One of the most overlooked aspects of buying term insurance is making sure your nominee actually knows how to claim. A ₹1 crore policy is worthless if your family cannot navigate the claim process during an already devastating time.
💡 Do this today
Share the policy bond, insurer contact number, and this guide with your nominee. Store a copy in a shared Google Drive folder.
Documents the nominee will need
- Original policy bond (or letter of indemnity if lost)
- Death certificate — issued by municipal authority, registered
- Claimant statement / claim form — from the insurer website
- Nominee KYC — Aadhaar + PAN + bank account details
- Medical records — for illness-related deaths
- FIR + post-mortem report — for accidental deaths
- Employer certificate — if death occurred at work
Step-by-step claim process
- Intimate the insurer — call the claims helpline or visit any branch within 30 days of death. Get a claim reference number.
- Submit documents — courier all documents with acknowledgement. Keep photocopies.
- Track via the portal — most insurers have an online claim status tracker.
- Receive payout — valid claims must be settled within 30 days. Payout is direct to bank account.
What if the claim is rejected?
The insurer must give a written reason. If you believe the rejection is unfair, escalate to the GRO, then IGMS, and finally the Insurance Ombudsman. Read our full guide: How to use the Ombudsman →
Still confused? Talk to a licensed advisor — free.
Licensed advisor · 100% free.