First in India
Claim Support Guarantee, otherwise your money back.
Buy through nyvo and we get your claim passed, otherwise refund your premium. We are putting our money on our claim service.
Term Insurance Claim Checklist
Term insurance claim process: documents needed, a step-by-step filing guide, and IRDAI's settlement deadline of 15 days from intimation, or 45 if investigated.
Written by Kshitij JainUpdated nyvo insurance Services LLP, IRDAI Corporate Agent (Composite) CA1085Salaried advisors, no commission-based ranking
How to File a Term Insurance Death Claim in India
A term insurance death claim is the process by which the nominee (beneficiary) of a deceased term insurance policyholder formally requests the insurance company to pay out the Sum Assured (death benefit). The process involves intimating the insurer, submitting required documents, and responding to any verification queries.
As per IRDAI's Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders' Interests (5 September 2024), insurers must settle a death claim within 15 days of intimation, or within 45 days of intimation where the claim is investigated – and owe interest at the bank rate plus 2% if they miss it. The common reasons a claim is delayed are missing or incomplete documents, nominee KYC mismatches, and non-disclosure of medical history or smoking habits during the original application.
Back to: Term Insurance guide
Quick checklist
- Goal: manage term claim process efficiently by submitting documents upfront and following up promptly.
- Avoid: delays in notifying insurer, incomplete documents, or missing nominee proofs.
- Prefer: submitting all documents within 15 days of intimation; include police report for death outside normal cause.
- Claims-first: maintain organized claim folder with policy copy, death certificate, nominee ID, and all supporting documents.
Quick checklist (printable)
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1) Inform insurer | Call/email, get claim reference number |
| 2) Collect documents | Death certificate + KYC + policy docs + medical/hospital records |
| 3) Submit claim set | Use insurer portal/branch; keep acknowledgement |
| 4) Respond to queries | Provide documents fast; keep email trail |
| 5) Escalate if stuck | Grievance process if delays are unreasonable |
Term claim checklist: documents (typical)
Exact requirements vary, but common documents include:
- Claim form
- Policy document copy
- Death certificate (original/attested as required)
- Nominee KYC (ID/address proof)
- Bank details/cancelled cheque of nominee
- Hospital records (if death occurred in hospital)
- Doctor certificate / cause of death details (if asked)
- Post-mortem report / FIR / police inquest (for accidental/unnatural death)
Step-by-step: what the family should do
1) Create a simple folder
Keep digital scans + originals safe.
2) Submit complete information
Ensure dates, names, and cause of death information match across documents.
3) Be ready for investigation questions
If death occurs early in the policy or if there are declaration issues, insurers may ask more questions.
Related: Smoker/non-smoker + medicals
Why term claims get delayed (4 key reasons)
| Reason | Impact | How to prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Nominee KYC mismatch | Payout held until it is fixed | Update nominee details before policy lapses |
| Missing hospital/police documents | Insurer queries and waits | Collect post-mortem, FIR for accidental death within 7 days |
| Non-disclosure (smoking, medical history) | Rejection possible | Disclose all tobacco use and pre-existing conditions |
| Incomplete claim form | Form sent back for completion | Get checklist from insurer; submit all docs in one go |
FAQs
How long do term claims take to settle?
At most 15 days from intimation, or 45 days from intimation where the insurer investigates, under IRDAI's Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders' Interests (5 September 2024). The insurer owes interest at the bank rate plus 2% if it misses either deadline.
What if the policyholder died in an accident?
You may need FIR, post-mortem, and police reports. Ask the insurer for the exact list.
Can a claim be rejected for non-disclosure?
Yes – if there was material non-disclosure or misrepresentation.
What if the nominee is a minor?
An appointee/guardian may be required.
What if there is no nominee?
The insurer may ask for legal heir/succession documents, which can delay settlement.
Should we keep medical records even if death was not medical?
Yes. Insurer may ask for history, especially within initial policy years.
What if the insurer keeps delaying?
Escalate through grievance. Use: Insurer grievance process + template
Related Guides
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Always follow insurer-specific claim requirements.
Our editorial principles
- Salaried advisors, not commission-linked: we focus on clarity and suitability, not product hype.
- No spam: we don't sell your data; we keep advice simple and actionable.
- Claims-first: policy features are evaluated by how they behave during claims.
- Education-first: this content is for informational purposes only.
Book a call for advice on the best policy for you and your family
A salaried, IRDAI-certified nyvo advisor will look at your cover, flag the gaps that matter, and tell you plainly what to fix. No commission, no pressure.
A first in India
Buy policy from nyvo insurance with Claim Support Guarantee, otherwise money back.
Alumni of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad. Former consultant at BCG and part of the strategy team of slice. Founder of nyvo and IRDAI Certified Insurance Advisor.
