When the insured person dies, the nominee (or the legal heirs if there is no valid nominee) makes the death claim. The insurer checks the policy, the cause of death and the documents, and pays the amount the policy provides.
Last reviewed on 18 October 2026. Exact requirements depend on your policy, the insurer and the rules in force.
Who this guide is for
- Nominees and legal heirs of a person who held a life insurance policy
- Term, endowment, money-back, unit-linked and other life policies
Step by step
- Inform the insurer of the death with the policy number and the insured person's details.
- Get the claim form and the list of documents the insurer needs for this case.
- Submit the form and documents; keep copies and the acknowledgement.
- Respond to any query or investigation in writing.
- Receive the decision letter and the payment.
Documents commonly asked for
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Claim form | The insurer's form for a death claim. |
| Death certificate issued by the local authority | Proof of death. |
| Policy document, if available | Identifies the policy; its absence alone does not stop the claim. |
| Identity and address proof of the claimant | Confirms who is receiving the money. |
| Bank details of the claimant | For the payment. |
| Medical records, or police reports for an accidental death | Explain the cause of death when the insurer needs it. |
The insurer may ask for fewer or other documents depending on the case.
Common mistakes
- Not telling family members that a policy exists or who the nominee is
- Delaying the claim because the policy document cannot be found
What the rules say
- A death claim that needs no investigation is to be settled within 15 days of the claim being made; one that needs investigation within 45 days. [1]
- No life insurance claim is to be rejected or closed only for want of documents or because it was reported late. [1]
Rules referred to
- IRDAI Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders' Interests, 2024 (IRDAI/PP&GR/CIR/MISC/117/9/2024, 5 September 2024)
Complaint handling, claim timelines for life, health and general insurance, Ombudsman awards.
Finobazaar read published copies of these rules on 19 October 2026. Rules change: check the current text on irdai.gov.in or with your insurer.
Important limitations
- The documents asked for depend on the cause of death and how long the policy had run.
- This guide explains the usual process; it does not replace your policy wording or the insurer's instructions.
- Following these steps does not guarantee that a claim will be paid.
Official resources
- IRDAI policyholder website (opens in a new tab)IRDAI's site for policyholders: consumer education and how to complain.
- How to make a complaint (IRDAI) (opens in a new tab)Complain to the insurance company first. If it does not resolve the complaint within two weeks, or you are not satisfied, escalate to IRDAI.
- Bima Bharosa – IRDAI grievance portal (opens in a new tab)Register and track a complaint against an insurer after you have complained to the insurer.Toll-free 155255 or 1800 4254 732; email complaints@irdai.gov.in. IRDAI accepts complaints from the policyholder or claimant, not from agents or other people writing for them.
- Council for Insurance Ombudsmen (opens in a new tab)A free complaint to the Insurance Ombudsman when the insurer has not resolved your complaint. Claims up to ₹50 lakh.
Addresses checked on 19 October 2026.
Related
- Life insurance death claim: document checklistDocuments a nominee or legal heir is commonly asked for. A missing document alone is not a reason to reject a life claim.
- Lost or missing policy documentsGetting a duplicate policy and making a claim when the papers cannot be found.
- Claim rejected? Complaints and the Insurance OmbudsmanHow to challenge a rejection or short payment: insurer, IRDAI's Bima Bharosa and the Ombudsman.