You bought life insurance to protect your family. But does your family know the insurer’s name, where the policy is kept and how to start a claim? A policy hidden in an old email can leave them searching during an already difficult time.
You do not need to turn this into a complicated exercise. A short record and one calm conversation can make a large difference.
Make a one-page insurance record
For each policy, write down the insurer, policy number, name of the insured person, type of cover and the official claim contact. Add where the policy document, application copy and payment records are stored.
Record the cover period, premium due date and how payment is made. Include employer-provided life cover separately, because it may have a different claim contact and may end when employment ends.
Keep this record private and accessible to a trusted family member. Do not include passwords or OTPs in a document that is widely shared. Official claim processes should not require a family member to impersonate you in your account.
Check the nominee details
Check that the nomination recorded by the insurer is current and correctly spelled. Review it after marriage, separation, a death in the family or another major change. If the nominee is a minor, check the insurer’s requirements for an appointee.
A nomination is not a substitute for understanding inheritance or assignment rules. Who ultimately has rights to the money can depend on the relationship, legal provisions and whether the policy has been assigned. Get suitable legal guidance if the situation is complicated.
Do not assume that editing a personal note updates the insurer’s nomination. Complete the insurer’s official change process and keep its acknowledgement.
Show your family where to start
Find the insurer’s official claims page or servicing branch details together. Save the link and verified contact. Explain that the first step after a death is to inform the insurer and request its current claim requirements.
An agent can help, but the agent should not be the only person who knows about the policy. If that person changes jobs or becomes unreachable, your family still needs a direct route to the insurer.
Keep the likely documents organised
Common requirements include the claim form, death certificate, policy information, claimant identity and bank details. Medical records and additional documents may be needed depending on the circumstances. Accident-related claims can require other evidence.
These are common examples, not a complete checklist for every insurer. Your family should ask for the insurer’s current list for the particular claim and keep copies of everything submitted.
For instance, LIC’s official claim guidance lists a claimant statement, evidence of death and policy documents among its requirements, with additional information in some cases. Another insurer’s process may differ.
A claim needs follow-up, not guesswork
Ask for a claim reference number and acknowledgement. Keep a dated record of documents sent, requests received and responses given. If anything is missing, ask for a clear written explanation.
Do not assume that a death benefit will arrive immediately or that every claim requires the same number of days. The family may need accessible emergency money while paperwork is processed.
If there is a dispute, request the insurer’s written reasons. Start with its grievance team and use the applicable further complaint route if necessary. Save the correspondence.
Protect the claim from fraud
Use contact details from the official insurer website or policy document. Be cautious if someone calls asking for an upfront release fee, an OTP or access to a bank account in order to “unlock” the insurance money. Verify any request directly with the insurer.
A helpful relative can assist with paperwork, but the claimant should understand what is being signed and where any payment is meant to go.
Review the record once a year
Confirm that premiums are paid and the cover is active. Update contacts, nomination acknowledgements and the location of documents. Make sure the family can access the record without relying on your unlocked phone.
Buying enough cover is one half of preparation. Helping your family find and claim it completes the practical job.
Source: LIC’s official claims settlement requirements. Check the current requirements of your own insurer and the conditions of your policy.