how-to-claim-life-insurance-after-a-policyholders-death

How to Claim Life Insurance After A Policyholder's Death?

Understanding the claim procedure, required documents, and timelines can help ensure a smooth and timely settlement.

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2025-12-05

1104 Views

11 minutes read

Exit Pop Up

Introducing BSE 500 Enhanced Value 50 Fund with Promise4Wealth

50 High-Potential Companies, One Smart Decision

Name is required Name should be Valid
Mobile Number is required Mobile Number should be Valid
DOB is required DOB should be Valid
Annual Income is required
Please tick to proceed further.

Thank you for your interest in our product. Our financial expert will connect with you shortly to help you choose the best plan.

Life insurance policy is a contract between a policyholder and the insurance company. The insurer pays a set amount in exchange for a premium received upon the insured person's death or a set period.

Having a life insurance policy in place allows you to live your life without worrying about how your family will survive after you are gone. Especially in light of the pandemic, smart financial planning is the need of the hour.

Life insurance is an integral part of smart financial planning. A life insurance policy is a good saving plan. Your family can receive high to adequate financial support under unpredicted and unfortunate circumstances based on the policy purchased.

How to Claim a Life Insurance Policy?

The death of a breadwinner brings enormous grief and pain and a certain level of unpredictability in the life of those dependent on them. However, if they had invested in life insurance, their loved ones will not be distressed financially.

Claiming life insurance can seem daunting. To make it simpler to understand, the steps to follow when claiming life insurance are listed below:

Claim initiation and registration

On the untimely death of the policyholder, the nominee can register to claim the life insurance. To start the claiming process, you should fill in the Death Claim Form. Usually, an attested photo ID along with the address proof of the nominee has to be attached.

The Death Claim Form has to be sent to your insurance company's office. Alternatively, you can call your insurance agent, and they will assist you during these trying times.

Know all about a nominee in a life insurance plan.

Documentation

After the claim is registered, the next step is to fill out the necessary forms. Your insurance agent can help you fill out the necessary forms acting as an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

A common problem people face is they keep insurance policies in safe deposit boxes. At the time of death, the safe deposit boxes are sealed and can further delay settlements. Some common documents that have to be filled and you might need handy are listed below:

  • Death claim form- This form has to be filled and completed by a valid nominee.
  • Physician's statement- This form has to be filled up by the medical practitioner that has attended to the deceased policyholder.
  • Hospital certificate- This form has to be filled up by the authorities of t hospital where the deceased was hospitalized.
  • Employee certificate - This form should be filled by the policyholder's employer.

3. Processing and Settling

After the documents are submitted, the process of claiming begins. The insurance company will provide a settlement based on the terms and conditions of the policy.

After the documents are submitted, the process of claiming begins. The insurance company will provide a settlement based on the terms and conditions of the policy.

The claiming process is simple, convenient, and hassle-free. The claim settlement ratio is 99.43^ percent for FY 2024-25. Furthermore, to make claiming much easier, they have introduced InstaPromise. InstaPromise is very attractive to nominees as it allows you to claim the settlement in one day. Some key requirements are-

  • The policy should have been completed 3 years before the death of the policyholder.

  • The documents required must be submitted at the intimation stage.

  • The claim should be submitted between Monday to Friday before 3 PM.

Always buy life insurance plans based on your financial needs and requirements so that you can secure the future of your loved ones. Take a step towards stability and smart financial planning by choosing Canara HSBC Life Insurance today!

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

Recent Blogs

What is a Trust in Life Insurance? Complete Guide
01 Apr '26
40 Views
7 minute read
Learn what a trust in life insurance is, how it works, and how it provides tax savings, faster claim payouts, and financial protection for beneficiaries.
Read More
Life Insurance
What is Conditional Assignment in Insurance Policy?
01 Apr '26
89 Views
6 minute read
Understand conditional assignment in insurance, including its meaning, benefits, examples, and when it becomes effective.
Read More
Life Insurance
Which Government Life Insurance Schemes are Best in India?
01 Apr '26
111 Views
7 minute read
Explore government life insurance schemes in India, their benefits, eligibility, premiums, and how they secure financial protection for families.
Read More
Life Insurance
What is Keyman Insurance? Meaning & Benefits
01 Apr '26
51 Views
10 minute read
What is Keyman Insurance? Learn how it works and why businesses use it to protect against financial loss from losing key employees.
Read More
Life Insurance
What is a Rebate in Insurance and How Does It Work?
01 Apr '26
344 Views
8 minute read
Learn what a rebate in insurance means, how it works, and the rules you should know before buying an insurance policy.
Read More
Life Insurance
What Is an In-Force Policy in Insurance and Why It Matters?
31 Mar '26
61 Views
6 minute read
Learn what an in-force policy in insurance means, how it works and why maintaining an active policy is important for financial protection.
Read More
Life Insurance
What is Basic Premium in Life Insurance and How Does It Work?
25 Mar '26
106 Views
6 minute read
Learn what basic premium in life insurance means, how it is calculated, and why it matters when choosing the right life insurance policy.
Read More
Life Insurance
What is Net Premium in Insurance and Why is It Important?
25 Mar '26
112 Views
7 minute read
Learn what net premium in insurance means, how it is calculated, and why it plays a key role in determining policy costs.
Read More
Life Insurance
Who is an Insurance Agent? Role & Responsibilities Explained
18 Mar '26
107 Views
8 minute read
Learn who an insurance agent is, the role of an insurance agent, and how they help you choose the right insurance coverage and manage policies effectively.
Read More
Life Insurance

Life Insurance - Top Selling Plans

We bring you a collection of popular Canara HSBC life insurance plans. Forget the dusty brochures and endless offline visits! Dive into the features of our top-selling online insurance plans and buy the one that meets your goals and requirements. You and your wallet will be thankful in the future as we brighten up your financial future with these plans.

Family Shield: Enhanced Protection

iSelect Smart360 Term Plan
  • 3 Plan options
  • Life cover till 99 years
  • Steady income benefit
  • Block your premium at inception

Start Young, Pay Less, Stay Secured

Young Term Plan
  • Life cover till 99 years
  • Coverage for spouse
  • Block your premium rate
  • Covers 40 critical illness

Fixed Returns, Zero Risks & Worries

iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus
  • 4 Plan options
  • Life cover + Guaranteed benefits
  • Accidental death benefit
  • Premium protection cover