Claims in Life Insurance -a complete guide

Claims in Life Insurance: A Complete Guide Life insurance is a promise—a financial safety net for your loved ones when they need it the most. The claim is the moment when this promise is fulfilled. Understanding how life insurance claims work helps policyholders and nominees avoid confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress during difficult times. What Is a Life Insurance Claim? A life insurance claim is a formal request made by the nominee or beneficiary to the insurance company, asking for the policy benefits after the insured event occurs. Depending on the policy type, the insured event could be: • Death of the policyholder • Policy maturity • Survival up to a specific milestone • Diagnosis of a critical illness or disability (for rider benefits) Types of Life Insurance Claims 1. Death Claim A death claim arises when the life assured passes away during the policy term. The nominee submits the required documents, and the insurer pays the sum assured along with bonuses, as applicable. Death claims are of two types: • Early Death Claim: Death occurs within the first 2–3 years of the policy. These claims undergo detailed investigation. • Non-Early Death Claim: Death occurs after the early period and is usually settled faster. 2. Maturity Claim A maturity claim is paid when the policyholder survives the full policy term. The insurer pays the maturity benefit, which may include the sum assured and accumulated bonuses. 3. Survival Benefit Claim Some policies provide periodic payouts during the policy term. These are called survival benefits and are paid on predefined dates. 4. Rider Claims Additional benefits like accidental death, disability, or critical illness are covered through riders. Claims under riders require specific documents related to the event. Claim Process in Life Insurance The claim process typically follows these steps: 1. Claim Intimation The nominee informs the insurance company about the claim through a branch, call center, website, or agent. 2. Document Submission Required documents generally include: • Claim form • Death certificate (for death claims) • Policy document • Identity proof of nominee • Medical or hospital records (if applicable) 3. Claim Verification The insurer verifies documents and investigates if required, especially in early claims. 4. Claim Decision After verification, the insurer either approves or rejects the claim based on policy terms and disclosures. 5. Claim Settlement Once approved, the claim amount is paid to the nominee through bank transfer. Common Reasons for Claim Rejection While insurers aim to settle genuine claims, rejections may occur due to: • Non-disclosure or misrepresentation of facts • Policy lapse due to non-payment of premiums • Death due to excluded causes (as per policy terms) • Fraudulent claims Honest disclosure and regular premium payment are key to smooth claim settlement. Importance of Nomination and Documentation Many claim delays happen because of: • Incorrect or outdated nominee details • Missing documents • Lack of awareness among family members Policyholders should update nominee details regularly and inform their family about the policy. Claim Settlement Ratio: What It Indicates The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) shows the percentage of claims an insurer settles in a year. A higher CSR reflects better claim-paying ability, but customers should also consider service quality and turnaround time. Conclusion A life insurance claim is not just a financial transaction—it is a moment of trust. Understanding the claim process ensures that families receive timely support without added stress. Choosing the right policy, maintaining transparency, and keeping documentation in order can make all the difference when it matters most.

'glowing object' flying across Arizona sky

Many residents around Arizona have reported seeing a "glowing object" fly across the night sky Wednesday. Some experts believe it was either a fireball or a bright meteor. We started getting reports of the object around 7:45 p.m. Our multimedia journalist Brien McElhatten captured two photos when he saw a glowing orange light before an object started streaking across the sky. One photo shows how the glowing light looked in Chandler. The other image was taken as McElhatten kept the shutter open to show the object streaking across the sky. ”It had a big old tail, and it was so bright. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing," Valley resident Holly Pickard told ABC15. Law enforcement in the Valley also saw the object. Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/reports-of-%27glowing-object%27-flying-across-arizona-sky#ixzz1Y2KeQqxh

Google debuts new flight search service

Google's long delayed flight search is finally taking off. The Internet search giant closed its $700-million purchase of travel software company ITA in April after a nine-month investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. On Tuesday Google launched a new service that displays flights and airfares and competes with travel search engines such as Microsoft's Bing, Kayak and Orbitz. Googleflight The new tool makes it as easy to search for flights as it is to Google just about anything else. It is available at Google.com/flights or type a search into Google such as "flights from LAX to SFO." It is not yet a full-fledged service. The search feature shows results only for some U.S. cities and only for round-trip economy flights. Flights are sorted based on cost and travel time. Google directs travelers to the airline's website to purchase tickets. Google said it would bring innovation to travel search and booking. Rival travel search companies opposed Google's acquisition of ITA, saying it would harm consumers and rivals. But antitrust officials cleared the purchase with a few conditions including requiring Google to license ITA's software to other sites that compete with Google.

