-5 business days of approval. Tax-free.
Documents by Death Type
| Death Type | Key Documents | Timeline | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | Death certificate, medical records, attending doctor statement | 15-20 days | Simple |
| Accidental | FIR, panchnama, post-mortem report, eyewitness statements | 30-45 days | Moderate |
| Death Abroad | Consulate-certified death certificate, translation, repatriation docs | 45-90 days | Moderate-Complex |
| Suspicious | FIR, police investigation report, inquest report, court docs | 60-180 days | Complex |
Pro tip: All claims need the universal documents: death certificate, policy document, nominee ID, address proof, and bank details. The table above shows the additional documents needed by death type.
Universal Document Checklist
Your Legal Protections
Insurer must settle or reject within 30 days of receiving all documents. Penal interest if they delay.
After 3 years, insurer cannot question policy validity except for fraud. Major claimant protection.
Free dispute resolution. No lawyer needed. Decision binding on insurer up to ₹50 lakh.
Suicide clause: Covered if the policy is more than 1 year old. Under 1 year — only premiums refunded.
5 Mistakes That Delay or Derail Claims
Delaying intimation
Waiting weeks to inform the insurer raises red flags and wastes critical time. Intimation doesn't require documents.
Submitting incomplete documents
The 30-day clock pauses every time the insurer asks for another document. Piecemeal submissions cause months of delay.
Errors on the claim form
Wrong bank account number, mismatched nominee name, or unsigned pages — any of these can bounce your claim back.
Not knowing about Section 45
Families panic when the insurer questions medical history. But if the policy is 3+ years old, they legally cannot reject on non-disclosure.
Giving up after rejection
Many families accept rejection without appealing. But the Ombudsman overturns unfair rejections regularly — and it's free.
If Your Claim Is Rejected: Escalation Path
Get the rejection reason in writing
The insurer must provide a written explanation. Review it carefully for errors.
Appeal to the Grievance Officer
Write to the insurer's grievance officer with additional evidence. Contact details are on their website.
File with the Insurance Ombudsman
Free service, no lawyer needed. Typically resolves cases in 3-6 months. Decision binding on the insurer up to ₹50 lakh.
Approach Consumer Court
For claims above ₹50 lakh or unresolved disputes. Can award compensation plus damages for harassment.
Important: You must approach the Ombudsman within 1 year of the insurer's final rejection.
Who Can File a Claim?
Person named in the policy (spouse, child, parent). Files the claim and receives payout.
If policy was assigned (e.g., to a bank as loan collateral), they have first claim on the payout.
If no nominee was named, legal heirs file with a succession certificate. Takes longer (60-90 days).
Is Your Family Protected?
Make sure your coverage is enough and your family knows the process. Use our free tools.
Based on How to File a Term Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide