How to file a life-insurance claim

Our regular readers know the importance we attach to life insurance and buying an adequate term plan for that. But what about making a claim when the need arises?

Traditionally, in such cases, people have turned to their insurance agents. However, that option isn't available to those who are buying insurance online. Therefore, one should gain an understanding of how to file an insurance claim if the need arises. So, here we go.

The websites of almost all life-insurance companies have a dedicated 'Claims' section. The section provides detailed information about the process that a nominee needs to go a through after the demise of the insured. A collated list of the links to the 'Claims' section of all life insurance companies can also be accessed from the website of the Life Insurance Council (bit.ly/3IPbiS5).

Even though the claim procedure may differ from insurer to insurer, the broad steps and requirements remain the same. Let's walk you through them.

Informing the insurance company

While there is no prescribed time limit for filing the claim, it is recommended to inform the insurance company at the earliest. In the life-insurance terminology, this process is usually known as ‘raising a claim' or 'intimating a claim'. The nominee needs to provide the policy number and some basic details of him/herself as well as the insured. These include name, contact details, date of birth, date of death, etc. Apart from online, one can raise a claim by contacting the customer care of the insurance company through email, text message or phone.

Submitting documents