Scherri-Lee Biggs

Video: Wes Welker Scores A 99-Yard Touchdown

Miss Angola Leila Lopes wins Miss Universe 2011

ovarian cancer symptoms

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Bloating Pelvic or abdominal pain Trouble eating or feeling full quickly Urinary urgency or frequency Upset stomach Back pain Pain during sex Constipation Menstrual changes Unexplained changes in bowel habits Unexplained weight gain or weight loss Ongoing unusual fatigue When ovarian cancer is diagnosed early the survival rates can be as high as 90%, so please pay attention to your body, and if you experience any of these symptoms visit your doctor.

Harvest moon

If you're located in the Northern Hemisphere, you might have the opportunity to spot a special full moon in the sky this weekend: the Harvest Moon This month's special full moon gets its name because its appearance low in the southeastern sky for several nights historically afforded farmers extra time for harvesting crops. Before the invention of electricity, farmers relied on bright moonlight in the late summer to gather their ripening crops after sunset.

The moon typically rises about 50 minutes later each night, but during several nights around the Harvest Full Moon, it can rise between 25 to 30 minutes later across the United States. In other Northern Hemisphere locations, like Canada and Europe, the moon can rise just 10 to 20 minutes later around a Harvest Moon, according to SPACE.com's skywatching columnist Joe Rao.

alyssa campanella

Alyssa Campanella, otherwise known as Miss USA 2011, will be competing tonight for the ultimate title of Miss Universe 2011 – and it seems she’s one of this year’s favorites to win! Alyssa has been doing a great job of wearing the Miss USA crown so far. Unlike other past title holders (Tara Connor and Rima Fakih to name a few), Alyssa has been staying out of the spotlight and has managed to hold the title without any scandalous details of her past coming back to haunt her. Born in Los Angeles, California and just 21 years old, Alyssa is one of the youngest competitors this year. Her fiery red hair sets her apart from the other contestants and her incredible fan base has helped her become an early favorite.

Vasuki Sunkavalli

Miss uNIVERSE 2011 Leila Lopes from Angola

final of the U.S. Open

Serbia's Novak Djokovic beat Rafa Nadal of Spain 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 on Monday to win the final of the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows.

First set: Djokovic won the opening set 6-2 in 53 minutes. Second set: Djokovic won the second set 6-4 in 71 minutes. Third Set: A see-sawing set that lasted 84 minutes was eventually decided in a tiebreaker, which Nadal won 7-3. List of U.S. Open men's singles champions since tennis turned professional in 1968: 2011 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat Rafa Nadal (Spain) 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 2010 Nadal beat Djokovic 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 2009 Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) beat Roger Federer (Switzerland) 3-6 7-6 4-6 7-6 6-2 2008 Federer beat Andy Murray (Britain) 6-2 7-5 6-2 2007 Federer beat Djokovic 7-6 7-6 6-4 2006 Federer beat Andy Roddick (U.S.) 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1 2005 Federer beat Andre Agassi (U.S.) 6-3 2-6 7-6 6-1 2004 Federer beat Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) 6-0 7-6 6-0 2003 Roddick beat Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spain) 6-3 7-6 6-3 2002 Pete Sampras (U.S.) beat Agassi 6-3 6-4 5-7 6-4 2001 Hewitt beat Sampras 7-6 6-1 6-1 2000 Marat Safin (Russia) beat Sampras 6-4 6-3 6-3 1999 Agassi beat Todd Martin (U.S.) 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-3 6-2 1998 Pat Rafter (Australia) beat Mark Philippoussis (Australia) 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-0 1997 Rafter beat Greg Rusedski (Britain) 6-3 6-2 4-6 7-5 1996 Sampras beat Michael Chang (U.S.) 6-1 6-4 7-6 1995 Sampras beat Agassi 6-4 6-3 4-6 7-5 1994 Agassi beat Michael Stich (Germany) 6-1 7-6 7-5 1993 Sampras beat Cedric Pioline (France) 6-4 6-4 6-3 1992 Stefan Edberg (Sweden) beat Sampras 3-6 6-4 7-6 6-2 1991 Edberg beat Jim Courier (U.S.) 6-2 6-4 6-0 1990 Sampras beat Agassi 6-4 6-3 6-2 1989 Boris Becker (Germany) beat Ivan Lendl (Czechoslovakia) 7-6 1-6 6-3 7-6 1988 Mats Wilander (Sweden) beat Lendl 6-4 4-6 6-3 5-7 6-4 1987 Lendl beat Wilander 6-7 6-0 7-6 6-4 1986 Lendl beat Miloslav Mecir (Czechoslovakia) 6-4 6-2 6-0 1985 Lendl beat John McEnroe (U.S.) 7-6 6-3 6-4 1984 McEnroe beat Lendl 6-3 6-4 6-1 1983 Jimmy Connors (U.S.) beat Lendl 6-3 6-7 7-5 6-0 1982 Connors beat Lendl 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 1981 McEnroe beat Bjorn Borg (Sweden) 4-6 6-2 6-4 6-3 1980 McEnroe beat Borg 7-6 6-1 6-7 5-7 6-4 1979 McEnroe beat Vitas Gerulaitis (U.S.) 7-5 6-3 6-3 1978 Connors beat Borg 6-4 6-2 6-2 1977 Guillermo Vilas (Argentina) beat Connors 2-6 6-3 7-5 6-0 1976 Connors beat Borg 6-4 3-6 7-6 6-4 1975 Manuel Orantes (Spain) beat Connors 6-4 6-3 6-3 1974 Connors beat Ken Rosewall (Australia) 6-1 6-0 6-1 1973 John Newcombe (Australia) beat Jan Kodes (Czechoslovakia) 6-4 1-6 4-6 6-2 6-2 1972 Ilie Nastase (Romania) beat Arthur Ashe (U.S.) 3-6 6-3 6-7 6-4 6-3 1971 Stan Smith (U.S.) beat Kodes 3-6 6-3 6-2 7-6 1970 Rosewall beat Tony Roche (Australia) 2-6 6-4 7-6 6-3 1969 Rod Laver (Australia) beat Roche 7-9 6-1 6-2 6-2 1968 Ashe beat Tom Okker (Netherlands) 14-12 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-3

