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Kotak Life Claim Settlement Ratio

The claim settlement ratio is an important parameter to consider when you choose a term insurance policy. Term insurance itself is ideal for pure risk protection, offering high financial benefits at a pocket-friendly cost. However, the true value of a policy is realized only when the insurance company pays the death benefit after your nominee initiates the claim settlement process. A strong ratio indicates the insurer is likely to uphold this core promise.

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  • Updated on: Sep 19, 2025
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What is Term Insurance Plan Claim Settlement Ratio?

A Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) is the ratio of the number of claims settled by an insurance provider to the total number of requests received in a given accounting period. This ratio helps prospective buyers understand the insurance provider’s reliability and dependability. Kotak Life Insurance’s Claim Settlement Ratio stands at a strong 98.29% for the year 2023-2024. A higher CSR indicates a higher trustworthiness of the insurance provider.

The claim settlement ratio of term insurance is the ultimate test of a company’s credibility and reliability. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) releases this official percentage. So, what is claim settlement ratio? It is a straightforward percentage showing how many claims an insurer pays against the total claims received in a year. It is the clearest indicator of an insurer’s willingness to fulfill its promise to policyholders.

The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) is one aspect that helps policy buyers determine whether an insurance company can be relied upon or not. Following a year marked by exceptional death claims due to COVID-19, life insurers in India improved in resolving individual death settlement claims in 2022-23, reaching a 98.25% settlement ratio, as reported by IRDAI. It is important to watch for any change in CSR, as it can impact your policy buying decision from any particular insurer. It is recommended to buy a policy from an insurer with high CSR.

How Does Claim Settlement Ratio Work?

The claim settlement ratio is the public scorecard of an insurer’s performance. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) publishes this official CSR data for every life insurance provider operating in the country. This public report is based on hard data and actual performance, not marketing promises.

A smart policyholder uses this data to judge an insurer’s true reliability. The ultimate of all term insurance benefits is the final payout that secures your family’s future. The CSR is a direct indicator of an insurer’s commitment to delivering that promise. It cuts through advertising and shows you which companies have a proven track record of paying claims.

How to Calculate Term Insurance Claim Settlement Ratio?

The claim settlement ratio formula is simple. The formula shows an insurer’s exact payout record for a specific year.

Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) = (Claims Paid / Total Claims Filed) x 100

Example:

An insurer gets 5,000 death claims in one financial year. It successfully pays out 4,910 of those claims.

The CSR calculation would be: 4,910 / 5,000 x 100 = 98.2%.

The remaining 90 claims are either rejected or pending. An insurer will reject claims for valid reasons, such as fraud or critical information being hidden during the application process. While the CSR is a vital metric, you should not base your decision on this number alone. A truly great policy also depends on its service quality and the specific benefits offered.

Why is Claim Settlement Ratio Important to Know?

A high claim settlement ratio is the public scorecard of an insurer’s reliability and track record. This number gives you real confidence as a policyholder. The insurance claim ratio is essential for a few key reasons:

Trust and Reliability

Your insurance policy is a promise that your family gets paid when they need it most. A high claim settlement ratio is proof that an insurer keeps its promises. It gives you the assurance that claims are handled fairly and fast.

Customer Satisfaction

Claim settlement experiences define customer satisfaction. Nothing creates more frustration than a difficult or delayed claims process. A high claim settlement ratio is the mark of a company with an efficient system built for speed. The result is faster, smoother settlements. This is what makes customers stay loyal and recommend the company.

Reputation and Credibility

Insurance companies must build a strong reputation and establish credibility. A high term insurance settlement ratio creates a positive brand image. Potential customers make this ratio a key test when judging providers. A company with a high, consistent CSR is reliable and trustworthy. This fact attracts more business and solidifies its market position.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulators exist to protect policyholder interests. They monitor the claim settlement ratio to ensure insurers operate fairly and follow the industry’s rules. A low settlement ratio invites official scrutiny and leads to penalties. An insurer must maintain a high ratio to meet these requirements and keep its license.

Why Claim Settlement Matters When Buying Term Insurance?

When you buy term insurance, you are buying a promise for your family’s future. The value of that promise depends on the company’s track record of paying claims. The claim settlement ratio must be a critical factor in your review.

  • Shows Insurer’s Reliability: A high claim settlement ratio is hard proof that the insurer has a history of paying its claims. It confirms the company honors its word on a ₹50 lakh term insurance policy or a larger cover.
  • Directly Impacts Your Family: Your family must not face a struggle to get their money. A good settlement record ensures they get the financial support they need without any needless delays or complications.
  • Fewer Rejections Mean Less Stress: A low claim settlement ratio can indicate more claim rejections. For a family expecting a payout from a ₹1 crore term insurance plan, a rejection creates legal, emotional, and financial stress during an already difficult time.
  • A Strong Indicator of Trust: The claim settlement ratio is an effective way to judge an insurer’s trustworthiness. When you look at this public data, you get a clear picture of their performance. An insurer with a consistently high ratio is a more dependable choice.
  • The True Test of Your Policy: Paying premiums is only the start. The real value of any term plan, be it a basic plan or a ₹2 crore term insurance policy, is proven only when the nominee receives the payout without hurdles. The CSR gives you insight into how likely that positive outcome is.

What are the Types of Claims in Life Insurance Policy?

Life insurance claims go beyond just the death benefit. Your specific policy document lays out the exact circumstances for filing different types of claims. While the life insurance claim ratio is a critical number for death claims, you need to understand every type of payout your policy allows.

