Close
Close

Buy a Life Insurance Plan in a few clicks

Now you can buy life insurance plan online.

Kotak e-Term

Protect Your family’s financial future with Kotak e-Term. Know more

Kotak Assured Savings Plan

A plan that offer guaranteed returns and financial protection for your family. Know more

Kotak Guaranteed Savings Plan

A plan that offers long term savings and insurance in one premium. Know more

Kotak e-Invest

Insurance and investment in one plan with Kotak e-Invest. Know more

Close

Get a Call

Enter your contact details below and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

  • Select your Query

Thank you

Our representative will get in touch with you at the earliest.

How to Make Death Claims on Life Insurance?

In order to ensure that the life insurance claim is not rejected, it is important to understand the death claim process of a life insurance policy. Know more on death claim process.

  • Jun 10, 2022
  • 3,791 Views

An unfortunate demise in the family can be emotionally draining for your family. The whole family deals with grief, and worries about financial and legal issues too. A life insurance plan might not ensure emotional support but surely provide financial support.

When the policyholder dies, a claim intimation has to be sent to the insurance company as early as possible. The nominee under the policy who receives benefits in case of a death claim can do this.

Understanding the death claim process of a life insurance plan is very important in order to make sure that a claim is not rejected due to an error. Hence, teaching them how to claim life insurance in case of death is necessary. But before we do that, let us start from the basics.

What is life insurance policy?

The life insurance policy is an agreement between an insurer and the policyholder. The policyholder agrees to periodically pay a certain amount of premium to the insurer. In return, the insurance company pays sum assured to the nominees of the insured in case of his or her untimely demise during the policy tenure.

Many different types of life insurance are available, depending upon your needs. Term life insurance expires at the end of the contract term (a certain number of years). On the other hand, permanent life insurance policies remain functional until the demise of the insurer or if the policyholder decides to stop paying premiums or surrenders the policy.

Why is life insurance important?

Life insurance provides financial security to your family in your absence, and insurance claim after death helps the nominee to receive all the benefits of insurance. Life insurance also covers your health expenses in case of illness. It can also guarantee tax benefits and the premiums paid for insurance can be claimed for income tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act,1961.

Furthermore, life insurance can also pay for the funeral, debts, and other expenses, which prevent the family to go into financial turmoil. However, the insurance company reviews your claim before paying. In case of any error or foul play, the death claims in life insurance might be delayed or declined. Hence, learning the process of death claims is as important as purchasing life insurance. The process of life insurance claim after death has to be initiated immediately after the death of the policyholder.

Invest in Term Life Insurance now Secure Your Loved Ones



To make a death claim, nominees need to inform the insurance company about the death of the policyholder. Different policy providers have their own requirements that have to be met by the nominees. The information can be found on the insurer’s website and in the policy documents. You can also directly reach out to them and let them guide you through the process.

The insurance companies require the nominee to fill in the death claim form, which can be either downloaded from the insurance company’s website or collected from their offices. Some insurance companies might ask you to mail the death certificate along with the form. You need to provide them with the needed information in the form and submit it along with other necessary documents. The information regarding the necessary documents can also be found on the insurer’s website.

Required documents

While making a life insurance claim, the nominee needs to provide the documents required by the insurer. The documents can vary depending on the insurer, but most of them more or less require the same documents. These can be divided into two categories: mandatory and supporting documents.

Mandatory documents

  • Correctly filled claim intimation form
  • Insurance Policy document
  • Death certificate issued by an appropriate authority
  • Nominee’s address proof, photo ID, and photograph

Supporting documents

  • Bank account details with passbook
  • Medical certificate that mentions the cause of death
  • Medical records including treatment records, admission documents, discharge summary, death report, investigation report, and other details required by the insurer. A post-mortem report is required for early death claim in life insurance in case of unnatural death.
  • Copy of first information report
  • Certified copy of post-mortem report
  • Copy of driving license if the policyholder’s death is caused by an accident when driving a vehicle
  • Any other required document mentioned in the policy document
  • If the death is due to a medical reason, then the physician’s statement and other treatment records are also required.
  • In case of accidental death, documents like FIR or Police investigation reports and Post-Mortem reports (PMR) are mandatory.

Some insurance companies pay in lump sum, while other options are available too. You can specify your preference to the company, as according to IRDAI guidelines for death claim, an insurer shall settle or reject a claim within 30 days. So, it usually takes around a month for the insurance company to review the claim and accept or reject it. However, if it takes longer, you can visit the nearest branch to enquire about it.

Know more about tax benefits of life insurance claims: Section 10 (10D) of Income Tax Act, 1961

A life insurance policy is a shield against any financial hardship the family might face in case of sudden death of the bread earner of the family. However, buying the policy does not ensure the benefits, as the claim can be rejected if it is not made properly. Hence, it is essential to file the claim properly to avail the benefits of the insurance plan.

