If you’ve recently lost someone close and have been named as their nominee in a life insurance policy, the emotional weight can be heavy, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

The good news? The life insurance claim settlement process is meant to provide financial support during this difficult time. And once you understand the steps, it becomes a lot less overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly and know where to get help if things get stuck.

What Is a Life Insurance Claim?

Simply put, a life insurance claim is a formal request by the nominee (that’s you) to the insurance company, asking them to release the insured amount after the policyholder’s death.

There are two types of claims:

• Death claim – filed when the insured person passes away during the policy term.
• Maturity claim – filed by the policyholder themselves if they survive the policy term.

Since we’re talking about nominees, let’s focus on the death claim process.

Step 1: Check the Policy Details

Start by locating the policy document. You’ll need the policy number and the name of the insurer.

Next, confirm the following:

• Was the policy active (i.e., premiums were paid)?
• Are you listed as the nominee?
• Is it a term plan, endowment plan, or some other type?

If you’re confused by insurance terms or don’t know what to look for, don’t worry. Insurance Samadhan can help you review the documents and understand the policy better.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll typically need to submit the claim:

• Death certificate – original or a notarised copy
• Policy document – original policy (some insurers accept soft copies too)
• Claim form – provided by the insurer (also available on their website)
• Nominee’s ID and address proof – Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.
• Bank details – cancelled cheque or bank passbook copy for receiving payment
• Medical records – if the death was due to illness or occurred in hospital
• FIR, postmortem, or police report – required if death was accidental or sudden

Make sure the name on the death certificate matches the one on the policy. Even small mismatches can cause delays.

Step 3: Submit the Claim

Once you’ve collected everything, submit it to the insurance company. This can usually be done:

• Online via the insurer’s website
• At a physical branch office
• Through a representative, if the insurer allows it

After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgement or reference number to track the claim status.

Step 4: Wait for Verification

Now, the insurance company will:

• Verify the policy details and documents
• Check the cause of death and whether it’s covered under the policy
• Possibly request additional information if something’s missing or unclear

If everything is in order, IRDAI guidelines say claims should be settled within 30 days. If there’s an investigation involved (like in the case of early death claims or accidental deaths), the process can take up to 90 days.

Step 5: Receive the Payout

Once approved, the claim amount is transferred directly to your bank account. In case the claim is rejected or only partially approved, the insurer must provide a written explanation.

And yes, rejections do happen even if you feel everything was in order.

Common Reasons Claims Get Rejected

• The policy had lapsed due to unpaid premiums
• Incorrect or incomplete nominee details
• Non-disclosure of health conditions at the time of policy purchase
• Delayed claim filing or missing documents
• Disputes over who the rightful nominee is

This is when a lot of people get stuck and don’t know what to do next. If you’ve received a rejection letter, don’t panic. You still have options.

How Insurance Samadhan Can Help

When things go wrong, Insurance Samadhan steps in with their expert guidance to help you.

Here’s how they can help with the claim settlement of life insurance:

• They analyse the policy and the rejection letter to find gaps and possible grounds for appeal.
• They help you organise and fix the documentation, ensuring everything is accurate and complete.
• They draft clear and compelling appeal letters that highlight your rightful claim.
• They guide you through the appeal process, whether it’s with the insurance company or escalating to the Insurance Ombudsman.

If you’re feeling lost in technical terms or unsure how to respond to a rejection, having Insurance Samadhan by your side can make all the difference.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Claim Process

• File the claim as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long, there’s no benefit in delaying.
• Double-check your documents before submitting them.
• Keep a copy of everything: forms, emails, letters, even courier receipts.
• Stay in touch with the insurer to follow up on claim progress.

Final Thoughts

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Dealing with life insurance claims shouldn’t add to the stress. Knowing what to do, what to expect, and when to ask for help can give you the clarity you need to move forward.

And if the claim settlement process becomes confusing or the claim is rejected for reasons you don’t understand, remember you’re not alone. Insurance Samadhan is here to guide you every step of the way  from paperwork to payout.

Because when it comes to getting what your loved one intended for you, you deserve answers, not obstacles.