Answer Book question

How do we claim a life-insurance policy?

Intimate the insurer in writing promptly, then submit: claim form, original policy, death certificate, nominee ID and bank details, and cause-of-death documents (hospital records, FIR/post-mortem for accidental death). Insurers must settle or raise queries within regulatory timelines. Keep every acknowledgment.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

Intimate the insurer in writing promptly, then submit: claim form, original policy, death certificate, nominee ID and bank details, and cause-of-death documents (hospital records, FIR/post-mortem for accidental death). Insurers must settle or raise queries within regulatory timelines. Keep every acknowledgment.

Real life

Natural death, nominee alive, policy in force: paid in 25 days. Accidental death abroad: attested certificate, FIR, and embassy documents. 8 weeks.

What this means

A death claim is a contractual payment; the insurer verifies the death, the policy status and the claimant. Early-claim policies (death within a few years of issue) get extra scrutiny.

What to check

Policy in force. premium record Nominee alive and identified Cause-of-death documents Policy age Regulatory timeline for settlement

What people often miss

Not intimating promptly, or sending documents without retaining copies.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Insurer branches across Kerala accept claims; Kerala Rising can assemble the file.

An example

Claim filed week 3 after death; paid week 7.

When this may not be the right answer

Lapsed policies or misstatement in early years may be repudiated; see the rejection page.

What to do next

Intimate in writing Assemble the file Track the timeline

Related questions

How do I know whether an insurance policy existed? The insurer rejected our death claim. What can we do?

Related Kerala Rising help

Health, disability & life events

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 14

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.