Kotak e-Term

Download Brochure

Features

  • Life Cover till 85 years for Life & Life Secure Option
  • 3 Payout Options
  • Special Rates for Women
  • Option to exit the policy with premium refund at the age of 60*
  • Special Rates for Non-Tobacco Users
  • Free Medical Check Up every 5th year**

Ref. No. KLI/22-23/E-BB/2435

T&C

- A Consumer Education Initiative series by Kotak Life

Similar Articles

5 Things to Keep in Mind While Buying Life Insurance Policy

Does Life Insurance Policy Cover Covid Death?

5 Things to Consider Before You Buy Life Insurance

What is Group Insurance?

Is it Worth Buying Disability Rider on Term Insurance?

Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Customer Awareness on Information Security

5 Common Life Insurance FAQs and Answers

Insurance Changes You Need to Make Post Marriage

How to Choose a Life Insurance Policy

Important Terminologies of Life Insurance

All about IRDAI

All about Your Rights and Duties While Buying Life Insurance Policy

Important Features of a Term Insurance Plan

Savings cum Protection Plans Secures Your Family from Unforeseen Events

Important Life Insurance Terms You Must Know

What Is Staggered Payment Option Under Term Insurance Policy?

Kotak Life Claim Settlement Ratio

वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के लिए ऑनलाइन टर्म इंश्योरेंस प्लान खरीदने के लिए गाइड

Why Life Insurance Is Always a Smart Decision

How to Choose Life Insurance for All Ages?

All about Life Insurance Calculators

5 Benefits of Gifting Life Insurance Cover to Your Spouse

What Is a Whole Life Insurance Plan?

जीवन बीमा पर ऋण

Guidelines for Linking Aadhar and PAN to Insurance Policies

Choose the Nominee of a Term Life Insurance Plan Wisely

Why Buying a Term Insurance is Important for all Parents

How to Find the Best Term Insurance Plan in Seven Steps

“Life” Insurance or “Death” Insurance?

What Is Investment Insurance?

Process of Filing A Claim For Life Insurance

How To Choose The Right Life Insurance

Difference Between Money Back and Endowment Policy

Role of Life Insurance in Your Financial Portfolio

Term Insurance Tips for NRIs in India

Types of Life Insurance Policies in India

Is It Time to Review Life Insurance Policy of Yours?

When are Millennials required to take out a life insurance policy?

Term Insurance Vs Life insurance: Small Details, Big Differences

Term Insurance for Home Loan: How Term Plan Helps in Paying Off Home Loan?

Why One Must Buy Term Insurance before 25 Years

Why You Should Buy Term Insurance under the MWP Act (Married Women’s Property Act)?

What is Insurance Coverage? Overview, Types, and Examples

भारत में सर्वश्रेष्ठ टर्म प्लान कैसे चुनें?

What Is the Procedure to choose a nomination in life insurance policy?

5 Smart Steps to keep in mind while buying term policies

Life Insurance Policy Closure

Difference Between Insurance and Assurance?

What is the Current Trend in Term Insurance?

Everything You Must Know About ULIP Riders

Can You Apply For A Life Insurance After Getting Heart Attack? Here is Everything You Need To Know

Life Insurance for Overweight Applicants

How do life insurance payouts work?

Terms and Conditions of Term Insurance Plans

Can An Individual Buy Multiple Term Insurance Plans?

Health Insurance VS Life Insurance

Sabse Pehle Life Insurance

Unit-Linked Life Insurance (ULIPs) vs. Term Insurance

Term Plan with Return of Premium (TROP)

Guide for Buying Online Term Insurance Plans for Senior Citizens

Is Voluntary Life Insurance the Same as Basic Life Insurance?

What Is Financial Planning?

Nominee in insurance - A Complete Guide on nomination in insurance

ULIPs: Suitable for all

Does Life Insurance Pay for Suicidal Death?

5 Advantages of Life Insurance Going Digital

Adding A Child to Your Life Insurance Policy?

How Do Term Insurance Plans Differ for Smokers?

How Often You Must Review Your Life Insurance Policy?

First Job? Here’s Some Tips on How to Manage Finances

Do Life Insurance Premiums Increase Every Year?

Difference Between Term Insurance and Endowment Plan

9 Most Important Things You Must Learn About Paying Life Insurance Premium

Term Insurance Claim Process

How to Use Different Types of Life Insurance for Retirement Planning?

5 Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance in College

All You Need to Know About Life Insurance - Its Benefits, Features, and Types of Life Insurance

Comparing low premium term insurance Is Not the Only Factor While Buying Life Insurance

Life Insurance Vs. Mutual Funds Investment

How to Select a Perfect Life Insurance Policy in India to Protect Your Future?

1 CR Term Insurance Plan: How to Pick the Best 1 CR Term Plan

What are robo-advisors in insurance?

Voluntary Life Insurance Policy Vs Group Life Insurance

Is It Advisable To Have Multiple Life Insurance Policies?

Should You Buy Life Insurance After Getting Married?

6 Things You May Not Know about Life Insurance

How to Buy a Life Insurance Plan?

What are the Benefits of Endowment Policy?

Details Required To Be Filled In A Life Insurance Form

Life Insurance Nominees: 5 Must-Know Facts for Beneficiaries

Choosing Between Short-Term & Long-Term Insurance Plans

Importance of Checking Claim Settlement Ratio before Buying Life Insurance

Life Insurance vs Mutual Funds

All About Backdating in Life Insurance

5 Reasons Why a Women Should Buy a Life Insurance

Are Deaths Due To Coronavirus Covered by Kotak E-Term Plan?

