Answer Book question

How do I know whether an insurance policy existed?

Check bank statements for premium debits, the phone and email for insurer messages, employer HR for group cover, and ask the family LIC agent. Insurers maintain unclaimed-policy lists searchable by name and date of birth. IRDAI's Bima Bharosa can also help locate policies. Many families discover a policy through a premium debit they did not understand.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

Check bank statements for premium debits, the phone and email for insurer messages, employer HR for group cover, and ask the family LIC agent. Insurers maintain unclaimed-policy lists searchable by name and date of birth. IRDAI's Bima Bharosa can also help locate policies. Many families discover a policy through a premium debit they did not understand.

Real life

A ₹2,400 quarterly debit on the father's statement turns out to be a ₹10 lakh term policy nobody knew about.

What this means

Policies leave traces: premium payments, renewal notices, tax certificates. Follow the money.

What to check

Bank statements 3 years back Phone/email Employer HR Agent contacts Insurer unclaimed lists

What people often miss

Assuming the agent would have come forward. Agents retire and die too.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Ask the neighbourhood LIC agent. they usually remember.

An example

One unexplained debit → ₹10 lakh claim.

When this may not be the right answer

None.

What to do next

Scan statements for insurer names Call the insurer with PAN and DOB

Related questions

How do we claim a life-insurance policy? How do I find forgotten bank deposits?

Related Kerala Rising help

Family support

Sources and what to verify

RBI guidance on deceased depositors' claims and UDGAM portal · SEBI/AMFI transmission procedures · IRDAI claim guidelines · Kerala Registration and Revenue Department procedures for legal heirship · Indian Succession Act / Hindu Succession Act as applicable Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Start with a Family Asset Inventory. Send us what you know so far. even a name and a bank. and we will help you work through every place worth checking. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Family › After a death · After a death 15

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.