'Spartacus' star Whitfield dies of lymphoma at 39

Andy Whitfield, who played the title role in the hit cable series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has died at age 39, according to representatives and family. Whitfield died Sunday in Sydney, Australia, 18 months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, manager Sam Maydew told the Associated Press. "On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer," Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement. "He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was." Andy Whitfield — who was born in Wales and moved to Australia in 1999 — was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the legendary Thracian slave in "Spartacus," a role made famous by Kirk Douglas in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick film. The series proved a breakout hit for the Starz network and made waves with its graphic violence and sexuality. Whitfield appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Obama, Bush join together for a first at 9/11 ceremony

Last spring, just days after Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces, Obama flew to New York City for a few moments at Ground Zero, to honor those who had fallen in the terrorist attacks.

But when he extended an invitation to former President George W. Bush, the invite was declined. On Sunday, the two stood quietly in front of the bronze parapets that surround the giant reflecting pools, which stand in the exact footprints of the former twin towers. First Lady Michele Obama stood by the president's side, and Laura Bush stood next to the former president. On May 5, when he visited the site, Obama noted, "It didn't matter who was in charge, we were going to make sure that the perpetrators of that horrible act -- that they received justice."

Angelina Jolie Handcuffs Purse

Angelina Jolie carried a unique fashion accessory to Brad Pitt's Moneyball premiere Friday night in Toronto: a gold clutch that was actually handcuffed to her wrist!

TIFF Today: God Bless America, Dark Horse, Sony Pictures Classics 20th Anniversary, Your Sister's Sister, Cuchera

TIFF moviesToday at TIFF there are several exciting events from the Mavericks programme with Francis Ford Coppola and Tilda Swinton both in town. Sadly, I doubt I'll get to those since they've gone to rush and I'm not already in line. However, there are quite a few quality films and events today that still have tickets available. If you're still recovering from last night's TIFF party/Midnight Madness screening and don't want to stand in line all day, give one of these a shot. God Bless America (1:30pm, AMC 6) God Bless America is a black comedy follows an unlikely pair on killing spree. A 45 year old man and a teenage girl are both fed up with the idiots around them and together they decide to take matters into their own hands. Comedian and director Bobcat Goldthwait returns to TiFF with this effort. Dark Horse (2:30pm, Visa Screening Room - Elgin) This dark comedy is about a thirty-something manchild (literally) who still lives at home. He doesn't know much about life beyond collecting memorabilia, and only works for his father's company on paper. He finally gets a glimpse of the real world after going on a date that very quickly leads to their engagement. Things start to get messy after that. Sony Pictures Classics 20th Anniversary: Michael Barker and Tom Bernard (3pm, TIFF Bell Lightbox 3) Sony Pictures is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year and co-founders, Michael Barker and Tom Bernard, will be here discussing the past twenty years. This is a rare opportunity for amateur cinematographers and film buffs alike to peak into the world of high-profile film production. Your Sister's Sister (6pm, Ryerson) As implied by the title, Your Sister's Sister explores the complicated relationships that can develop out of marriage. After one husband's wife dies, a love-triangle develops between both sides of the family and those relationships get even more complicated. Thoughtful rather than crass. Cuchera (6:45pm, AMC 10) A recent Filipino production, Cuchera dives right into the country's drug smuggling problem. Rather than creating a doc about the issue, young director Joseph Israel Laban chose to use fiction to explore the issue and discover how drug mules become jaded and desensitized to such a dangerous world. A big thanks to Warrior, an Alliance film in theatres September 9th, for sponsoring our coverage of the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Paul Simon Performs “The Sounds Of Silence” At Ground Zero