क्रिटिकल इलनेस राइडर के साथ टर्म इंश्योरेंस के लाभ

Loan Against Life Insurance Policy

Is Life Insurance For Millennials Really Needed?

Insurance Vs Investment - A Guide to Your Financial Goals

7 Superficial Reasons People Avoid Buying Insurance Online

Why You Should Never Cancel Life Insurance Policy

Best Insurance Plans in India

Key Things to Review in Your Life Insurance Policy Document

What Happens If I Stop Paying My Life Insurance Premium?

What happens to joint life insurance after divorce?

Different Types Of Life Insurance In India

All About Life Insurance and How It Works?

Why Online Term Insurance Plans Cheap?

6 Different Types of Insurance Policies

Important Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Term Period for Your Term Insurance Plan

How to Customize Your Life Insurance Policy with Riders

What Should One Consider Buying: Term Insurance or Traditional Life Insurance

Beware of Phishing & Fraud Insurance Calls

How to Calculate Human Life Value(HLV)?

When Should You Review Term Life Insurance of Yours?

Can You Transfer Life Insurance Policies to Another Company in India?

What is a Single Premium Term Plan and its Tax Benefit?

5 Ways to ensure faster settlement of claims

Life Insurance for Overweight Applicants

What Is Insurance Rider and It’s Benefits?

A Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make An Investment Plan?

Do Your Financial Planning with Life Insurance!

Staying Insured While Investing

Always keep your Nominee informed

What Should One Expect During the Medical Evaluation for Life Insurance?

Most Common Life Insurance Riders to Enhance Your Existing Policy

How to Revive the Lapsed Life Insurance Policy?

Is it Possible to Reduce Life Insurance Premium without Affecting Sum Assured?

What is an Endowment Plan?

FAQs on Life Insurance

How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Policy for Your Age?

Take 100% Responsibility of Your Family with Term Life Insurance

Life Insurance Plans for Women

Reasons Why Term Insurance Claims Get Rejected

Various Term Insurance Premium Payment Options Available in India

What is Minimum Life Insurance Policy?

Can a Term Plan be the Substitute for a Retirement Plan?

Difference Between ULIP and Endowment Plan?

How to Buy a Term Life Insurance Online

In India, should NRIs purchase life insurance?

Benefits of Term Insurance with Critical Illness Rider

Term Life Insurance Vs Money Back Life Insurance

Benefits of Buying Term Insurance Plan for Senior Citizens in India

Think About Life Insurance Sooner than Later

Why do most Indians choose the wrong way to buy life insurance?

Compare Different Life Insurance Products Offered By Kotak Life

Does Family History Affects your Term Life Insurance Rates?

क्या जीवन बीमा एक निवेश है?

Term Insurance Vs Car Insurance: A Budgetary Choice You'll Regret

Biggest Life Insurance Myths

Different Types of Insurance Policies in India

What Is Social Impact Investing and How Does It Benefit Society?

Why Do Life Insurance Agents Avoid Selling Term Plans?

What Is The Life Insurance Penetration In India And How Does It Compare Globally?

Types of Insurance You Must Invest in for Secure Future

NRI Premium Payment Options

Life Insurance and Millennials

How Does Life Insurance Work?

What is the Difference Between Limited and Regular Pay Insurance Plan?

Health Insurance VS Life Insurance

How Much Life Insurance Cover Do I Need?

Why Term Insurance for Women is Important?

Why Renewal of Term Insurance Plan is Important

What Is Surrender Value (Cash Surrender Value) in Insurance and how is it calculated?

Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners Seeking Pension

What is Human Life value and a Human Life Value Calculator?

Role of IRDAI in the Insurance Sector

How Much Life Insurance Costs and How Much Insurance Cover You Need?

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

Can NRI Buy Life Insurance in India?

What is Sum Assured in Endowment Policy?

A Term Insurance Guide for Disabled People

Is it Possible to Make Changes in a Term Plan’s Specification Post Purchase?

What is the Difference Between Insurance and Reinsurance?

Term Life Insurance vs Accidental Death Insurance

10 Most Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs on Term Insurance

Why is Medical Test Important While Buying a Term Insurance?

Types of Life Insurance Or One Investment, Many Options

Does Life Insurance Cover Terminal Illness?

जीवन बीमा क्या है?

Different Kind of Deaths that are Not Covered in a Term Insurance Plan

Top 5 Common Life Insurance Myths and Facts

What is Life Insurance?

How Many Insurances Should I Have?

Who Is A Nominee In A Life Insurance Plan?

What is Underinsurance & The Dangers of Being Underinsured

Life Insurance with Money Back vs Without Money Back

Life Insurance and Retirement Planning

भारत में जीवन बीमा पॉलिसियों के प्रकार

Why do I Need Life Insurance?

Is Life Insurance an Investment?

Why Your Family Should Know About Your Life Insurance Policy?

Life Insurance for Millennials

5 Easy Steps to Buying A Policy

Life Insurance Beneficiary