What is Delay in Claim Process?
Common Reasons for Delay in Claim Processing
- Incomplete documentation or missing information from the claimant.
- Verification delays due to third-party involvement (like hospitals or surveyors).
- Internal processing issues within the insurance company.
- Discrepancies or mismatched details in claim forms or policy records.
- Lack of timely response or escalation from the insurer’s end.
- High claim volume during specific periods (natural disasters, pandemics, etc.)
Delay in Claim Process – by Insurance Nidaan
A delay in claim process means that the insurance company is taking longer than the usual or committed time to review, approve, or settle your claim. This can happen due to administrative issues, incomplete documents, or slow communication between parties.
Some common reasons include:
- Missing or incomplete claim documents.
- Delay in verification by hospitals, surveyors, or agents.
- Internal backlogs at the insurance company.
- Mismatch in details between policy and claim forms.
- Late response from the insurer or third parties.
As per IRDAI guidelines (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), insurers must:
- Settle claims within 30 days of receiving all required documents.
- If an investigation is needed, it must be completed within 90 days, and the final settlement should be done within 30 days after investigation completion.
If these timelines are not followed, the insurer may be liable to pay interest on the delayed amount.
If your claim is delayed:
- Check if any documents or information are pending.
- Contact your insurer for an official update.
- If the delay continues, reach out to Insurance Nidaan — our experts will review your case, communicate with the insurer, and ensure your claim gets the attention it deserves.
Yes. If the insurer delays the claim settlement beyond the IRDAI-stipulated timelines without valid reason, they are required to pay interest on the claim amount for the period of delay.
Insurance Nidaan helps you raise this concern formally to ensure fair compensation.
To prevent claim delays:
- Submit all required documents correctly and promptly.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Inform your insurer immediately when an incident occurs.
- Keep your contact and nominee details updated.
While timelines depend on case complexity, Insurance Nidaan aims to ensure visible progress within 7–15 working days of handling a delayed claim, with regular status updates to the policyholder.
