Life insurance policy is a legal contract between the insurance company and the policy holder, where the former agrees to pay a pre-defined sum to the nominee on the death of the insured. However, making a claim on a life insurance is not the happiest tasks for the family members and especially for woman, it is really overwhelming. Even for a survival claim, particularly on moneyback policies, though the amount reaches the beneficiary automatically, at times the procedure is awkward because of the documentation required.

Women often face many problems in a survival claim because they tend to change their names after marriage but fail to inform the insurer. So the benefits dispatched by the insurance company are not cleared by banks because the policy document is still in the maiden name. Therefore, the policyholder is required to make a fresh claim and provide the required documents.

In case of the death of the insured, a basic procedure needs to be followed to make a claim and get the proceeds. As the first step, the nominee has to fill and submit a claim form which varies from company to company. This claim form should be complete and he should give all the details that it wants. The nominee also needs to submit the original policy document, attested copies of the death certificate, and if it is a medical or legal case, the requisite medical and policy reports. The nominee also has to furnish the proof of his own identity before the claim can be settled.

Unlike policy servicing, which is handled by agents, claims are settled directly by the insurance company once it finds the documentation satisfactory. So women should be cautious of any person who tries to facilitate or help in the claims process. Once the necessary forms and documents have been submitted, the insurance company will take 10 days to 2 weeks to verify the claim. It can also ask for more documentation, if needed. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has stipulated that all the claims should be settled within 30 days of the receipt of the relevant documents. However, the insurer can ask for clarifications or supporting documents if the submitted documents are not satisfactory. For example, in case of death due to medical reasons, the insurer can seek details on the insured's health and past medical history.

If an insurer seeks for the additional details, the claim should be settled within six months from the date of intimation of the claim.
On the other hand, if it fails to meet the deadline, he has to pay an interest on the sum assured. The nominee can also approach the ombudsman if the insurer fails to pay the claim on time.

Some documents should be needed for a quick and error-free settlement of claim. The nominee needs to submit the following papers to an insurance company:
1.    Policy document
2.    A copy of death certificate.
3.    A copy of photo ID proof of the claimant like PAN card, passport, election card or the driving license.
4.    A copy of current residence’s proof in the name of the claimant for instance the electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card, passport or election card.
5.    A filled claim form with the details of a bank account.
6.    Insurers can demand more documentation if the death is after a prolonged illness and hospitalization or required police intervention.