Maturity Claims

Maturity claims are disbursed at the end of the policy term. If you survive the policy duration, you will receive a payout, either as a lump sum or as regular income, based on your policy’s features and preferences. The maturity amount may be either fixed or market-linked, depending on your policy type.

Death Claims

Death claims are paid out in the event of the policyholder’s passing during the policy term. The life insurance company disburses the amount to the designated nominee in such cases. Death claims can typically be received as a lump sum or regular income, as specified when purchasing the policy.

Kotak Life Insurance and Claim Settlement Ratio

Kotak Life Insurance has built its reputation in the Indian insurance sector on its commitment to customer satisfaction and financial security. It has consistently demonstrated a commendable term plan Claim Settlement Ratio. Its impressive CSR figures reflect the company’s commitment to transparency and customer-centric values.

The CSR is a direct percentage based on the number of claims settled against the total number of claims received. The IRDAI’s Annual Report for 2024 states Kotak Life Insurance’s Claim Settlement Ratio is 98.29%, with a group Claim Settlement Ratio of 99.23%.

Claim Settlement Ratios for Kotak Life Insurance in recent years are:

Year CSR
2023-2024 98.29%
2022-2023 98.25%
2021-2022 98.82%
2020-2021 98.50%
2019-2020 96.30%

Claims Paying Ability Rating of Kotak Life

The Claims Paying Ability (CPA) rating is a measure of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to settle claims on time. Independent credit rating agencies assess this based on factors like financial reserves, solvency ratio, and claim settlement history.

A higher CPA rating indicates that the insurer is financially stable and capable of honoring claims even in challenging economic conditions. Kotak Life’s strong Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) and financial stability contribute to its positive CPA rating, reinforcing its credibility and trustworthiness among policyholders.

Before choosing an insurer, checking both the Claim Settlement Ratio and CPA rating ensures a secure and reliable insurance experience.

Final Thoughts

When you search for a good insurer, you will be presented with a complex portfolio of offerings. You will find everything from term insurance for smokers and whole life insurance to specialized products like term insurance for NRI, term insurance for women, term insurance for family, and even term insurance for housewives. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming and lead to an uninformed decision.

There is one metric, however, that helps simplify the choice: the Claim Settlement Ratio. A high settlement ratio is proof that a company has a track record of honoring its commitments and processing claims efficiently. The benefits of choosing an insurer with a high CSR are significant. Using this public data to inform your decision helps you select an insurance partner that is built on trust and reliability. For true financial security and peace of mind, choosing an insurer with a high CSR is a wise and strategic move.

FAQs on Claim Settlement Ratio


1

What is the Claim Settlement Ratio?

The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) represents the percentage of claims an insurance provider successfully settles out of all claims received within a given period, usually a financial year. This metric is a crucial indicator of an insurer’s reliability, helping prospective buyers assess the company’s ability to fulfill its commitments to policyholders.



2

How is Claim Settlement Ratio calculated?

The Claim Settlement Ratio is calculated using the formula:

Claim Settlement Ratio = (Number of Claims Settled / Number of Claims Received) * 100

This ratio is typically a percentage, indicating the insurer’s effectiveness in processing claims.



3

What is the time frame within which the claim has to be reported?

The claim must be reported as soon as possible after the insured event occurs, though each insurance provider may have specific timelines. Prompt reporting ensures a smoother claim process and reduces the chances of claim rejection due to delays.


4

What are the documents required for claim settlement?

To settle a life insurance claim, the following documents are generally required:

  • Death Claim: Original policy document, claim intimation form, death certificate, ID proof, and other documents as requested by the insurer.
  • Maturity Claim: This includes the policy document, maturity claim form, and ID proof. For an exact list of documents, consult the insurer’s website or contact their representative, as requirements may vary by company and claim type.


5

In what situations would the insurance company deny a claim?

An insurer may deny a claim under the following conditions:

  • Non-disclosure or misrepresentation of information at the time of policy purchase.
  • Policy lapse due to non-payment of premiums.
  • Claims not filed within the stipulated time frame.
  • Fraudulent claims or claims filed under exclusions listed in the policy.


6

How will I receive the claim amount?

Once approved, the claim amount is usually disbursed directly to the claimant’s bank account via electronic transfer or cheque, per the beneficiary’s preference and the insurer’s procedures.


7

Is a high Claim Settlement Ratio beneficial?

Yes, a high Claim Settlement Ratio is beneficial as it reflects the insurer’s commitment to honoring claims and instilling trust and confidence in policyholders. Policy buyers often prefer insurers with higher CSRs, as they indicate a better likelihood of claims being settled fairly and on time.

Amit Raje
Written By :
Amit Raje

Amit Raje is an experienced marketer who has worked in various Fintechs and leading Financial companies in India. With focused experience in Digital, Amit has pioneered multiple digital commerce in India. Now, close to two decades later, he is the vice president and head of the D2C business department. He masters the skill of strategic management, also being certified in it from IIMA. He has challenged his challenges and contributed his efforts in this journey of digital transformation.

Amit Raje
Reviewed By :
Prasad Pimple

Prasad Pimple has a decade-long experience in the Life insurance sector and as EVP, Kotak Life heads Digital Business. He is responsible for developing user friendly product journeys, creating consumer awareness and helping consumers in identifying need for life insurance solutions. He has 20+ years of experience in creating and building business verticals across Insurance, Telecom and Banking sectors

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Claim Settlement* disclaimer:

*https://www.kotak.com/content/dam/Kotak/investor-relation/Financial-Result/QuarterlyReport/FY-2024/q4/investor-presentation/Q4FY24%20Investor-Presentation.pdf

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Regd. Office:

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