Life Insurance Claims: What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away

There is no defined date of death, and it's unpredictable. The pain of death doesn't end with the dying person, those left behind carry the loss with them. Life insurance is a safety net for your family after you are gone, providing financial stability during a challenging time. It ensures that your loved ones can maintain their lifestyle, cover essential expenses, and plan for the future without financial strain.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of filing a claim and achieving a smooth claim settlement after a loved one's passing.

How to claim life insurance after death?

1. Inform insurance company

It is now the responsibility of the nominee to inform the insurance company about the death of the person. It can be applied online or offline depending on the process of the insurer. Regardless of the method used to file the claim, the company typically requires the necessary paperwork and supporting documents before processing and issuing the payout.

2. Take care of the document

Along with your ID and other forms, there are also multiple documents you must submit to the insurance company. This is a list of all compulsory documents. However, the insurer may also request additional documents as necessary to process your claim efficiently.

●  Death claim form

●  Cancelled cheque and NEFT details

●  Address and ID proof of nominee

●  Death certificate

●  Original policy document

3. Claim Settlement

Once you have submitted all the necessary documents, the insurance company will review your claim. This typically takes around 30 days. There are three possible outcomes:

●  Claim Approval and Settlement: If your claim meets all the policy terms and conditions, the insurer will process the settlement and pay out the benefit amount.

●  Claim Denial with Explanation: The insurer may deny your claim if there's missing information, exclusions in your policy, or other reasons. They'll provide a detailed      explanation for the rejection along with any steps you can take to potentially revise your claim.

●  Request for Additional Information: Sometimes, the insurer might need more documentation or clarification to process your claim. They'll contact you with specific requests, and once you provide them, the review process will resume.

If you find the claim process confusing or encounter difficulties, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. At Bima Seva Kendra, our team is adept at handling all matters involving claim rejection services, claim settlement or insurance claim-related issues.

In the case of Mrs. Babli vs. Max Life Insurance, Mrs. Babli filed a complaint under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, after her husband's death claim was repudiated by Max Life Insurance.

The insurance company claimed non-disclosure of pre-existing health conditions. However, the court found the evidence insufficient to prove that the conditions were not disclosed by the insured, Shri Ram Rattan. Consequently, the court ruled in favour of Mrs. Babli, ordering the insurance company to pay Rs. 6,49,325 along with Rs. 7,000 as compensation for litigation costs.

Conclusion

While no words can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one, life insurance can provide the much-needed financial security and peace of mind during this incredibly difficult time. By offering a financial safety net, life insurance helps alleviate the burden on families, allowing them to focus on emotional healing and moving forward. This stability and support can be invaluable during the grieving process.

If you experience issues like claim settlement delays, insurance-related disputes, or claim rejections, consulting an expert can guide you towards resolution. And at Bima Seva Kendra, the experts are waiting to help ease your worries.