Life Insurance Council (2024)

  • Consumers
      Advantages of Insurance
      Benefits of ULIP
      How to plan?
      How to buy?
      Information for existing policy holder
      Benefits
      List of companies
      Complaint login Process and Escalation Matrix
      Free look
      Claims Process
      Ombudsman
      Grievance Redressal Process Contact Information
      Glossary
  • Claims Process

    Filing a Life Insurance Claim

    Claim settlement is one of the most important services that an insurance company can provide to its customers. Insurance companies have an obligation to settle claims promptly. You will need to fill a claim form and contact the financial advisor from whom you bought your policy. Submit all relevant documents such as original death certificate and policy bond to your insurer to support your claim. Most claims are settled by issuing a cheque within 7 days from the time they receive the documents. However, if your insurer is unable to deal with all or any part of your claim, you will be notified in writing.

    Types of claims

    Maturity Claim- On the date of maturity life insured is required to send maturity claim / discharge form and original policy bond well before maturity date to enable timely settlement of claim on or before due dates. Most companies offer/issue post dated cheques and/ or make payment through ECS credit on the maturity date. Incase of delay in settlement kindly refer togrievance redressal.

    Death Claim(including rider claim) - In case of death claim or rider claim the following procedure should be followed.

    Follow these four simple steps to file a claim:

      1.Claim intimation/notification
      The claimant must submit the written intimation as soon as possible to enable the insurance company to initiate the claim processing. The claim intimation should consist of basic information such as policy number, name of the insured, date of death, cause of death, place of death, name of the claimant. The claimant can also get a claim intimation/notification form from the nearest local branch office of the insurance company or their insurance advisor/agent. Alternatively, some insurance companies also provide the facility of downloading the form from their website.


      2.Documents required for claim processing
      The claimant will be required to provide a claimant's statement, original policy document, death certificate, police FIR and post mortem exam report (for accidental death), certificate and records from the treating doctor/hospital (for death due to illness) and advance discharge form for claim processing. Based on the sum at risk, cause of death and policy duration, insurance companies may also request some additional documents.


      3.Submission of required documents for claim processing
      For faster claim processing, it is essential that the claimant submits complete documentation as early as possible. A life insurer will not be able to take a decision until all the requirements are complete. Once all relevant documents, records and forms have been submitted, the life insurer can take a decision about the claim.


      4.Settlement of claim
      As per the regulation 14 (2)(i) of the IRDAI (Policy holder's Interest) Regulations, 2017, the insurer is required to settle a claim within 30 days of receipt of all documents including clarification sought by the insurer. However, the insurance company can set a practice of settling the claim even earlier. If the claim requires further investigation, the insurer has to complete its procedures expeditiously, in any case not later than 90 days from the date of receipt of claim intimation and claim shall be settled within 30 days thereafter.

    Claim Intimation

    In case a claim arises you should:

    • Contact the respective life insurance branch office.
    • Contact your insurance advisor.
    • Call the respective Customer Helpline.
    Claim Requirements

    For death claim:

    For accidental disability / critical illness claim:

    For maturity claims:

    Incase of delay in settlement kindly refer to grievance redressal

    To check various claim processes, click on the respective links.

    Claims Procedure
    Aegon Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.aegonlife.com/customer-service/claims/claims-process
    AGEAS Federal Life Insurance Company Limited https://www.ageasfederal.com/claims
    Aviva Life Insurance Company India Private Limited http://www.avivaindia.com/en/CustomerService/ClaimsProcedure.aspx
    Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited https://www.bajajallianz.com/Corp/claims/life-claim-assistance-claim-process.jsp
    Bharti AXA Life Insurance Private Limited https://www.bharti-axalife.com/claims/know-your-claims
    Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited http://insurance.birlasunlife.com/Pages/Individual/Forms-Downloads/OnlineClaim.aspx
    Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.canarahsbclife.com/lifeinsurance/portal/canh/home/claims/claims-process
    Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance Company Limited https://www.edelweisstokio.in/faq/claims
    Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited https://life.futuregenerali.in/claims/claims-procedure
    HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.hdfclife.com/CustomerServices/Claims/Claims.aspx
    ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.iciciprulife.com/public/Life-Claims/Claim-Introduction.htm
    IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.indiafirstlife.com/web/customer-care/know-about-claim
    Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Limited http://insurance.kotak.com/policy_holder/life-insurance-claims.php?
    Life Insurance Corporation of India. http://www.licindia.com/download_forms.htm
    Max Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.maxlifeinsurance.com/claims/understanding_claims.aspx
    PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited http://www.pnbmetlife.co.in/MetLifeKCenter_FAQ_Claim.aspx
    Pramerica Life Insurance Company Limited https://www.pramericalife.in/Claims/Claim
    Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company Limited https://www.reliancenipponlife.com/claims
    Sahara India Life Insurance Company Limited www.saharalife.com
    SBI Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.sbilife.co.in/sbilife/content/17_1026
    Shriram Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.shriramlife.com/dms/plan-brochures/traditional/Claims-Process-for-Website-SLIC.pdf
    Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company Limited www.sudlife.in
    Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited http://www.tataaia.com/claims/claims.html
    Life Insurance Council (2024)

    FAQs

    Should I be honest on life insurance questions? ›

    Lying on a life insurance application is a form of fraud that could land you in legal trouble. Leaving out or misrepresenting information on an application could get you denied for future coverage.

