LIC Death Claim Process

Introduction to LIC’s Claim Settlement Process

In the unfortunate event of the policyholder's demise during the coverage period, LIC steps in to provide financial support to their loved ones. Knowing how to proceed with the LIC death claim process is important for a hassle-free experience.

Let us start by understanding the LIC Claim Settlement Ratio.

The claim settlement ratio implicates the number of death claims settled of the total claims filed. It is an important metric to determine the claim-settling ability of an insurer. Over the years, LIC has maintained a claim settlement ratio above 95%. As of the IRDAI Annual Report 2022-23, the CSR of LIC is 98.5%

What Is The Death Benefit of LIC?

The death benefit provided by LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) is a lump sum paid to the nominee or beneficiary in the unfortunate event of the policyholder's demise during the policy term. The death benefit includes the sum assured, which is the predetermined amount specified in the policy, along with any additional bonuses or benefits that may have accrued over the policy's duration. The payout serves as financial assistance to the family, ensuring that they receive a substantial sum to cope with the financial impact of the policyholder's death. The specific terms and conditions of the death benefit may vary based on the type of LIC policy held by the individual.

How To File Death Insurance Claim With LIC?

Filing a death claim with LIC is a very easy process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to file a death claim with LIC:

Steps in LIC’s Death Claim Process

• Claim Intimation

  Reach out to the nearest LIC branch or contact their customer care helpline.

• Documents Submission

  Gather essential documents needed for the claim process. These typically include

  • Original policy document.

  • Death certificate issued by the local municipal authority.

  • Claim form (available at LIC branches or online).

  • Nominee's or beneficiary's ID and address proof.

• Claim Verification

  • LIC will verify the submitted documents and, upon successful verification, approve the claim.

  • After successful verification, the death claim amount is transferred to the nominee’s account.

Please note that you may be asked to fill out claim form 3783A if the policy has continued for 3 years or more.

Complete Documents List For LIC Death Claim Process

Death claims at LIC are categorized as ‘early’ or ‘non-early’. Early death claims in LIC are those wherein the life assured passes away within 3 years of the policy term. All other death claims are classified under the latter category. Based on the type of death claim, the required documents may vary. 

1. Mandatory Documents

   On the receipt of intimation of any kind of death claim, the servicing branch calls for the following mandatory submissions:

   • Claim Form A 

   • Claimant’s statement with details of the deceased and the claimant 

   • Certified extract from death register 

   • Form 3801 - discharge form

   • Proof of age such as PAN card, Aadhar Card, or both the claimant and the deceased

   • Evidence of title to the insured’s estate if the policy has not been assigned a nominee 

   • Original policy document 

   • NEFT forms

   • Canceled cheque/copy of passbook

2. Documents for Early Death Claims

   If death occurs before the completion of three policy years from the date of risk commencement or revival, the following forms are required in addition to the ones mentioned above.  

   • Claim Form B (medical attendant’s certificate)

   • Claim Form B1 (to validate the treatment received in a hospital, if any)

   • Claim form B2 (to be filled by the medical attendant)

   • Claim Form C (certificate of identity and burial/cremation)

   • Claim form E (certificate of employment, if any)

   • Certified copies of 

     • Post-mortem report

     • First Information Report

     • Police Investigation Report (if death occurred as a result of an accident) 

   LIC requests these additional forms to confirm the legitimacy of the death claim raised. These forms guarantee that no information that could affect the claim approval process was withheld.
   You are advised to contact the servicing branch of LIC before raising a death claim. The claims committee may call for additional requirements depending on the policy status and nature of the death.

LIC Death Claim Process under Accident Benefit Rider

In the event of the policyholder's demise due to an accident, initiating a death claim under LIC's Accident Benefit Rider involves prompt notification to the nearest branch. Collect important documents, including the original policy, death certificate mentioning the accident cause, and relevant reports like FIR. 

Submit these documents and a filled claim form to the LIC branch. The insurer then proceeds with the verification process, specifically examining accident-related details. Upon approval, beneficiaries can choose various settlement options for the additional benefit. Clear communication with LIC representatives ensures a smooth experience during this process, providing added financial support during challenging times.

Death Claim Concessions on Policy Lapses

Certain conditions need to be followed in case of death claims arising out of lapsed policies due to discontinued premium payments. The benefit amount is paid after making deductions of the unpaid premiums plus some interest in the following cases - 

• The life assured dies within 6 months of the first unpaid premium being due. However, this is only applicable if premiums have been paid in full for 3 years and then subsequently discontinued.

• The life assured dies within 12 months of the first unpaid premium being due. However, this policy is only applicable if premiums have been paid in full for a minimum of 5 years and then subsequently discontinued.

Can LIC Reject Death Claims?

Yes, LIC can reject death claims under certain circumstances. Common reasons include policy non-disclosure or misrepresentation during application, policy lapse due to non-payment of premiums, or death within the policy's waiting period for certain causes. Additionally, claims related to suicides within the policy's initial years might be rejected. Policyholders must provide accurate information and adhere to premium payments to ensure the validity of their life insurance claims.

LIC Death Claim Process after Claim Rejection

The LIC of India can refuse a claim if certain things go wrong. This might happen if the person didn't tell the truth when getting the insurance, didn't pay the premiums, or didn't follow something specific in the policy.
For example, if the person passed away by suicide too soon after getting the insurance. If a claim is rejected, it's essential to check why it happened. Understanding and following all the rules from the start can help avoid problems later on. 

Even if the appeal does not lead to the desired outcome, you can report this to the insurance Ombudsman at no extra cost. Any complaints related to the partial or total repudiation of claims or delay in death claim settlements are heard by the Ombudsman. These extra measures can help you overturn a death claim rejection and get you the assured benefits to secure your future. 

LIC Resources

Wrapping It Up:

Now that you have a good idea of what to expect in the claim settlement process at LIC, you should be able to move through it quickly. Make sure to create copies of the documents to keep track of the submitted ones. As discussed, a smooth claim settlement depends on the information's accuracy and legitimacy. The claimant and a potential life insurance buyer should ensure not to withhold important information from their insurer wrongfully.

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