Courage of Flight 93 victims lauded at dedication f

The 40 passengers and crew who fought back against their hijackers aboard Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, performed one of the most courageous acts in U.S. history, former President George W. Bush said Saturday at a ceremony dedicating the first phase of a memorial at the nation's newest national park. The two-hour ceremony also kicked off a bipartisan effort conceived backstage to raise about $10 million to finish the memorial's first phase and maintain it in the future. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/09/10/national/a100559D79.DTL#ixzz1XdCH0SrQ

Michigan scores with 2 seconds left, stuns Irish

Denard Robinson stunned Notre Dame in the final minute again, capping a heart-pounding, pom-pom pumping night under the lights at the Big House. Michigan's star quarterback threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Roy Roundtree with 2 seconds left to lift the Wolverines to a thrilling 35-31 win over Notre Dame on Saturday night. "It's never over until you see zeros on the clock," Robinson said.In the first prime-time game at Michigan Stadium, matching up storied programs trying to restore their luster, new Michigan coach Brady Hoke could have chosen to kick a field goal to force overtime. But Hoke gave Robinson a shot, and it proved to be good idea. "Coach took a stab," Roundtree said. On a night when Michigan Stadium was vibrant, with a boisterous crowd of 114,804 fired up an hour before kickoff, the Wolverines took their first lead on Robinson's 21-yard pass to Vincent Smith with 1:12 left. Then they lost it. Briefly. Tommy Rees threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Theo Riddick with 30 seconds left, but the Fighting Irish left Jeremy Gallon wide open on a pass that let Michigan go from its 20 to the Notre Dame 16. "That was an exciting football game," Hoke said. "Both teams fought for 60 minutes. It wasn't pretty at times on both ends, but as I told my players, it's great to win." The Wolverines (2-0) have won three straight against the rival Irish (0-2) on late-game plays by their quarterbacks. Last year at Notre Dame, Robinson ran for a touchdown with 27 seconds left, and Tate Forcier threw a TD pass against the Irish two years ago with 11 seconds left. "It's devastating," Irish receiver Michael Floyd said. "It's hard to take this one in. It's distressing." Its the first time Michigan has beaten Notre Dame three straight times since 1908. Robinson didn't match his game last year against Notre Dame, when he had a school-record 502 total yards, but Notre Dame couldn't stop him when it mattered. He was 11 of 24 for 338 yards with four TDs and three interceptions and ran 11 times for 108 yards and a score. That one came on a fortunate bounce, when he scooped up Stephen Hopkins' fumble inside the Notre Dame 1 and trotted in. "It was kind of crazy," Robinson said. "I've never scored like that before." With a new patch on his jersey bearing Desmond Howard's name, Junior Hemingway, caught three passes for 165 yards and a TD. Michigan honored the former Heisman Trophy winner -- who made a diving catch on fourth down against the Irish in 1991 -- by announcing that the No. 21 jersey would always have his name on it. Notre Dame was doomed by turnovers for the second straight week. Rees threw two interceptions, one near the end zone, and fumbled deep in Michigan territory. Cierre Wood, who gave Notre Dame a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, also fumbled. "You can't have turnovers. Period," Rees said. "You have to eliminate them." In his first loss in five starts, Rees was 27 of 39 for 315 yards with three TDs and two interceptions. Wood ran for 134 yards and a score on 25 carries. Floyd caught 13 passes for 159 yards, becoming Notre Dame's career leader in yards receiving, and matched a school record with his 15th 100-yard receiving game. The Fighting Irish did whatever they wanted on the ground, through the air and on defense early on. In the end, though, they couldn't make enough plays on both sides of the ball to get a needed win for second-year coach Brian Kelly. "We're not good enough," Kelly said. "There's not one individual in that locker room, including all the coaches, that are good enough right now."

Miss Universe Hopeful Told to Wear Panties

Miss Universe officials have a message for Catalina Robayo, Colombia's entry into Monday's contest: Don't forget to wear underwear.

Robayo, one of 89 beauties from around the world competing to win the Donald Trump-owned contest, has been reprimanded for making appearance in tiny skirts - with no panties. "Colombia had to be spoken to and told she needed to wear underpants as what she was doing was totally inappropriate," a source told Fox News. "People have been pretty upset by it; there have been photos and media appearances where she has completely had her crotch out." The contest, being held in Sao paulo, Brazil, might benefit from controversy, but going commando goes too far. "Our supervisors talked to all of the contestants about dressing appropriately, and one of our PR people spoke to [Robayo] and apparently she said she was wearing underwear, said Miss Universe President Paula Shugart. "But regardless, it created quite a stir here for a few days."