A step-by-step guide to filing insurance claims in India — plus transparent data on how quickly and fairly every major insurer settles claims.
✓ IRDAI Regulated Process
✓ 30-Day Settlement Mandate
✓ Free Ombudsman Escalation
✓ 24×7 Claim Helplines
How to File an Insurance Claim
The process is broadly similar across all insurance types. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is filed correctly and settled quickly.
01
📞
Intimate the Insurer Immediately
Notify your insurer as soon as the event occurs. Most policies have a time limit for intimation — typically 24–72 hours for accidents, 7–15 days for other events.
Call the 24×7 claim helpline on your policy document
Use the insurer's mobile app or website to register
Note the Claim Registration Number given to you
For health claims — get pre-authorisation for planned hospitalisation
02
📋
Collect Your Documents
Gather all relevant documents before filling the claim form. Missing documents are the most common reason for claim delays.
Original policy document and copy of premium receipts
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN) of claimant and nominee
For Life: Death certificate, post-mortem report if applicable
For Health: Hospital bills, discharge summary, prescriptions
For Vehicle: FIR copy, repair estimates, RC and driving licence
For Home: Survey report, photographs of damage, repair bills
03
📝
Fill and Submit the Claim Form
Download the claim form from the insurer's website or collect it from a branch. Fill it accurately — errors or omissions can delay or invalidate your claim.
Use block letters, avoid overwriting or corrections without countersign
Attach all documents as per the checklist on the form
Submit in person at a branch or via registered post/courier
Keep a copy of everything you submit
Get an acknowledgement receipt with date stamp
04
🔍
Insurer Survey and Assessment
The insurer appoints a surveyor or investigator to assess the claim. For health claims this is done digitally; for property and vehicle claims, a physical survey happens at your location.
Cooperate fully with the surveyor — provide access and documents
Do not repair or alter damaged property before the survey
Request a copy of the survey report after completion
IRDAI mandates: survey must begin within 48 hours of intimation
05
✅
Track Your Claim Status
Once filed, track your claim online using the Claim Registration Number. IRDAI regulations require insurers to acknowledge within 3 days and decide within 30 days.
Track on insurer website, app, or via helpline
Respond promptly if insurer requests additional documents
If delayed beyond 30 days, you are entitled to interest @ 2% above bank rate
Keep a log of all communications with dates
06
💰
Settlement and Disbursement
Once approved, the settlement amount is transferred directly to your bank account (or the hospital for cashless claims). Review the settlement letter carefully.
Compare settlement amount with your claim — check for deductions
Get a written explanation for any deductions made
For cashless health claims — verify hospital discharge is completed
If underpaid or rejected — you have the right to appeal
✅ Do This
✓
Intimate immediately — even if you don't have all documents yet. Late intimation is a common rejection ground.
✓
Disclose everything — pre-existing conditions, previous claims, and accurate incident details. Non-disclosure voids your claim.
✓
Keep originals safe — submit attested copies, retain originals. Some insurers return originals, many don't.
✓
Use network hospitals — for health claims, always prefer a network hospital for cashless settlement. Reimbursement takes 15–30 days longer.
✓
Escalate if delayed — write to the Grievance Officer if not settled in 30 days. Escalate to IRDAI Ombudsman if unresolved in 15 more days.
❌ Avoid This
✕
Don't repair before survey — for vehicle and property claims, do not repair damage before the surveyor inspects it.
✕
Don't submit incomplete forms — an incomplete claim form is returned, resetting your timeline. Fill every field.
✕
Don't accept verbal commitments — get everything in writing. Verbal promises from agents are not binding on the insurer.
✕
Don't misrepresent facts — even minor misrepresentation can void your entire policy. Honesty is always the right approach.
✕
Don't delay escalation — if you've been waiting more than 30 days with no resolution, escalate immediately. Don't keep waiting indefinitely.
Claim Processes by Insurance Type
Each category has specific documents and timelines. Here's what to expect.
🛡️ Life Insurance Claims
Nominee files the claim after the life assured's death. Key document is the death certificate.
Death Certificate from municipal authority
Original policy bond
Claimant's identity and address proof
Bank account details of nominee
Medical records if death was due to illness
FIR and post-mortem report for accidental death
🏥 Health Insurance Claims
Two types: Cashless (at network hospital) and Reimbursement (any hospital). Cashless is faster.
Health card and photo ID at hospital admission
Pre-authorisation form for planned procedures
All original hospital bills and receipts
Discharge summary and doctor prescriptions
Lab reports and diagnostic reports
NEFT details for reimbursement claims
🚗 Vehicle Insurance Claims
For accidents, file FIR immediately. For cashless, take vehicle to network garage only.
FIR copy (mandatory for theft and third-party)
Driving licence and vehicle RC copy
Original insurance policy
Repair estimate from authorised garage
Photographs of damage before any repairs
For theft: Final police report (non-traceable certificate)
🏠 Home Insurance Claims
Document damage extensively before any repairs. Do not throw away damaged items until surveyed.
Photographs and video of all damage
Original policy document
FIR for theft or burglary claims
Fire brigade report for fire claims
Repair estimates from licensed contractors
List of damaged contents with purchase receipts
💼 Business Insurance Claims
Complex claims — engage your broker immediately. Maintain detailed loss records from day one.
Audited financials to establish business interruption loss
Stock register and inventory records
FIR for burglary, theft, or malicious damage
Survey report from IRDA-licensed loss assessor
Repair/replacement invoices for assets
Legal notices received (for liability claims)
⚖️ Dispute and Escalation
If your claim is rejected or underpaid, you have clear escalation rights under IRDAI regulations.
Step 1: Write to insurer's Grievance Officer
Step 2: If unresolved in 15 days → IRDAI Bima Bharosa portal
Step 3: Insurance Ombudsman (free, binding up to ₹30 Lakh)
Step 4: Consumer Forum or Civil Court
IRDAI Helpline: 155255 or 1800 4254 732
Ombudsman covers all personal line insurance disputes
Claim Settlement Ratios — Major Insurers
IRDAI publishes annual claim settlement data for all registered insurers. Higher ratio = more claims paid. Data from IRDAI Annual Report 2022–23.
Insurer
Type
Settlement Ratio (FY23)
* Individual death claim settlement ratio. Source: IRDAI Annual Report 2022–23. A ratio above 97% is considered excellent.
Insurer
Type
Claim Settlement Ratio (FY23)
* Health claim settlement ratio (claims settled vs claims reported). Source: IRDAI Annual Report 2022–23. Higher is better.
Insurer
Speciality
Incurred Claim Ratio (FY23)
* Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR) = Claims paid ÷ Premiums collected. ICR of 70–90% is considered healthy. Source: IRDAI Annual Report 2022–23.
Important Disclaimer: Claim settlement ratios are sourced from IRDAI's published Annual Reports and are indicative of past performance. A high settlement ratio does not guarantee your individual claim will be approved, as each claim is assessed on its own merits against the policy terms and conditions. Ratios change annually. Always read the policy wording carefully and disclose all relevant information at the time of purchase to protect your claim eligibility. For the most current data, visit www.irdai.gov.in.
Need help with a claim?
Our advisors can help you navigate the claims process and liaise with your insurer on your behalf — at no extra cost.