How to File an Insurance Claim Step-by-Step

“Insurance claims sound scary — but they don’t have to be.”

Take Aarti, for example. She’s 28, lives in Bengaluru, and works as a software engineer. After a fun trip to Goa, she came back home only to find a tree had crashed onto her parked car during a storm. 

The damage? ₹50,000 worth.

Aarti had never filed an insurance claim before and had no idea where to start. But instead of panicking, she got her documents together — her policy, some photos, and a basic report — and gave her insurance company a call.

To her surprise, it was all pretty smooth. An agent came over, checked the damage, and within 5 days, she had the full ₹50,000 in her account to cover the repairs.

Turns out, once you know what to do and when to do it, the process isn’t as complicated as it seems. It all begins with a small but important move — and that’s where our journey starts, too.

‘Claim Karna Hai Bro!’ First Things First – Notify Promptly

Let’s be real — the faster you tell your insurer, the better your chances of a smooth claim. It’s like calling your mom when something goes wrong… You don’t wait; you just do it.

For example, Rakesh, a 34-year-old from Pune, had a small accident — nothing major, just a dented bumper. But instead of reporting it immediately, he waited for three days. When he finally called his insurer, they informed him that he was late. Of the ₹18,000 repair bill, he only received ₹10,000. 

The rest? Gone. Just because he did not report it in time.

Here's what you need to know:

• Health insurance: Call them within 24 hours of admission (48 hours if planned).
• Car or bike insurance: Report accidents within 48 hours.
• Life insurance: If a person dies, report as soon as possible, preferably within 90 days.

Most insurance apps and websites allow you to claim in minutes. No long lines. No drama.

One last thing: Always save your Claim Reference Number. It’s your “pizza tracker” for the claim — without it, you’re just guessing.

Paperwork Ka Power – Documents You’ll Need

Let’s be honest: filing a claim without the right documents is like trying to make chai without tea leaves — it just doesn’t work.

For example, Nikita, a 31-year-old teacher from Jaipur, had to rush her dad to the hospital for emergency surgery. The bill came up to ₹1,20,000, but in the middle of all the chaos, she forgot to grab the discharge summary before leaving.

Result? Her claim was stuck for three weeks because of that one missing document.

One small missing paper can delay everything, so it’s crucial to have all your documents in place. You can keep digital copies of all your important documents saved on your phone or in the cloud.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

Inspector Gadget: The Surveyor's Role in Claims

So, who decides how much your damaged car or property is worth? Meet the surveyor — they’re the ones who assess the damage and help determine your claim payout.

For example, Arun is a 35-year-old shop owner from Pune.  A fire caused ₹3.5 lakh in damage, but his claim got delayed because the surveyor hadn’t visited yet!

Here’s what happens:

• Surveyor’s Job: Inspect damage, take photos, and prepare a report.
• What You Do: Don’t touch the damaged property until the surveyor arrives.
• Next Step: The insurer uses the surveyor’s report to calculate the payout.

The Surveyor Timeline

All Eyes on You: Investigation and Verification

So, you thought your claim would be easy? If it's a large one or seems suspicious, don’t be surprised if your insurer asks for more details.

For example, Neha is a 28-year-old from Bangalore. After a car accident, she filed a claim for ₹2,50,000 to cover the repairs. But her insurer asked for extra stuff like hospital call recordings, CCTV footage, and her past claim history. 

What They Might Check:

Tip: Stay calm and be honest. If your story stays the same, your claim will go smoothly.

Paisa Milega Ya Nahi? Settlement and Disbursement

So, you’ve filed your claim, and everything looks good — but how long until you get your money? Here’s how it works:

For example, Neelam is a 40-year-old from Delhi who recently faced a health emergency. She filed a ₹3,00,000 health insurance claim for treatment, and now she’s waiting for the settlement. 

How Claims Are Settled:

Key Fact: According to IRDAI, insurers must settle claims within 30 days after document submission. If they delay, they’ll pay you interest at 2% above the bank rate.

Conclusion

Insurance claims may seem overwhelming, but with the right steps and documents, you can easily navigate the process and get your payout on time.

FAQs

• Can I file an insurance claim online in India?

Yes, via insurer portals or mobile apps.

• What if my insurance claim is rejected?

Appeal to the grievance cell, IRDAI’s IGMS, or the Insurance Ombudsman.

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LoansJagat Team

We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?