Securing a hassle-free insurance claim

For many, premiums payable on an insurance policy that does not have any savings component (i.e. when no benefits accrue on maturity) may seem an unnecessary expense. However, many a times it is the only antidote against the uncertainties of life since it provides immediate financial help. Indicated below are simple tips that will enable you to receive the policy benefits, on maturity or death, from your insurance company, in a hassle-free manner...

In case of no previous knowledge of filing a claim, take the help of the insurance agent from who the policy was purchased before filing the claim form(s). Alternately, the insurance company can too be contacted and assistance can be taken from its office bearers. File the insurance claim within the time period specified in the policy document. Any delay may result in the rejection of the claim. In case of the unfortunate death of the life insured, certain original/certified copies should mandatorily be enclosed with the claim form. These include:

* Original policy bond
* Original/certified copy of the death certificate issued by the municipal authorities.
* Doctor's certificate who attended the life insured at his/her last moment.
* Other medical/hospitalization records.
* Burial/Cremation certificate issued by the funeral authorities.
*In case of death due to unnatural causes, duly certified police, postmortem and inquest reports.
Identity proof of the the beneficiary.
* Remember, that the insurance protection is available only when the premium is paid regularly. Hence, ensure regular premium payment, which is the most essential condition for the settlement of the claim in your favor.

Ensure that only factual information is provided. Any wrong or ambiguous information may lead to a rejection.

For claiming rider benefits such as an accident or critical illness benefit, you need to submit admission records to the healthcare facility, subsequent test reports, medical reports and a discharge summary.

Co-operate positively with the life insurance company which would like to investigate the claim before sanctioning the amount. This will ensure a speedy disposal of your case. If you have any grievance with regards to the amount claimed/settled, you can approach the Insurance Ombudsman, a governing body set up by the government for the quick disposal of the grievances of the insured and to reduce their problems involved in redressal of those grievances.

Ensure a hassle free claim

Understanding the claims process in totality
File the claim within the defined time-period
Ensure there are no outstanding premiums
Provide all factual information
Submit all required documents
Co-operate with the life insurance company

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