a life insurance claim arises on the death of an individual life assured covered under a life policy the nominee or assignee of the policy who is entitled to receive the benefits needs to inform the insurance company about the loss the intimation of death should be in writing and accompanied by a copy of death certificate it should contain details such as date place and cause of death this needs to be submitted at the nearest branch office of the insurance company claim form on receipt of the intimation of demise the branch office provides the relevant claim form to the applicant this claim form needs to be filled and submitted to the insurance company along with the necessary documents documents the insurance company may require the death certificate policy document deeds of assignments reassignments if any legal evidence of title if the policy is not assigned or nominated medical attendants certificate and other documents as applicable processing the insurance company may appoint an investigator to ascertain the validity of the claim if it is found to be valid the amount is paid otherwise a repudiation letter is sent to the claimant listing the reason for rejection points to note the insurance agent has to help the assureds family to deal with the insurer and fulfil the formalities of a claim the life insurance policy documents should not be kept in safe deposit lockers as these are usually sealed temporarily on the owners death and may delay the settlement of claim in case there is no nomination or assignment in a policy the benefit will be paid out only after the claimant has provided documentary proof of entitlement