1. Inform the Insurance Company

• Notify the Insurer: The nominee or beneficiary must inform the insurance company about the policyholder’s death as soon as possible.
• Provide Policy Details: Share the policy number, name of the policyholder, and date of death when informing the insurer.

2. Obtain the Claim Form

• Claim Form: Obtain the claim form from the insurance company’s office or download it from the insurer’s website.
• Type of Claim: There are two types of life insurance claims:
  • Death Claim: Filed in the event of the policyholder’s death.
  • Maturity Claim: Filed when the policy term ends, and the insured is still alive.

3. Gather Required Documents

• Documents for Death Claim:
  • Original insurance policy document
  • Death certificate issued by the local authority
  • Identity proof of the claimant (nominee or beneficiary)
  • Medical records (if applicable)
  • Hospital or treatment records, in case of illness
  • Post-mortem report (if required)
  • FIR and police report in case of accidental death
• Documents for Maturity Claim:
  • Original policy document
  • Completed maturity claim form
  • Identity proof of the policyholder
  • Bank account details for receiving payment

4. Submit the Claim Form and Documents

• Submit Documents: Submit the duly filled claim form along with all required documents to the insurer.
• Ensure Completeness: Make sure the form is filled out correctly, and all necessary documents are attached to avoid delays.

5. Claim Verification

• Insurer Review: The insurance company will verify the claim details and documents provided.
• Investigation: If the claim is early (filed within two years of policy issuance) or if there are suspicious circumstances, the insurer may conduct an investigation.

6. Processing the Claim

• Time Frame: Insurers usually take 30 days to process a claim, provided all documents are in order.
• Further Requirements: If additional documents or clarifications are needed, the insurer will inform the claimant. Any delay in submitting these may prolong the claim settlement process.

7. Approval or Rejection

• Approval: If everything is in order, the insurer will approve the claim and disburse the amount to the nominee’s or policyholder’s bank account.
• Rejection: If the claim does not meet policy conditions or if fraud is suspected, the insurer may reject the claim. In such cases, the claimant can appeal or seek further clarification.

8. Receive the Claim Amount

• Death Claim Payout: The beneficiary will receive the sum assured plus any applicable bonuses as per the policy terms.
• Maturity Claim Payout: The policyholder will receive the maturity amount, including the sum assured and bonuses.

9. Track Claim Status

• Track Online: Most insurance companies provide the option to track the claim status through their website or mobile app. You can also contact customer support for updates.

10. Grievance Redressal

• File a Complaint: If the claim is delayed or rejected without valid reason, the claimant can file a complaint with the insurance company’s grievance department.
• Approach Ombudsman: In case of unresolved issues, the claimant can approach the insurance ombudsman or regulatory bodies like IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India).