    Why do life insurance companies ask so many questions? ›

    When you apply, life insurance companies will gather detailed information about you to determine the best type of policy for your needs. This information also helps them make decisions about rates and coverage options.

    Why was I rejected for life insurance? ›

    A life insurance application will be denied if the insurance carrier doesn't think insuring your life is a good risk. The insurer may not be able to offer you coverage if you have high-risk medical conditions or practice dangerous hobbies. You may also be ineligible for certain policies due to advanced age.

    What is the catch for no exam life insurance? ›

    Limitations: Because the company has less information to go on, you'll likely end up paying more for your insurance. Simplified life insurance policies also have lower coverage limits that you'll need to be aware of prior to applying.

    What should you not say when applying for life insurance? ›

    LYING ABOUT DRUG USE OR TOBACCO & ALCOHOL USE

    An applicant for life insurance must disclose lifestyle habits, good and bad, including use of alcohol or use of tobacco.

    What is the major problem with life insurance? ›

    Cons of life insurance

    One disadvantage of life insurance is that the older you are, the more you'll pay for a policy. This is because you're more likely to pass away during the policy period than a younger policyholder and will, in turn, cost the life insurance company more money.

    How far back does life insurance look? ›

    When initially underwriting a life insurance policy, life insurance companies sometimes check up to 10 years of an applicant's medical records.

    Why do most life insurance agents fail? ›

    Insurance agents succeed when they prioritize their customers' needs over their own profits. The most commonly cited reason insurance agents fail is that they fail to listen to their customers and take the time to find the best product to suit their needs.

    How long does it take to get approved for life insurance? ›

    But the life insurance company will commonly set an expectation of 4 to 6 weeks. The higher the coverage requested, the longer the life insurance underwriting process may take.

    What will disqualify me from life insurance? ›

    They can include engaging in risky hobbies and behaviors like skydiving; having a history of DUIs or speeding tickets; having a dangerous job like roofing; having a criminal record or a less than ideal financial history; being a smoker; and failing a drug test.

    Why is it so hard to get life insurance? ›

    With age typically comes health issues, which puts you more at risk to a life insurance company. After you reach a certain age, some products will no longer be available to you. This is why it's so important to apply for coverage while you're young and healthy.

    What disqualifies you from whole life insurance? ›

    Pre-existing conditions – meaning any health issue or condition that existed before applying for coverage – are often considered high-risk by insurance companies and can lead to disqualification. Chronic conditions that require long-term medication or treatment can also impact eligibility.

    What happens if you outlive your term life insurance? ›

    When your term life insurance plan expires, the policy's coverage ends, and you stop paying premiums. Therefore, if you pass away after the policy ends, your beneficiaries will not be eligible to receive a death benefit.

    What is the best whole life insurance for seniors? ›

    6 Best Senior Life Insurance Companies
    • Fidelity Life: Our top pick for seniors.
    • MassMutual: Our pick for guaranteed issue coverage for seniors.
    • State Farm: Our pick for customer satisfaction.
    • Northwestern Mutual: Our pick for a personalized experience.
    • Mutual of Omaha: Our pick for accelerated death benefits.
    6 days ago

    How much is a million dollar life insurance policy? ›

    The average cost for a million-dollar life insurance policy is anywhere from approximately $50 to more than $1,000 a month, depending on your age, health, annual income, policy type and other factors.

    How honest to be on a life insurance application? ›

    It may be tempting to adjust your answers on an application to get a better rate, but lying on a life insurance application constitutes insurance fraud. Intentionally omitting health information may result in your application getting denied or possible death benefits not being paid to your beneficiaries.

    How honest do you have to be for life insurance? ›

    But, it's vital that you are honest on your application. If you withhold information because you don't want to submit your medical records, then you risk voiding your policy. This means the insurer can refuse to pay out in the event of your death.

    Should you be honest with insurance company? ›

    As you may imagine, honestly is the best policy when it comes to speaking with the insurance company. However, it is important to note that errors innocent mistakes are not the same thing as lying to your insurer. If this occurs, insurance companies will usually understand and let you make amendments to your claim.

    What questions should I ask when getting life insurance? ›

    Common Life Insurance Questions
    • Do I really need life insurance? ...
    • How do I buy life insurance? ...
    • What is the “free to look” period? ...
    • Is it true that some companies won't turn applicants down? ...
    • What's the difference between term and permanent life insurance?
    • What does “fully paid up” mean on a permanent life insurance policy?

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